The Drones

The Drones are a celebrated Australian rock band formed in Perth in 1997, led by the distinctive vocalist and guitarist Gareth Liddiard. Known for their gritty, raw sound and powerful storytelling, they carved a unique space in Australia’s music scene over nearly two decades. The band’s early years were marked by a rotating lineup and challenging beginnings, including tough living conditions when they relocated to the east coast. Their debut album, *Here Come the Lies* (2002), quickly earned them recognition, followed by the critically acclaimed *Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of Your Enemies Will Float By* (2005), which won the inaugural Australian Music Prize. Their 2006 album *Gala Mill* was also highly praised, being listed at No. 21 in the book *100 Best Australian Albums*. Over time, The Drones developed a reputation for blending intense rock with experimental and dark lyrical themes, resulting in albums like *I See Seaweed* (2013) and *Feelin Kinda Free* (2016), both charting in Australia's top 20.

Despite their success, The Drones went on hiatus in 2016, after which members Gareth Liddiard and Fiona Kitschin formed the band Tropical Fuck Storm. The Drones remain an influential force in Australian rock for their uncompromising sound and emotionally charged music, with a significant legacy in the underground and mainstream scenes alike.