Who played when
Members
5Dan Rumour
Guitar, Clavinet
Jim Elliott
Drums
Ken Gormly
Bass
Matt Walker
Guitar, Keyboards, Backing vocals
Tex Perkins
Lead vocals, Harmonica, Guitar
Former members
4Barry Turnbull
Bass
1990Dee Corben
Bass
1987–1988Gerard Corben
Guitar
1987–1990James Cruickshank
Guitar, Keyboards, Backing vocals
1988–2003, 2008, 2010 · died 2015
Sydney · formed in 1987
Instrumental roots, swamp blues and open spaces
The Cruel Sea began as an instrumental group before [Tex Perkins](/artists/tex-perkins/) joined and helped turn its atmospheric blues and surf-inflected sound into major Australian success.
Formation and first records
Guitarist Gerard Corben, drummer Jim Elliott and guitarist Dan Rumour formed the first line-up. Ken Gormly and James Cruickshank joined before singer Tex Perkins
, initially the band’s lighting technician, began adding lyrics to their instrumentals.
Success and return
The Honeymoon Is Over and Three Legged Dog brought the band national awards and international touring. After long gaps between appearances, The Cruel Sea resumed activity in 2023 and released Straight Into the Sun.
Made for rock’n’roll
Discography
7 Records
01Down Below
Credits & release details +
Production & release
Produced by Phil Punch and The Cruel Sea.
02This Is Not the Way Home
Credits & release details +
Production & release
Produced by Tony Cohen and The Cruel Sea.
03The Honeymoon Is Over
Credits & release details +
Production & release
Produced by The Cruel Sea, Tony Cohen and Mick Harvey.
04Three Legged Dog
Credits & release details +
Production & release
Produced by The Cruel Sea, Tony Cohen and Paul McKercher.
05Over Easy
Credits & release details +
Production & release
Produced by Daniel Denholm, Phillip McKellar and The Cruel Sea.
06Where There's Smoke
Credits & release details +
Production & release
Produced by Magoo and The Cruel Sea.
07