Mental As Anything

Mental As Anything were an Australian rock/pop band formed in Sydney in 1976, best known for their witty, catchy new wave–era songs and a distinctly playful sense of humor. The classic lineup centered on Martin Plaza (vocals/guitar), Greedy Smith (vocals/harmonica), Reg Mombassa (guitar), Peter “Yoga Dog” O’Doherty (bass), and Wayne “Bird” Delisle (drums). They broke through nationally around the turn of the ’80s, building a reputation for energetic live shows and smart, melodic songwriting.

Across the 1980s and beyond, Mental As Anything became a mainstay of Australian music, scoring enduring hits like “If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?”, “Too Many Times,” “Live It Up,” and “Rock and Roll Music.” Several members were also notable visual artists—most famously Mombassa, whose bold artwork became closely associated with the band’s identity. Greedy Smith died in 2019, and the group’s legacy remains closely tied to their blend of jangly pop-rock, irreverent charm, and unmistakably Australian character.