The Chris Webbe site

“Meet ChrisChris was born in 1959 and grew up in Melbourne, Australia. An early interest in science won him awards in 1972 and 1973 for design and construction of a functional laser at the age of 12. Soon following with a passionate interest in music, art, amps, guitars and general 70's teenage mayhem.From 1975 to 1982 Chris developed his skills in both technical and creative applications in such areas as film, TV, audio visual production and sound engineering during the day and live performance in many different musical acts around Melbourne and Sydney by night.His first band was Bo Drummel (1974) at Mentone Grammar with school mates Roger Engledow, Michael Hadwen and Mal Rose (RIP Mal). While other bands were pursuing careers in satin shirts and pop music Chris was far more interested in the street poetry of Lou Reed the philosophical majesty of Pink Floyd and the Moody Blues or the immediacy of The Sex Pistols. He began writing originals with other band members. Formed three piece power rock band Warhole(1976). Joined a 5 piece band called Pheonix (1977). Formed theatrical rock band Billy Goats Gruff, (1978) relocated  to Perth playing the pub scene and touring WA as the Delegates.(1980)Back to Melbourne and formed the Chris Webbe Band(1981) and returned to the Pub scene. (1982) Chris Webbe and The Sweaty Palms began Australia wide touring and playing. Doing supports for Cold Chisel, Dragon, Diesel, Suzi Quatro, OL55, Radiators, Angels, Jimmy Barnes, Spy v Spy and many more hardworking touring bands. Self managed and self financed they were playing 4 nights per week and living full time on the road. Touring the country playing every Bike Show and Car show and "B & S" ball they could find while still working the hard rock pub and club circuit. In 1992 he wrote the Summernats song, which became the anthem for the Summernats, Australia's biggest car show. This propelled Chris Webbe and the Sweaty Palms to popularity throughout Australia. On the same album he did the first version of "Suitable Lies" on the subject of domestic violence and received a commendation from the Office of Women in the Prime Ministers Dept.Chris continued to tour both as a soloist and with the Sweaty Palms averaging 100 shows per year until 2008 when an accident left him unable to continue permanently on the road. He now appears by invitation to selected events each year and continues to write and record at his studio on the Sunshine Coast in Australia.For most of his life Chris has focused on a full-time career as an entertainer, performer and producer. Recording his own work and that of others as well using the technical and artistic knowledge he has picked up along the way. ”

“New album release. Chris Webbe releases new triple album set called "The Chris Webbe Song Book". The three albums consist of "Eclectia" A nod to the signwriting albums of the 70's containing a wide collection of tunes from the serious to the sublime.  "Folkin Blues" Foot tapping acoustic blues and slide with touch of hard edge country to rock you on the road to OZ . "The Celestial Project" Metaphysical meanderings exploring culture, religion and spirit. ”

“Chris is one of those rare guy's who goes the "extra mile" when he's behind the console, way beyond the acceptable boundaries of normal professionalism. This may not mean a hill of beans to most, but to serious record producers like myself it's a rare find. Up here you don't have a clock ticking nor do you have studio engineers hustling you in and out the door with no thought for your music. Chris cares, and like I said. That's a rare find.The gear is all top notch from the console and computer tools to the great guitars that hang on the walls; everything needed to deliver the best recording possible. I've recorded in just about every major recording studio in the world, from Prince's Paisley Park in Minnesota to Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, California. My standards are high. In fact, they're through the roof and Chris has met every one. Of all the Australian studios Ive worked in the past two decades Celestial Sound and Chris Webbe have made the job of producing a hell of a lot more professional and fun than any other place I've worked in. That's what music is meant to be, fun. You won't find a more professional studio in Queensland than Celestial Sound because the guy who runs it is one of a kind. He truly cares about every note of music that comes out of this place as well as the artists who trust him to deliver the goods. I'm proud to call Chris engineer I've ever worked with in this country. If you're looking for the best place to cut that next CD then I highly recommend Celestial Sound and Chris Webbe….and I don't throw recommendations around lightly. John Beland has worked in the studio with such hit artists as Linda Ronstadt, Ricky Nelson, Garth Brooks, Kris Kristofferson, Kim Carnes, Brian Cadd, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Alison Krauss, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings and many more. He's an ASCAP Award winning songwriter and international recording session guitarist / arranger.  ”

“Marg ManfieldContemporary Christian ArtistAlbum "Come as you are" "The Lord sent the very best of the best to help us make our dream a reality. Not only are Chris and John experts in their professions, they gave themselves completely to our project"”

“Owen Gray As far as I'm concerned there's only one studio on the coast that can record and master your project on a professional level. Chris Webbe and Celestial Studios are it!”

