The Externals Return to WA For Two Shows In May

Shane | 22 April 2025 | Reply

The Externals Return to WA For Two Shows In May

“They are truly unique! The Externals are the only original

‘Spec Ops’ rock band in the world.”

The Externals return to WA for shows at the Leopold Hotel in Bicton on Friday, May 2, and The River in Margaret River on Saturday, May 3, after the success of their latest album, Back On The Cans.

Externals launched their new album – their seventh, 30 years after their first – at the Leopold last September to a sell-out crowd of thirsty punters. Just like the military unit of their origin – the elite SAS Regiment based in Perth, Western Australia – the band is edgy, steeped in mystique, and indefatigable. The band with its unique style, has a loyal following and get about their business with little fuss or fanfare, in the shadows.

“We’re just a bunch of blokes who enjoy a beer, rock music, and each other’s company,” says vocalist/songwriter, Harry External. “Actually, I would say we are more of a small community, and all of us get along like a house on fire despite having been playing together for over 30 years.”

Harry and co-founder Matt External started the band in 1991 and notwithstanding that both have served on some of the most elite teams and in the most dangerous environments in the world, they both rate their membership of the band as their favourite team.

“Harry and I both love our rock music and over the journey, as we have met different musicians, we have invited them to play with us, members of the SAS and civilians alike.” Matt says. “Anyone who loves good Aussie indie rock essentially… Celibate Rifles, Cosmic Psychos, The Oils.”

Between them the pair they have served on nearly two dozen combat deployments across 60 years of service. Indeed, it is not too much of a stretch to say this partnership is unique even in the realm of the Australian Defence Force.

“Matt and I met for the first time on a ‘Resistance to Interrogation’ course in 1991,” Harry reminisces. “I had to get up and sing a song to the audience – I was naked with a pillowcase over my head and holding a toothbrush, and I sang the Hawthorn Football Club song. It’s fair to say I nailed it” he says, “even Sinatra hasn’t played a gig like that one.

“That is where the seed was first planted, I reckon, and since then I have written the songs and poured the beer, while Matt has built the relationships and managed the band. He is definitely the mature and grownup one of us both.”

On the back of last September’s album launch at the Leopold and a run of shows supporting the Cosmic Pyschos, The Externals are fired up for another scorching sonic event.

So make sure you brush off the sand and get a can in your hand for some action and adventure.

The Externals ‘Back On The Cans’ with special guests Black Buzzard

Friday, May 2nd, Leopold Hotel, Bicton
Saturday, May 3rd, The River, Margaret River