28 Days - History

History

After debuting with a one-sided 7" single "Ball of Hate" and the Sand CD single, 28 Days released their self-titled album in 1998 through the independent Stubble imprint. A year later they were picked up by Festival Mushroom's newly launched development label Sputnik, releasing the Kid Indestructible EP. The EP consolidated a following around Australia as a result of their reputation as a solid live act and Triple J's rotation of the tracks "Kool" and "La Tune".

With the introduction of Jay Howard (aka DJ Jedi Master Jay) on turntables and samples (previously manager Matt Tanner had been responsible for samples and turntables), the more hard-edged, rap-influenced singles of 2000, "Here We Go/Sucker" and "Rip It Up", boosted 28 Days' audience. The latter peaked at No. 12 on the ARIAnet Singles Chart, and the former featured in some editions of Mission: Impossible II soundtrack. When released later that June, their second album Upstyledown entered the ARIAnet album chart at No. 1, and would go platinum. The year was rounded out with two further charting singles - the more reflective "Goodbye" and "Song For Jasmine", written for Simon Hepburn's young daughter (who was named after the Carole King song; Jazz Man).

28 Days' first home video When Dickheads Snap came out in 2001, featuring tour shots, and behind-the-scenes footage of their tours of Europe, Japan and Australia. The only other material to come out that year was the Apollo Four Forty collaboration, "Say What?", which charted in the ARIA Top 30. The rest of the year involved more touring and preparation for a new album, until the death of Scott Murray briefly halted their progress. With new drummer Vinnie Jukic, third album Stealing Chairs saw 28 Days into 2002, with its most popular single being the summary "What's The Deal?". Stealing Chairs charted in the ARIA Top 10. It was in 2002 that the band travelled to the states to join the '02 Warped tour.

The band received some negative publicity in February 2003 when accused of an attack upon a satirical Sydney-based band ( The Poofs) at Melbourne's Duke of Windsor Hotel late that month. The motive for the alleged attack was allegedly in regard to an allegedly open letter The Drugs' lead singer posted on his band's website, accusing Jay Dunne of being homophobic and politically incorrect at 28 Days' 2003 Big Day Out appearances. Jay Dunne neglected to reply, denies being homophobic and described the whole thing as being "a bit gay". 28 Days were never charged by police despite the Sydney band's accusations.

Following a period of confusion, they released a new single "Like I Do" to little fanfare in 2004. It would be a taster for the band's fourth album Extremist Makeover. The album charted in the Top 40, whilst two further singles also charted; but poorly in comparison to previous singles. Due to this slump in sales, 28 Days left Festival Mushroom in November 2004, amid much controversy. It was suggested by many that they were dropped, but Damian Gardiner insisted on the band's official message board it was 28 Days' decision alone to leave the label. 28 days had requested, repeatedly to be released from their contract, and were denied. They were, in fact, only released after singer, Jay Dunne ranted, vehemently, on stage at a gig at Sydey Uni about his disgust at how much money 28 Days had put into 'Murdoch's pocket'. 28 Days were dropped the next day. As part of a deal between Mushroom records and 28 Days: in which the band were not to speak publicly about the reasons behind the split in return for retaining the rights to 'Extremeist Makeover' the band was forced to stay silent about it for a year.

Their last EP Bring 'Em Back was released on 6 March 2006 on their own Rebel Scum label (through Sony/BMG); a new DVD When Dickheads Snap 3 was then sold at later 28 Days shows. Soon afterwards the band announced its 10 Years of Cheap Fame tour. The band retired late in 2007.

On 2 May 2009 they released a new demo song on their MySpace page. They supported Bodyjar's farewell tour later that year in November 2009. This tour featured Dunne, Hepburn, Gardiner & Griffin. During this tour, Dunne announced that 28 Days would return with a new album released late 2010. It was to be called 'Chinese Democracy'.

28 Days capped off 2009 playing the 'Fistful of Awesome' showcase at Melbourne's Hi Fi Bar, with up and coming rock acts including super FLORENCE jam and Sheriff. The band returned in 2010 for a headlining tour of Australia supported by Behind Crimson Eyes.

The band has spent later 2010 and 2011 playing occasional rural dates and a number of special club appearances in capital cities across the nation. They have mentioned at recent shows that they have a new record in the works. It is to be called Chinese Democracy