In the pulsating heart of Sydney, where the wild waves of the Pacific Ocean meet the gritty streets, a rock ‘n’ roll legend was born. It was the late ’70s, a time when Australian music was about to explode onto the global stage, and at the forefront of this sonic revolution was a band that would go on to define a generation – the Divinyls. Words and photos by Mark Anning © 1983-2023
Chrissy Amphlett and Mark McEntee, two icons in the making, were a pair destined for greatness. In a dimly lit bar in Sydney’s Kings Cross, their fateful encounter would set the stage for an electrifying musical journey. Their band’s rise to fame was a rollercoaster, punctuated by turmoil, passion, and unforgettable performances.
A Chance Encounter
The year was 1979, and Sydney’s music scene was simmering with possibilities. Chrissy Amphlett, a sultry singer with a voice like molten honey and a stage presence that could set hearts on fire, was looking for a guitarist. Mark McEntee, a talented but undiscovered musician with a gift for crafting unforgettable riffs, was in search of a voice to complement his artistry.
It was a chance encounter in a smoky, crowded bar that would change everything. As Chrissy prowled the stage, her voice dripping with a sensuousness that left the audience spellbound, Mark watched from the shadows, captivated by her charisma.
After the set, he approached her, his fingers itching to play alongside her.
“Let’s make music together,” he said, his voice filled with conviction.
Chrissy, never one to back down from a challenge, smiled and replied, “Only if you can keep up.” Thus, the Divinyls were born.
The Rise to Fame
The Divinyls’ sound was a potent blend of rock, punk, and new wave, with Chrissy’s seductive vocals and Mark’s searing guitar work at the forefront.
Their live shows were a revelation, a sensory overload of raw emotion and untamed energy.
The band quickly gained a devoted following in Sydney’s underground music scene, but their ambitions reached far beyond the city limits.
In 1982, they released their self-titled debut album, featuring the hit single “Boys in Town.” The song became an anthem of female empowerment and sexual liberation, and its success catapulted the Divinyls onto the national stage. Audiences couldn’t get enough of Chrissy’s provocative stage presence and Mark’s blistering guitar solos.
The Turbulent Years
Success and fame were a double-edged sword for the Divinyls. Chrissy’s fiery persona on stage hid a fragile soul off it, and Mark’s relentless pursuit of musical perfection sometimes clashed with her need for emotional stability. The band’s turbulent years were marked by creative conflicts, substance abuse, and the relentless pressures of the music industry.
Through it all, Vince Lovegrove, who had been the lead singer of The Valentines in the 1960s (with Bon Scott on harmonies and second lead vocals) before turning to managing legends like AC/DC, Jimmy Barnes, and Cold Chisel, played a crucial role.
Lovegrove stepped in as the band’s official manager, trying to bring stability to their chaotic world. With his guidance, the Divinyls’ reputation grew, and they were soon performing alongside international acts. Vince’s experience and wisdom provided a semblance of order, but the band’s demons were not easily exorcised.
Chrissy’s struggles with addiction became increasingly public, and the toll on her health was evident. Mark’s dedication to the music sometimes pushed him to the brink of exhaustion. It was during these years that the Divinyls created some of their most iconic songs, such as “Pleasure and Pain” and “Science Fiction,” but the personal toll was steep.
The Redemption
As the ’80s drew to a close, the Divinyls found themselves at a crossroads. Their personal and professional lives were in shambles, and it seemed that the end was near.
But sometimes, it’s in the darkest moments that the spark of redemption ignites.
Chrissy, determined to overcome her demons, sought help for her addiction. With the support of her bandmates and Vince, she embarked on a journey of recovery that would change her life.
Mark, too, began to prioritize his well-being and seek a balance between his musical ambitions and personal life.
In 1991, they released the album “Divinyls” which featured the worldwide hit “I Touch Myself.” The song, a bold celebration of female sexuality, became their biggest hit and earned them international acclaim. The Divinyls had finally achieved the recognition they had long deserved.
The Legacy
The Divinyls’ legacy is one of resilience, passion, and unbridled creativity. They blazed a trail for Australian rock acts on the global stage and left an indelible mark on the music industry. Chrissy’s untamed spirit and Mark’s virtuoso guitar work remain etched in the annals of rock history.
Tragically, Chrissy Amphlett passed away in 2013 after a battle with breast cancer and multiple sclerosis. Her indomitable spirit, both on and off the stage, continues to inspire artists and fans alike.
Mark McEntee, the band’s driving force, continues to make music and honor the Divinyls’ legacy. The Divinyls’ music lives on, a testament to the power of rock ‘n’ roll to move hearts and souls.
In the end, the Divinyls’ journey was not just about music; it was about redemption, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Their story is a reminder that sometimes, in the darkest of times, the most brilliant stars can emerge.
The Divinyls, born in the heart of Sydney, will forever be immortalized as one of Australia’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll legends, a band that dared to be different and changed the course of music history.
Vince Lovegrove and Suzi Sidewinder
I had a hilarious meeting with Vince Lovegrove and Suzi Sidewinder at their home in Double Bay to discuss making these photographs of the Divinyls in 1983.
Suzi answered the door and ‘assumed’ that because I was wearing a blue shirt, I was there to fix their fridge.
Despite my protests, and Vince rolling his eyes, Suzi insisted I had to fix their fridge. I quickly figured out that Vince and I were not going to discuss me photographing the band until I looked at the fridge!
So I started looking for a jacking point so I could jack it up and look under it … we all laughed and I got the gig. Great people, great memories 
Behind the scenes
Another behind-the-scenes story about these photos. This was the first and last time I had an assistant photographer at a gig. I’d arranged to be on the overhead walkway at Selinas, Coogee Bay to make photos of the Divinyls with a long lens. I left the assistant at the gate to the walkway with my bag, then took a wide angle lens around the venue. When I got back to the walkway, the assistant was out on the walkway over the band with the 70-210mm zoom lens and a bouncer at the gate laughing at me, refusing me access. Rather then stew about the assistant ruining days of work negotiating and setting up the preferred shot, I set to work with the wide angle lens. Just as well I was ready for a jump shot.
It would have been different if the young assistant had come back with a usable photo but his roll was blurred beyond recognition. I learnt a lesson about hiring assistants. An old newspaper editor once gave me the best advice: “Don’t come back without the photos”.
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Yes, Chrissy Amphlett and Little Pattie are related. They’re cousins.
The Little Pattie story is so good, she gets her own page. Where is Little Pattie now?
This photo is at the 1985 Jazz in the Park in the domain organised by the Festival of Sydney. Another Mark Anning © photo. Thanks for visiting my page. Please comment below and click an ad to support the website.
Pretty amazing family. Chrissy Amphlett and Little Pattie have made a huge impact on the Australian music scene. Divinyls concerts were second to none on the Australian pub rock band circuit.
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