Irish John Arthurs

Irish John, as he is commonly known, is a spontaneous, emotional and fiery guy. He spent his early life in Belfast, Ireland listening and watching groups such as Them, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Van Morrison. When John migrated to Australia, he became interested in local Aussie groups like Python Lee Jackson and The Loved Ones.

John started singing in the early 1970’s with a band called Dealer, then followed by Heat. In the late 70’s he became a founding member of Ward 13 along with Steve Walls. Ward 13 went on to record three albums, and had a number of songs in the Top 20. Along with much TV and radio Ward 13 appeared on the same bill as Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, and international bands like The Police, The Boomtown Rats, and The Motels.

After Ward 13 John joined Sydney band Baby Loves to Cha Cha, and went on to form The Rescue Squad, with guitarist Mick Cocks, (Rose Tattoo), and also sang with the Jolly Frog Big Band with Ian Moss, Don Walker, Mick Cocks, Paul Demarco and Rockwell T James.

These days he does cameo appearances with Chris Turner & the Cavemen and The Jim Finn Band. In 2020 John recorded his first solo album, “Fun For A While”, a collection of his favourite songs.