The Swindlers deliver an irresistible blend of folk-rock and rhythm and blues. This six-piece Townsville band captivates audiences with powerful original songs inspired by the comedy and tragedy of life in North Queensland alongside crowd-pleasing covers from Nick Cave to T. Rex.

Andrew Baird – vocals

Andrew’s musical inspirations include Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison. High praise for Andrew’s vocals includes the comment that he generally sings in key. Front man for legendary 1980s bands Sydney including The Lonely Neurons and Big Fuck.

Patrick Centurion – vocals, rhythm guitar

With moves that Mick Jagger would die for Patrick also draws on his French background to inform his song choice and vocal style.

Neil Mattocks – lead guitar, vocals

The band’s temperamental song writing genius, Neil draws on a troubled adolescent love life and his travels to create lyrical ballads for the deep north.

Norbet Hallen – ukelele, vocals

A camel driver in his past and prospector in his spare time Norbet does Nick Cave better than anyone

Dave Wilkie – drums

The only man to have successfully navigated the Congo River from its source to the sea and most of it in his sleep, the rhythm of the jungle seeped into Dave’s soul and his sticks

Damien Smith

A luthier by trade who once worked for Maton Dammo musical skill shines in many of the Swindler riffs and rhythms.