In the early 80's I was a teenager in Melbourne catching public transport to see every band I could, and most were interesting. When I saw Matt Finish upstairs at the Armadale Hotel (Melbourne) it was the first time I'd seen a band with the level of energy and intensity that these guys produced. It was exciting, dangerous and exhilirating. I've never heard live sound as good as these guys had. I told my band mates about Matt Finish and they all became fans too. The crowds grew as people came to know them, but I could see they didn't connect with the average punter in the same way they did with me. It made me feel like telling people, pay attention, these guys are freaking amazing and that we're so lucky to have them. Unfortunately, not long after the Short Note album they seemed to lose momentum. I don't know why, but it was a great loss to Australian Rock music lovers. Matt's death was such as shock. Truly tragic.
I think we both had the very same experience with this band. I first saw them at the Prospect Hill Hotel in Kew. And just like you, i tried to convince others to really hear them!, but alas my mates just didn’t get it. I recall saying to a friend, …”these guys will be huge one day”. Matt’s passing was a very sad day in Aussie Rock. I really do still enjoy their music.
Totally agree. I just found the vinyl of this and am about to head out and buy a record player. Matt Finish were a stunning live band and whilst hugely popular across all the Sydney pubs where we went to see them they never had the career path of many of their peers. So sad Matt died so young. I often think back to their gigs...
Saw Matt Finish at Penrith Park sometime in the 80's and there were all the great Australian bands playing including Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, Swanee etc etc...most people were pretty drunk and noisy and then Matt Finish come on and open with Short Note. You could have heard a pin drop. Everyone went quiet and just seemed to be mesmerised by the song. I'll never forget that moment.
I still have the cassette tape I bought when I lived in Germany where I first discovered his music in a music store in 1989. I also have a sealed album that was shipped to me from Australia that I will never open and I even saved the box it was shipped in. I fell in love with Matt's music the moment I listened to it, he was one of a kind. I'm also a Songwriter and I have an awesome music room in my house and I proudly display his music memorabilia I have collected.
+SongWriter111 Oregon - music was made to be enjoyed - crack the seal and listen to his music - that's what it's there for; he would have wanted it that way ...
I was just talking to Matt's sister who I just met for the first time about twenty minutes ago who was with a friend of mine who was Matt's roadie all the way before he went to the UK to pursue a solo career , I loved Matt Moffat it was sad he died so young !
The 80s pub rock live music scene in Sydney Australia was absolutely on fire. INXS, Sunnyboys, The Reels, Mondo Rock, Radiators, Matt Finish and so many more. What a great time it was to be young then.
Favorite band of mine! Had the pleasure of interviewing Matt, John & Jeff at PBS in Melbourne in the 80s. Big feature of my Aus music show that week! Dream come true. Still loving the music as well as Matt's albums. Live on!
I was very fortunate to have seen Matt Finish while travelling and working around Aus. When I think of Matt's passing, feel sad we lost him way too soon, I have ache in my heart...life is fragile and unpredictable...Matt's amazing voice, energy and ability to communicate through his music, never to be repeated....
I used to drink with Matty at the Enmore at 11am in the morning...he was so alive on stage and so dark during the day. He and Prior were pure genius under the lights.
There's another version of this he did which is phenomenal. I use to play it all the time when I was driving one of my son's around to footy training, but I can't seem to find it. Both Matt and my son gone to early.
Remember this mob rocking the lounge of the Caringbah Hotel (Cronulla~Sutherland Shire) one night back in the day [gee, was it late 70's or early 80's?] And then, around that same week or so, there was The Radiators did a gig in the lounge as well. Both really great gigs, really shook the house.
Saw em a lot in the day, they were prolific and hard working. Very good value, no standing around with these guys. You would be into it and get a sweat up.
