Members
Select a The Celibate Rifles band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
The Celibate Rifles were a seminal band from Sydney, Australia, known for their raw and energetic blend of garage rock and punk. Formed in 1979, the group became a defining force in the Australian music scene with members including Damian Lovelock (vocals), Kent Steedman (guitar), Dave Morris (guitar), Michael Couvret (bass), and Paul Larsen (drums). Their sound captured the rebellious spirit and gritty edge of punk, while their lyrics often infused a sharp wit and social commentary.
How to Sound Like The Celibate Rifles
The Celibate Rifles' sound is characterized by its raucous, driving guitar riffs and high-octane rhythms, delivering an aggressive yet melodic assault. Central to their sonic identity were distorted guitars that balanced raw power with melodic clarity, often driven through classic tube amplifiers for a warm, saturated tone. The use of effects was minimal, focusing instead on the natural overdrive of cranked amps, which provided a direct and punchy sound. Bass lines, potentially enhanced by gear like the Noble Tube Preamp DI, added depth and a robust low end to their tracks. The drumming was relentless and precise, propelling their music with a sense of urgency and intensity that matched the fervor of their vocal delivery.
Discography
Sideroxylon
1983
5 Languages
1984
The Turgid Miasma of Existence
1986
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Live)
1986
Roman Beach Party
1987
Blind Ear
1989
Platters Du Jour
1990
Heaven on a Stick
1992
Sofa
1993
Yizgarnnoff (Live)
1993
Spaceman in a Satin Suit
1994
On the Quiet
1996
A Mid-Stream of Consciousness
2000
Beyond Respect
2004
Blind Ear (Live)
2016
Stick Live Album Show
2021
Byron Bay The Great Northern Knees Up (Live)
2022
Meeting the Mexicans (Electric Set, Live)
2023
Meeting the Mexicans (Acoustic Set)
2024
Get the The Celibate Rifles Sound
Want to sound like The Celibate Rifles? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.