Headless Chickens

Headless Chickens straddled the alternative and the mainstream, showing there was an audience for an "underground band using hi-tech instruments in a low tech way". Born from Auckland post-punkers Children's Hour, Headless Chickens weathered early tragedy after bassist Johnny Pierce took his life. In 1987 they offended some in Kiwi radio by winning the Rheineck Rock Award. The prize funded innovative debut album Stunt Clown, which featured samplers and drum machines. Singer Fiona McDonald joined in 1990, initially for hit 'Cruise Control'. The Chooks split in 1998. Bass player Grant Fell died in January 2018.