The current members as of 2007 are Jay Dunne (vocals), Simon Hepburn aka 'Hep' (guitar), Damian Gardiner (bass) and Adrian Griffin (drums). Original drummer Adam was replaced by Scott Murray in 2000. Tragically, on 18 November 2001, Murray was killed in a hit-and-run accident in the Melbourne suburb of Kew. Vinnie Jukic then briefly filled in the drum role until Adrian Griffin joined. For the album Extremist Makeover, the drums were laid down by Matt Bray.
Musically, the band doesn't fit into any single category. Over time, 28 Days' punk rock style has incorporated elements of punk-pop, metal, and (especially) hip-hop after the addition of DJ Jedi Master Jay in 2000. The band's success during the early 2000's could largely be attributed to the popularity of similar rock-rap fusion bands of the time, such as Limp Bizkit. Furthermore, their one-off collaboration with Apollo Four Forty, the 2001 single "Say What?", has even seen them dabble in electronica.
After debuting with a one-sided 7" single "Ball Of Hate" and the Sand CD single, 28 Days released their self-titled album in 1998 through the independent Stubble imprint. A year later they were picked up by Festival Mushroom's newly launched development label Sputnik, releasing the Kid Indestructible EP. The EP consolidated a following around Australia as a result of Triple J's constant rotation of the tracks "Kool" and "La Tune".
With the introduction of Jay Howard (aka DJ Jedi Master Jay) on turntables and samples, the more harder-edged, rap-influenced singles of 2000, "Here We Go/Sucker" and "Rip It Up", boosted 28 Days' audience. The latter peaked at #12 on the ARIAnet Singles Chart, and the former featured in some editions of the soundtrack to Mission: Impossible II. When released later that June, their second album Upstyledown entered the ARIAnet album chart at #1, and would go gold. The year was rounded out with two further charting singles - the more reflective "Goodbye" and "Song For Jasmine", written for Simon Hepburn's young daughter.
28 Days' first home video When Dickheads Snap came out in 2001, featuring tour shots, and behind-the-scenes footage. The only other material to come out that year was the Apollo Four Forty collaboration, "Say What?", which charted in the ARIA Top 30. The rest of the year involved more touring and preparation for a new album, until the death of Scott Murray briefly halted their progress. With new drummer Vinnie Jukic, third album Stealing Chairs saw 28 Days into 2002, with its most popular single being the summery "What's The Deal?". Stealing Chairs charted in the ARIA Top 10 for a short period, but didn't capitalise on the success brought by Upstyledown.
The band received some negative publicity in February 2003 after members descended upon a gig by satirical Sydney-based band The Drugs at Melbourne's Duke of Windsor Hotel late that month. 28 Days allegedly caused an estimated $4500 in damage to The Drugs' equipment, which included beer being poured over a laptop computer and amplifier, and The Drugs' hired van having three of its tyres slashed. Fans of 28 Days at the show were also believed to have graffitied The Drugs' merchandise stand and the venue's chalkboard. The motive for the attack was in regards to an open letter The Drugs' lead singer Ian Baddley posted on his band's website, accusing Jay Dunne of being homophobic and misogynistic at 28 Days' 2003 Big Day Out appearances.
Following another quiet period, they released a new single "Like I Do" to little fanfare in 2004. It would be a taster for the band's fourth album Extremist Makeover. The album could only manage to scrape into the Top 40, whilst two further singles also charted poorly. Due to this slump in popularity, 28 Days left Festival Mushroom in November 2004, amid much controversy. It was suggested by many that they were dropped, but Damian Gardiner insisted on the band's official message board it was 28 Days' decision alone to leave the label.
Their latest EP Bring 'Em Back was released on March 6 2006 on their own Rebel Scum label (through Sony/BMG); a new DVD When Dickheads Snap 3 was then sold at later 28 Days shows.
Following the release of a best-of album, 10 Years Of Cheap Fame, 28 Days will tour for the last time in 2007. After a series of mishaps and a continued slump in popularity, DJ Jedi Master Jay left the band - a catalyst that led to their breakup. 28 Days will play the tour as the original 4 piece band they were when they began, and then officially disband.
The Bird
28 Days Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be the first to cut us down
That would seem to be the cool thing to do
You know me so step the fuck back kid
Don't assume to judge me or my crew
I don't have to run anything by you
Talk your shit and I'll stay true
To watch our backs
We won't forget it
We're stoked that we met
We're glad you care, you were
There for us when we needed you most
We couldn't have made it through
Without you there
Mad respect goes out to you
You're what I mean when I say crew
I remember much more good than bad
I so love what I do
To the bad I've got something for you
I've friends and people that I love
And love me back
No matter what you say no matter
What you try to do
Hurry up and beat the rush
Be the first to cut us down
That would seem to be the cool thing to do
We never liked you anyway
Sip your cunty latte
And shove it up your fuckin'
Ass when you're through
To the bad I've got something for you
See I've got friends and people that
I love and love me back
No matter what you say no matter
What you try to do
The lyrics of 28 Days' song "The Bird" reflect a sense of defiance and pride in one's self and their crew. The song begins with a message to those who wish to cut them down or judge them without knowing them. They assert that they don't have to run anything by anyone else and will stay true to themselves. They express gratitude towards those who have supported them and watched their backs, recognizing the importance of having a crew. They also make it clear that they don't care about those who dislike them, telling them to sip their "cunty latte" and shove it up their ass when they're through. The overall message seems to be one of asserting oneself and not letting others bring them down.
Line by Line Meaning
Hurry up and beat the rush
Get it over with quickly, be the first to come after us.
Be the first to cut us down
Be the first to criticize us or tear us apart.
That would seem to be the cool thing to do
Cutting people down is often seen as popular or fashionable.
You know me so step the fuck back kid
Don't try to judge me or what I do because you don't really know me.
Don't assume to judge me or my crew
Don't make assumptions about me or the people I associate with.
I don't have to run anything by you
I don't need your permission or approval to do what I do.
Talk your shit and I'll stay true
I will remain committed to my beliefs and values despite any negative talk or criticism.
Mad love to those choose
I have great affection and respect for those who support and choose to be with me and my crew.
To watch our backs
To be there for us and provide support and protection.
We won't forget it
We will always remember the people who were there for us.
We're stoked that we met
We are thrilled and grateful to have met these supportive people.
We're glad you care, you were
We appreciate your concern and support, you were
There for us when we needed you most
You were there for us in our time of greatest need.
We couldn't have made it through
It would have been impossible for us to get through without you.
Without you there
Without your support and help.
Mad respect goes out to you
I have immense respect for you.
You're what I mean when I say crew
You are what I consider when I use the term "crew" to describe people who support and have your back.
I remember much more good than bad
I focus on the positive memories and experiences rather than the negative ones.
I so love what I do
I love what I do and I am passionate about it.
To the bad I've got something for you
I have something for those who choose to criticize or bring negativity into my life.
I've friends and people that I love
I have close friends and family who I care for deeply.
And love me back
And who love me just as much in return.
No matter what you say no matter
Regardless of any negative comments or actions taken against me,
What you try to do
I will continue to love and be there for the people I care about and do what I love to do.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: DAMIAN GARDINER, JAMES ASHLEY DUNNE, SCOTT DOUGLAS MURRAY, SIMON ANTHONY HEPBURN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind