Following the break-up of Models in 1988,[1]Sean Kelly attempted to launch a solo career with the single "Thank You, Goodnight" (March 1988)[2] (which happened to be the name of Models' last tour), but the single was not a commercial success and in early 1989 Kelly found himself at a loose end. Kelly contacted a number of friends, with a view of putting together an informal band to play a few gigs. The impromptu cooperative was initially dubbed Sean Kelly and His Absent Friends. The initial line-up varied, usually dependent upon the availability of individual members at any given time. Sean Kelly and His Absent Friends kicked off life as a touring act in May 1989, with Kelly (vocals/guitar) joined on occasion by his partner Wendy Matthews (vocals)[3](who performed backing vocals for Models and was a guest vocalist on the Rockmelons debut and ARIA award winning album, Tales of the City), Garry Gary Beers (the bassist for INXS),[4] Nicole Ainslie (keyboards/vocals), Andrew Duffield (keyboards) ex-Models, James Valentine (saxophone) ex-Models, Danglin' Brothers guitarist Michael King ex-Jimmy Barnes, and drummer John Mackay ex-Machinations.[5] Within a couple of months the high-profile group were supporting Crowded House at their July 1989 'Rock For Land Rights' concert.[2]
In late 1989 the band entered the recording studio to record a few original tracks that they had been playing live. The first single released by the newly named Absent Friends was "Hallelujah" in November 1989. The single peaked at number 100 on the ARIA Charts in January 1990. In March 1990, a second single titled "Hullabaloo" was released and peaked at number 46 on the Australian charts.[6]
The album's third single, "I Don't Want to Be with Nobody but You" was a significant commercial success. It is a cover of the 1976 Dorothy Moore song, written by Eddie Floyd. "I Don't Want to Be with Nobody but You" peaked at number 4 on the Australian charts in July 1990 and was certified gold.[6] At the ARIA Music Awards of 1991, the song won the ARIA Award for Best Single.[7] The album yielded one more minor hit with "Harmony" reaching number 92 on the Australian singles charts.[6] The band toured Australian throughout 1990, out of which a promotion live EP, Networking Live was reordered.[2][5]
Later in 1990, Absent Friends supported INXS on an eight-week European tour, with ex-Eurogliders bassist Ron Francois taking Beers' place and GANGgajang keyboardist Geoff Stapleton filling the void on keyboards left by the departure of Duffield.[8] Ainslie and Valentine also left the band at this time.[2][5] The band played 10,000 seat stadiums through Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland and England (including five performances at Wembley Arena).
Soon after Kelly decided that Absent Friends had run its course, and the band members went their separate ways.
Matthews soon after recorded her debut album, Émigré,[9] whilst Kelly and Stapleton pieced together another band during 1991 called The Dukes.
The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. Lewis has won three awards from 14 nominations.[10][11]
