The Killjoys

The Killjoys was a band formed in Melbourne, Australia, in the late 1980s. The core of the band was Anna Burley (Vocals) and Craig Pilkington (Guitar and Vocals). 'The Killjoys' attracted a wide following in the vibrant Melbourne pub scene at the time. They definitely weren't punk. Their music incorporated string sections and vibraphone. They were formed out of the demise of 'Wild Science'. Wild Science essentially split into two different outfits...'The Killjoys' and 'Violet Town'. Violet Town members were Wayne (Buz) Hissock - Guitar and Vocals, Warren Pitts - Keyboards & Vocals, keyboards, Peter Van - Drums and Luke Blackburn - Bass & Vocals. 'Violet Town' had a very eclectic sound, inspired by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and the Wreckery. 'Violet Town' were featured on compelation albums on Chase Records, 'Melbourne Stuff' and later featured on compelation records by ID records Australia. The Killjoys up until 2001 were still a performing entity with the two core members Anna Burley and Craig Pilkington. Luke Blackburn left 'Violet Town' to join Sydney based outfit 'The Crystal Set' with members, Russell Kilby - Guitar & Vocals, Phil Maher - Guitar & Vocals, Tim Seckhold - Drums and Luke Blackburn - bass & vocals. The Crystal Set were originally signed to Red Eye records. Label mates were The Cruel Sea, Steve Kilby, Bagavad Guitars, Jack Frost and The Clouds. Red Eye records founder and owner John Foy sold the label to Polydor. With that, the bands were all part of the polydor label. After the demise of the Crystal Set, Russell Kilby joined up with David Thrussell of Techno outfit Snog and formed an outfit called The Sex Industrie. The Sex Industrie released a techno version of the ACDC classic 'Jail Break'.