Mental As Anything were a legendary band from Sydney, Australia. The members met at art school, and each was a visual artist as well as a musician. Guitarist Reg Mombassa also became widely known in Australia for his iconic artwork for the surfwear brand Mambo. Even if the band is unfamiliar to you, their reach was remarkable: Elton John bought their artwork in the 1980s, and Elvis Costello produced one of their singles.
The band’s creative and commercial peak stretched across the entire 1980s, when they were a dominant presence on the Australian charts. If you’re from the Northern Hemisphere, you may know their song “Live It Up”, which featured in the film Crocodile Dundee.
The Mentals were a little New Wave, mostly Pop Rock, and always full of flair, humour, and charm. They had a rare gift for writing catchy songs, delivering them both live and on record with fine musicianship and a style that was entirely their own.
Monumental As Anything — released on VHS in 1985 — and Monumental II — released in 1999 — were two compilations of the band’s music videos. They also included bonus footage and interviews, and together they represent the band’s complete videography.
In 2026, a brilliant documentary about the band was released called Live It Up: The Mental As Anything Story. It is well worth your time and makes a terrific entry point into the colourful world of Mental As Anything.
The Mentals were:
Martin Plaza — lead vocals, guitar
Wayne DeLisle — drums
Reg Mombassa — guitar, vocals
Greedy Smith — lead vocals, keyboards, harmonica
Peter O’Doherty — bass guitar, vocals
Music videos on Monumental As Anything
1. You’re So Strong
2. Romeo and Juliet
3. If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?
4. Too Many Times
5. The Nips Are Getting Bigger
6. Close Again
7. Live It Up
8. Working for the Man
9. I Didn’t Mean to Be Mean
10. Holiday in Auckland
11. Egypt
12. Berserk Warriors
13. Spirit Got Lost
14. Ready for You Now
15. Let’s Cook
16. Got Hit
17. Wouldn’t Try to Explain
18. Brain Brain
19. Apocalypso
Music videos on Monumental II
1. Come Around
2. Date with Destiny
3. Big Wheel
4. Hold On
5. Let’s Go to Paradise
6. He’s Just No Good for You
7. Don’t Tell Me Now
8. Love Me Tender
9. Rock ’n’ Roll Music
10. The World Seems Difficult
11. Baby You’re Wild
12. Overwhelmed
13. Mr Natural
14. Nigel
15. Whole Wide World
16. Calling Colin
17. Just My Luck
18. The Nips Are Getting Bigger — Live
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