Bio

Vicious Mandy have their musical roots in rock music, but all members of the band enjoy a wide variety of styles and influences. The line-up of Joey (vocals), Chris Richards (guitar), Chris Edwards (guitar), Phil Bley (bass) and Hans Weston (drums) perform accessible, guitar-driven songs with melodic vocals and solid rhythm. It has been said that Vicious Mandy’s riffs are so good that you’d expect to have heard them before! With Joey unafraid to mix it up on stage with energy and emotion, and Chris Richards’ wailing and inventive guitar work, Vicious Mandy’s claws are often unsheathed during an entertaining hour’s performance.

Vicious Mandy was formed in June 2004 when Chris Richards, Hans Weston and brothers Chris and Jon Edwards asked local signer and songsmith Joey to join the band as vocalist. The group had been writing songs and rehearsing since February 2004, and with Joey completing the lineup, Vicious Mandy made their debut on Dunedin’s Cow TV in late August.

The band has been performing frequently around Dunedin music venues, with many performances at Arc Café, Re:Fuel, and the Crown Hotel. In November, Vicious Mandy set about recording their entire repertoire, and three tracks from these sessions now appear on the 'Right Side Driving' EP, released independently in June 2005.

Following the departure of bassist Jon to China late in the year, Phil Bley (all the way from Florida, USA) joined the band in January 2005, just in time to play for a fundraiser gig for Inferno FM at the Crown Hotel.

2005 has been a great year for Vicious Mandy, with a steady playing schedule including the University of Otago Orientation in February, supporting the Bleeders in June, and several New Zealand Music Month events, including a live performance on More FM.

2005 has also been good for songwriting, with several new songs added to the setlist, and plenty more waiting in the wings. In May 2005, two more songs were recorded, which completed the 'Right Side Driving' EP, which is available at Real Groovy and Governor’s Cafe, and at all Vicious Mandy gigs.

Band Members:
Joey (vocals)
Chris Richards (guitar)
Chris Edwards (guitar)
Phil Bley (bass)
Hans Weston (drums)