The Gadflys began in the 1980s as a three-piece punk band founded by brothers Mick and Phil Moriarty. Normally, ‘punk’ means distorted guitars and loud drums playing as fast as possible. For The Gadflys, it meant a double bass, guitar and clarinet playing an eclectic mix of pop, rock, country and ballads.
The trio made its mark first as distinctive buskers, then as a popular pub band. Over the years The Gadflys have grown from the basic trio to a big band with horns, keyboards and backing vocalists.
The Gadflys are probably best termed modern jazz, with an accent on clarinet and guitar. Phil and Mick Moriarty have been around the Sydney music scene for more than fifteen years, and were the resident musicians on popular ABC-TV show "Good News Week" (and went with the show when it moved to commercial Network Ten).
This is funky, upbeat, rhythmic modern jazz!
