THE PRAIRIE OYSTERS

The Prairie Oysters have always stumped the Australian music scene.  As they skirt the edges of commercial and alt-country circles, it’s hard to pin a label on them and they wouldn’t want it any other way.

The Prairie Oysters have been entertaining audiences around Australia since 2005. Described as Australia’s favorite “good-time band”, this four‐piece Melbourne outfit have clocked up thousands of miles performing around the country from remote communities to capital cities.

The band’s loyal fan base is as diverse as their music and their shows are best described as an explosive musical cocktail of rock and country, tailored to suit their audience they’re playing to and featuring their accomplished musicianship, showmanship and sense of humor.

The band’s musical influences come from the greatest names of rock and country; from Creedence and The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, and Paul Kelly to Johnny Cash, Steve Earle and Keith Urban.

Their repertoire contains a mix of rock and country cover versions as well as original material that appeal to a wide audience and their live shows are tailored to include music to suit the event, venue or audience they are playing to.

The Prairie Oysters have played at all kind of events around Australia; from private function and house concerts to inner city pubs and clubs and major music festivals such as the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and the Deni Ute Muster.

“The Prairie Oysters are the real deal making friends around Australia and beyond. “There’s no winning formula to the band’s successes to date. They play what feels right and it works”. – Strat Pavlis 3RRR.

The Prairie Oysters are:

Tony Bonnici (Vocals, Bass Guitar)

Tony has been working the live music scene since the mid-70s gaining a reputation as a versatile singer and musician. Tony is the front-man of The Prairie Oysters and loves to build a rapport with audiences and involve them to become a big part of the show. His rock-solid bass playing and powerful vocals give “grunt” to the overall sound of The Prairie Oysters.

Dave Miles (Vocals, Guitars)

Dave began his music career at the age of 12, playing the organ and guitar. Throughout the 70s and early 80s, Dave has played all over Australia playing everything from country to punk. Dave joined The Prairie Oysters in 2010 and brought with him his unique full sounding guitar style including a mean slide guitar technique and his own brand of “twang”.  Dave also adds lead and backing vocals contributing to The Prairie Oysters’ vocal line up.

Mick Evans (Drums)

Mick has earned a reputation as a versatile and rock-solid drummer,  playing professionally since the early 70s. As a drummer, Mick is as solid as a rock and locks in to create a tight, chest- pounding rhythmic foundation to the band’s sound.

Other musicians include:

Ed Bates (Pedal Steel)

Ed is a well known and highly respected musician who has been performing since the 1970's and has played with many of Australia's top names. When Ed is with The Prairie Oysters, his pedal steel magic adds the icing on the cake to the bands sound.

Anthony Taylor (Vocals, Guitars)

When Anthony isn’t busy with his own musical projects, he’s on stage with The Prairie Oysters. Anthony is one of the most sought after guitarists in Australia regularly treating audiences around the country showcasing his unique guitar and vocal talents.  Anthony has been with The Prairie Oysters since 2015 and his guitar playing and vocals compliment the band perfectly thus rounding off The Prairie Oysters sound.