Lead vocalist and guitarist of the Australian rock band Mental As Anything, known for their quirky, humorous songs and hits like "Live It Up" and "Too Many Times".
Martin Plaza, born Martin Edward Murphy on January 1, 1956, is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician, and visual artist who shot to fame as a founding member and vocalist-guitarist of the iconic new wave band Mental As Anything. With his distinctive voice and eclectic style, Plaza has been a driving force behind the band's success, which has spanned over four decades.
Plaza's music career took off in the mid-1970s when he formed Mental As Anything with fellow students Chris O'Doherty (later known as Reg Mombassa) and David Twohill. The band's blend of catchy hooks, witty lyrics, and new wave sensibilities propelled them to become one of Australia's most popular and enduring bands. With hits like "If You Leave" and "Too Many Times," Mental As Anything has toured extensively in Australia and overseas, earning a loyal fan base.
In addition to his music career, Plaza is an accomplished artist, exhibiting his work since the early 1980s. His artistic style is characterized by vibrant colors, playful patterns, and a Hawaiian-inspired aesthetic. Plaza has held numerous solo exhibitions, experimenting with various media, and has even entered the prestigious Archibald Prize with his self-portrait and a portrait of Reg Mombassa.
Plaza's artwork has also been featured on his own line of Dodgy brand clothing, as well as on Mambo clothing in the mid-1990s. This fusion of art and fashion showcases his creative versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.
In the early days of Mental As Anything, band members would often invent pseudonyms for each other, combining exotic last names with common Australian first names. Martin Plaza's stage name reflects this playful tradition, while also highlighting his individuality and artistic persona.
Plaza's contributions to Australian music and art have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. His 1986 cover of "Concrete and Clay" reached No. 2 on the Australian charts, cementing his status as a solo artist.
Martin Plaza's enduring legacy lies in his innovative approach to music, art, and fashion. As a founding member of Mental As Anything, he has inspired generations of Australian musicians and artists. His eclectic style, which blends pop, rock, and new wave elements, has left an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape.
Did you know that Martin Plaza attended St. Pius X College in Chatswood, where he excelled in sports and art, but showed little interest in other subjects?
Before his music career took off, Plaza worked part-time at KFC.
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