Divinyls Australian tour ‘ultimate disrespect’ to Chrissy Amphlett - NEWS.com.au

The reformation of iconic Australian band Divinyls six years after the death of singer Chrissy Amphlett has been met with criticism from fans — and from Amphlett’s widower, who labelled it the “ultimate disrespect”.

Divinyls guitarist and core member Mark McEntee yesterday announced that he would take a new Divinyls line-up on the road in 2019, touring Australia with former Blondie guitarist Frank Infante and LA-based singer-songwriter Lauren Ruth Ward singing the hits made famous by Amphlett.

One of Australia’s most magnetic rock stars, Amphlett died in 2013 after battling both breast cancer and multiple sclerosis. Together she and McEntee had released hits including Boys In Town, Science Fiction and the global smash I Touch Myself before the Divinyls first disbanded in 1996.

Her death came after the pair mounted a short-lived Divinyls reunion in 2007, touring nationally and releasing a one-off single.

McEntee defended the decision to reform the band with a new lead singer yesterday.

“I don’t care what anybody else thinks. The fans who want to come see it, will come see it,” he told the Herald Sun.

“Lauren isn’t trying to step into Chrissy’s shoes; no one could ever step into Chrissy’s shoes. She will do it her own way.”

In a public post to a Facebook fan group in her name, Amphlett’s husband from 1999 up until the time of her death, drummer Charley Drayton, made it clear yesterday that he does not support the tour.

“DON’T DRINK THE KOOL-AID. McEntee is paying no respects to Chrissy whatsoever,” he wrote, calling the tour the “ultimate disrespect”.

“Anyone who would front the band “Divinyls” — who’s (sic) name was not Chrissy Amphlett should seek some trustworthy advice as soon as possible! I have said enough for now,” he wrote.

Across social media, fans of the iconic band expressed mixed feelings at the prospect of an Amphlett-free Divinyls tour:

Divinyls are reforming for a tour. I have a feeling the remaining members don’t quite understand what the appeal of the band was. Hint: it’s not the guitar work.
— Nathan Jolly (@nathanjolly) December 3, 2018

There's been a Divinyls tour announced.....I don't even.....😳😵 #divinyls
— Chris Barrett (@selga55) December 3, 2018

Got all excited that #Divinyls have been added to the #Foreshore line up but then remembered....who will be singing? There is no replacing Chrissy Amphlett
— ExHullKiwi (@HullKiwi) December 2, 2018

Divinyls as a touring act ceased to be the day Chrissy died.
fin
— Ben (@benniitar) December 3, 2018

I get Mark needs to perform again. He has the right to and he did write much of their songs. Having seen Divinyls shows with Chrissy already I would not probably go again however, we should all focus on the music living on. 🙏🎶🎉🇦🇺
— Scott Whitley (@ScottWhitley11) December 2, 2018

Divinyls will tour Australia throughout February and March 2019, with the new-look band’s tour announcement promising they will “honour the legacy and celebrate the indelible music created with the late, great Chrissy Amphlett”.

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