“Chris Webbe has been touring and performing in Australia and internationally for 40 years and is well known for his work with Sweaty Palms, the band that rocked South Eastern Australia and the rest of the country through the 80’s and 90’s. For the past 20 years he has been building his solo career and working with other high profile artists and bands. His proprietary built foot drums and special effects deliver an exciting full sound, albeit as a single performer. He does not use backing tracks or pre-recorded songs but plays in real time to deliver an authentic experience. Chris is an old school entertainer as well as an accomplished musician easily moving from electric to acoustic guitar and from banjo to mandolin depending on the show and the circumstances. His vibrant and entertaining style cuts through to audiences making sure everyone is engaged and having a great time while he sings plays guitar, drums and works the crowd. He will draw songs from his 12 original albums (including the recently released 3 disc work called the Chris Webbe Song Book) specially selected Australian songs and well-known international classics. The musical style crosses blues with country rock, heartfelt ballads with edgy comedy tunes and at times high-energy acoustic rock. There is something for everyone. A night with Chris Webbe is not to be missed.”

“The Webbe's is not your average duo. Chris appears with his son Noah on the bass. People really warm to this, as there are not many father and son rock/blues shows about and Noah also gives a fresh young face to the act which younger audiences can relate to which is another good reason why this show stands out and is ideal for Rocking Pubs or fun Sunday afternoons and as an opener for an international blues or alt folk act.”

“The Spirit Coasters are a collection of interesting musicians playing a range of not so common instruments. The collective varies from time to time but you may find Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Double bass, Banjo, Mandolin, Electric Accordion, Fiddle, Mouth Harp, Foot drums, Acoustic bass and Piano just to name a few.  The format is adjustable from a duo up to a quintet.  Currently in the quartet the members are. Chris Webbe (Guitar, Foot-drums, Vocals) 35 years full-time professional musician/entertainer, Chris Webbe Band, Sweaty Palms, The Webbe’s, 14 Albums, national and international touringSonic Edwards (Double Bass, ElectricBass) Brisbane based Bassplayer and Educator. Session bassist for myriad artists both locally, nationally and overseas. Performed with 8th Day (US)Adam Harvey, Amber Lawrence, Aleyce Simmonds, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Carl Wockner (Nashville), Christie Lamb, Dozzi (Nashville), Kirsty Lee Akers, Jasmine Rae, Judah Kelly, Tori Darke, Paul Costa and The Madistones.Dom Taraborrelli (Electric Accordion, Vocals) Domenico is one of Brisbane’s most experienced and versatile multicultural cabaret entertainers with the ability to perform an endless repertoire of world music including Jazz, Latin, Ballroom, Background, Rock & Pop and others.He studied music on the traditional European instrument called the Piano Accordion, gaining recognition amongst his peers as a specialist of the instrument. 5 years with Murphy’s Pigs. Brannon Crickmore (Fiddle) One of the most sought after session string players in brisbane studios and has worked with numerous bands all over Australia including Murphy's Pigs with Dom. Has toured Australia extensively also with Hill Billy Goats and many well known country artists. Currently studying at Queensland Conservatorium of Music.Each of these fine musicians have decades of experience and frontman Chris Webbe can take a room from feel good to frenzy and back again. The music ranges from Folk and Blues oriented originals to quirky interpretations of Australian and International classics. The style traverses heart felt ballads to psychobilly and country rock to smoking blues.”

“Chris Webbe and the Sweaty Palms were based in Canberra in the 80’s and 90’s and toured Australia extensively with their own brand of original and classic rock and roll. These days Chris is based in QLD and still tours nationally. In 2014 Chris Webbe released a triple solo album called “The Chris Webbe Song Book” and The Sweaty Palms will have a new album out in 2017. They still play songs from their past releases as well as classic Australian rock, country and blues and selected International hits from the 60’s to the 80’s. This is the band that wrote the Summernats Song and has played countless car shows, bike rallies B and S balls across the country. If you remember what it was like to go to an “Old School” Party Rock and Roll Show, or maybe you have never seen one and you are curious  catch The Sweaty Palms for a fun, entertaining show.  ”