Rockers to reunite for good cause

Electro-rockers Def FX will reform for the first time in two years, when they play at this year’s Rockin’ 4 the Homeless concert on July 17.

Frontwoman Fiona Horne says they performed a ‘Never Say Never’ farewell tour in 2019, and the upcoming show was proof they had been right to choose that name.

It came about after she lost her day job as a commercial pilot in the Caribbean, after seven years, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

“It led me back to Australia and doing music again, so I feel really blessed,” Horne explains.

“Really good things can happen in some really difficult times.”

The band answered the call from Rockin’ 4 the Homeless Director Dan Nebe to perform at the gig and has been using technology to rehearse, with three band members in Sydney and Horne in Western Australia.

“We said, ‘of course, this is such a great cause and we really want to be part of it’,” Horne says.

She has been working on other music projects with her partner in their duo Spiff and Fifi, and with her heavy rock band Seawitch, which has an EP being released on June 26.

Her vocal cords are ready for a big show at the Eatons Hill Hotel on July 17.

Ready for a big show

Horne is looking forward to singing the songs she wrote 30 years ago that are still relevant, and popular with fans, and cover themes such as empowering women and thinking for yourself.

“Good memories never die,” she says.

“We’ve got fans who are bringing their kids and we get to have a whole new mosh pit.”

Horne recalls a Sydney show in 2019, where she noticed a large group of fans in their 20s in the front row. They met the band afterwards and she asked them how they knew Def FX’s music.

They told her they had studied the band and 90s music in one of their subjects at Sydney University. Horne was chuffed.

“I’m very humbled that Def FX holds a place in people’s hearts and I love the idea that we’re being taught in school,” she says.

“I love that I still get to jump around on stage, at this stage in my life, and it’s great that I get to rock out with the Hoodoo Gurus and The SuperJesus at Rockin 4 the Homeless.”

The band does not have any other gigs planned, other than a secret warm-up show somewhere, and will relish this one.

“I’m (also) looking forward to seeing some of the local talent. This gig also showcases up and coming bands. That’s what’s so great about this event,” Horne says.

“It’s a total experience and coming together and knowing that we’re doing this for a really good cause. I recommend everyone gets there early, like I will be.”

What’s in store

Fans can expect all their favourites and a few surprises.

“We want people to rock out like it’s 1996 again,” she says.

Horne says it’s hard to know which song would make the crowd go crazy, but Surfers of the Mind and Psychoactive Summer were contenders.

“Feels Good will probably be the first one for the set and it will be the anthem for the night. It feels good to do good,” she says.

Bringing people together after the 18 months of COVID-19 will also feel good, and she knows music fans will appreciate the experience a little bit more.

“It’s given us a taste of what it means to be displaced. The Breakfast Club has been helping people who are isolated and displaced for years. Everyone is more grateful for what we have,” she says.

Visit r4th.com.au for details and to buy tickets.