The Casanovas

Australian hard rockers the Casanovas were originally formed in 1999 by brothers Tommy (vocals/guitar) and Patrick Boyce (drums) with bassist Jimmy Lewis, whose vast array of retro-school influences included Kiss, the Dictators, the Rolling Stones, Turbonegro, and of course the ubiquitous AC/DC. The trio wasted little time in rehearsal before starting to open shows for more established acts like Powder Monkeys, the Monarchs, and even the White Stripes (then undertaking their first tour of Australia) in and around their native Mebourne. Within the next couple of years, the Casanovas had cut their first single, "10 Outta 10," added second guitarist James Saunders, and performed on the legendary Big Day Out Festival. Following Saunders' departure in 2002, they partnered with producer Shane O'Mara to record their debut EP, Keep It Hot, then headed out on the road across Australia (and beyond, with engagements in the U.K. and at Austin, TX, for the SXSW festival, etc.) with new vocalist/bassist Damo Campbell (ex-Mustang). Upon returning to Australia, and with their notoriety now reaching international levels, the Casanovas got to work on their eponymous debut, and duly delivered an impressive slab of '70s-fueled hard rock -- despite losing a burned-out Patrick Boyce midway through and replacing him with the colorfully named Jaws Stanley. More extensive worldwide touring followed, and 2005 found the band in Los Angeles, recording their as yet unreleased sophomore album with producer Sylvia Massy Shivy (Tool, Econoline Crush, Dishwalla, etc.).