Simpsons themed Doom-Rock band Dr. Colossus have earned a unique place in Australia’s heavy scene. Brandishing low tuned guitar riffs and melodically driven songs their appeal reaches fans of bands like Black Sabbath, Fu Manchu and Kyuss, but the band turns the genre on its head by presenting lyrics and an aesthetic based entirely on episodes of The Simpsons. It’s a winning formula which has earned them Triple J play (Excellent and Stupid Sexy Flanders), an underground German tape deal, and international support slots with bands like Red Fang, Acid King, Brant Bjork and Beastwars. Masters of not taking themselves seriously, Dr. Jon (vocals and guitar), Dr. Love (bass and vocals), Dr. Leg (lead guitar) and Dr. Fill (drums) bring a much needed sense of humour to a desperately serious scene of music, and it’s that sense of humour that’s got them through their hardest years.
In 2017 after the release of their debut LP The Dank, drummer and founding member Nathan Johnston (Dr. Johnston) tragically passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm. The album had been released but touring for it never happened. Dr. Colossus (at the time a trio), stopped completely. Mourning the loss of Nath, Dr. Love (Mike Findlay) and Dr. Jon (Jono Colliver) called it a day. In the months following, a tribute show for Nathan brought the band together with Jono’s brother Dr. Leg (Joel Colliver) and life-long friend of the band Dr. Skin (Josh Eales). A show for Nath with his favourite bands, his family and all those who knew him was a very healthy and productive way to share the grief of his loss, for friends and the band alike. After a long gap, and a great deal of soul searching in 2019 the band decided to continue on with the new lineup as Nath would have intented.
Releasing their first new music in two years, the track ‘66 & 6’ became the fastest selling vinyl release for Melbourne label Tuff Cuff Records and sparked their largest national tour to date. The band raised the bar with their live shows, larger rooms, a refined stage-craft, elaborate props, brash costumes and bombastic antics - proving heavy music can still be entertaining without compromising its impact. Dr. Colossus have recently completed an Australia and New Zealand tour with Ned Flanders themed band Okilly Dokilly from the USA, performing their largest shows to date and burying the hatchet once and for all with that guy Flanders.