Push Push are a rock band formed in the 1990s from Auckland, New Zealand. They are best known for their single "Trippin'".

Push Push
Push Push in 1992. From Left to Right Scott Cortese, Silver, Steve Abplanalp, Andy Kane, Mikey Havoc
Push Push in 1992. From Left to Right Scott Cortese, Silver, Steve Abplanalp, Andy Kane, Mikey Havoc
Background information
OriginAuckland, New Zealand
GenresRock
Years active1985 (1985)-1993, 2016-present
LabelsTall Poppy
Festival
MembersMikey Havoc
Steve Abplanalp
Scott Cortese
Andy Kane
Silver
Past membersKen Green
Website

History

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Formation and Early Years (1985-86)

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Former Rangitoto College students Mikey Havoc (vocals), Ken "Kenny" Green (drummer), Andy Kane (aka Andy Wilson, lead guitar), and Steve Abplanalp (bass) formed the band in Auckland around 1985 or 1986. Silver (guitar) then joined, followed by Scott Cortese (drummer, formerly in the band Whiskey and Lace) who replaced Green.

A Trillion Shades of Happy (1992)

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The band released their debut (and only) album A Trillion Shades of Happy in 1992. Their first single "Trippin'" was recorded at Airforce Studios (Auckland), with the drum track done in one take. The song reached #1 on the New Zealand charts. The bonus track "I Love My Leather Jacket" was recorded at The Lab. Backing vocals on the track 'Dig My World' were provided by Jan Hellriegel. "Song 27" and "What My Baby Likes" were also released from the album, and went on to be further New Zealand Top 10 hits for the band.

Opening for AC/DC (1991)

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The band opened for AC/DC at Mount Smart Stadium for the last performance in the Razors Edge World Tour on Nov 16th 1991. Apparently[according to whom?] the band drew straws to see who was going to walk onstage first as there were around 40,000 people in the crowd and they were nervous; Scott Cortese the drummer drew the short straw. Their set ended prematurely, although reasons for this are unclear.

Awards

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In 1991 Push Push was awarded the top band award and best video award for "Trippin" at the RIANZ awards.

Announcement (2016)

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In February 2016, Steve Abplanalp made a guest appearance on the New Zealand Comedy Gameshow 7 Days (New Zealand TV series), where he made the announcement the band was back together and were set to release a new single as well as play a few shows; however as of 2021 no new single has eventuated.

Discography

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Albums

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List of albums, with selected details and chart positions
Title Details Peak chart
positions
NZ
[1]
AUS
[2]
A Trillion Shades of Happy 3 105

Singles

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List of singles, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
NZ
[1]
AUS
[3]
"Trippin'" 1991 1 25 A Trillion Shades of Happy
"Song 27" 7 62
"What My Baby Likes" 1992 4 118

Awards

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RIANZ New Zealand Music Awards
Year Award[4] Details Result
1992[5] Best Group Won
Video of the Year "Trippin'" Mauger Bros Won
Single of the Year "Trippin'" Nominated
Best Male Vocalist Mikey Havoc Nominated

References

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  1. ^ a b "Push Push discography". charts.nz. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  2. ^ "Bubbling Down Under Week Commencing 6 April 1992". Bubbling Down Under. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  3. ^ Australian (ARIA Chart) peaks:
  4. ^ "NZMAs". nzmusicawards.co.nz. Archived from the original on 22 September 2012. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
  5. ^ "1992 New Zealand Music Awards". Web page. RIANZ. Archived from the original on 20 December 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
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