Dreamkillers Honour Skyhooks Icon Shirley Strachan on his 74th Birthday
New Physical Only Album, Proiphys Cunninghamii, Out Jan 23, 2026
Brisbane’s long running, uncompromising metal-punk juggernaut Dreamkillers have released a track simply called ‘Shirley’, as a tribute to the late Shirley Strachan the legendary frontman of one of Australia’s greatest bands, Skyhooks.
Today, January 2, would have been the Shirley’s 74th Birthday!
Shirley, Go Shirley!
Shirl The Curl.
Listen to ‘Shirley’ at
https://lnk.to/BG3jp0
Why the tribute? The band explain. “Shirley, is a homage to one of the true Australian rock icons Shirley Strachan, the charismatic singer and front man from the mighty Skyhooks, who has been a long time inspiration to us all. With the anniversary of his birth, we thought what better time pay tribute to a true Australian legend both on and off the stage with a song dedicated to him and the music he created with Skyhooks on our new album.”
Shirley is featured on Dreamkillers new album, Proiphys Cunninghamii, along with previously released singles, Mulberry Sky and Close Down The Circus
The album will be released on January 23, 2026.
Pre orders are available now
https://lnk.to/g37LSG
Pre Orders for Physical Album (which features 7 bonus tracks including In The Pie),
Plus Merch and Bundles at
https://xmusiclabel.bigcartel.com/dreamkillers
ABOUT DREAMKILLERS
With rock and roll, once you start a fire you need water to put it out, the problem here is none of them drink water. Risen from the ashes of seventies punk that evolved into 5150’s / Marshall and Gibson’s. The kit eventually changing from a five piece flat set into a fully caged off twelve piece double kick unit.
Throwing everything melodic on the table they decided to have NO GENRE.
It don’t matter if it’s punk, metal or straight four / four rock, as long as it has a dangerous groove it goes into the melting pot.
Consequently reviews have been dyslexic to say the least ” ..sounds like the sex pistols”
” ..they’re obviously Blue Oysters Cult inspired “
” …they change tunings from song to song and swap guitars mid set, somewhat like a heavy Frank Zappa”
The only way to test this is to come see it for yourself.
These guys start fires…
A relentless force in the underground scene, Dreamkillers are known for their raw intensity, genre-defying sound, and fiercely DIY ethos. Fusing Thrash, English punk and Melodic Metal into a sonic assault that is both unrelenting and emotionally charged, while still maintaining a surprising sing-along quality, Dreamkillers continue to evolve without compromise.
With a career spanning decades and a legacy that has inspired countless acts, their reputation as an electrifying live band has earned them spots alongside national and international heavyweights, all while staying true to their roots, authentic, loud and powerful.
Proiphys Cunninghamii is a no-holds-barred album that blends fire, fury and defiance in equal measure. Named after a rare native plant found only in Brisbane, commonly known as the Brisbane lily, the title reflects the band’s roots and resilience — thriving in harsh conditions, unapologetically local, and impossible to ignore.
This is not just a band releasing another record. It is a statement. A resurgence.
A call to arms for anyone who has ever felt silenced, crushed or cast aside.
Dreamkillers are here, stronger and louder than ever.