They were both fabulous live. Midnight Oil at the Royal Antler-Narrabeen (Sydney) or at Castle Hill RSL on a Sunday night were fabulous! Anywhere Midnight Oil played they have their all. Matt Finish at the Muso's Club, Manly Vale Hotel, any of the gigs they played along the beaches, like the Oils, also gave their all. Matt M's voice has that incredible urgency that many of the great rock bands have (in my humble opinion). Glad Cold Chisel still play gigs from time to time. Saw them in Feb here in Sydney and was seriously one of the best gigs I've ever seen. Ian Moss and Don Walker played like they were new men!
Dose anyone know where I can get this song it's not on the Short Note album which I have listening to this morning, I totally agree with F4UNick this song is totally UNFUCKENBELIEVABLE This song makes me want to get into a car & cruise the highways. Matt you may have passed on but you are still here with killer music like this MAY YOU FOREVER REST IN PIECE.
I just bought 4 Matt Finish albums & I can't wait to have a relaxing Saturday morning in bed with Matt Finish blaring out of my CD stacker just pure magic.
The Prince of Pretty Perfect Pub Punk. Wot a Fkn Loss..miss u Tonite and every Nite Matt..how tha Fkk is this Man..this Band not in the Ozz Rock N Roll..even Songwriters Hall of Fame as a Bare Fkn Minimum..this man is every bit an Ozz Poet as Paul Kelly..bar None...
I couldn't agree with more.I saw the original band at just about every gig they ever did in Melbourne.They always put on the most intense shows I have ever been to.The second version of MF were quite good as well but nowhere near the original band. Oh those great nights at the Armadale!!!!
+Ray Lehto gees.. that's a hugggge call, they were no where near the same class. Matt Finish was actually quite plain i thought & certainly not among the other classic artists out their in the early 80s... however when he went solo and had his hit " miss this tonight " was the only song i reckon he did well and chart worthy.
+Mr Moo I think you will find they were a lot different from the other classic artists out there. I know a little bit and I think you will find a lot of the classic artists you may refer to would have a completely different view to you. Matt was quite often referred to as the Muso's, muso.
INXS were totally overrated crap. Especially Michael Hutchence. He didn't have the class or talent of Matt Moffit's fingernail. Yes, they were more successful but that means nothing. There's no accounting for bad taste.
Home > Obituaries > Article Wild one with a dark angel's voice September 10, 2003 Printer friendly version Print this article Email to a friend Email to a friend Matt Moffitt, Singer, songwriter, 1956-2003 Matt Moffitt, songwriter and founder and lead singer of the rock band Matt Finish, has died in Sydney in his sleep, apparently from a stroke, at the age of 46. Matt spent much of his childhood in Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains of NSW. .
bonzoAU. That's so very very sad, Short Note used to make me cry, still being a very young girl, I felt a sadness emanating from the radio. Such a very sad loss so young Matt Moffitt. Sincerest condolences to family, band members, friends and everyone that knew and loved you, all your fans included. Love to everyone. Rest in Paradise.
In the early 80's I was a teenager in Melbourne catching public transport to see every band I could, and most were interesting. When I saw Matt Finish upstairs at the Armadale Hotel (Melbourne) it was the first time I'd seen a band with the level of energy and intensity that these guys produced. It was exciting, dangerous and exhilirating. I've never heard live sound as good as these guys had. I told my band mates about Matt Finish and they all became fans too. The crowds grew as people came to know them, but I could see they didn't connect with the average punter in the same way they did with me. It made me feel like telling people, pay attention, these guys are freaking amazing and that we're so lucky to have them. Unfortunately, not long after the Short Note album they seemed to lose momentum. I don't know why, but it was a great loss to Australian Rock music lovers. Matt's death was such as shock. Truly tragic.
I think we both had the very same experience with this band. I first saw them at the Prospect Hill Hotel in Kew. And just like you, i tried to convince others to really hear them!, but alas my mates just didn’t get it. I recall saying to a friend, …”these guys will be huge one day”.
Matt’s passing was a very sad day in Aussie Rock. I really do still enjoy their music.
Australia's most underrated band from the 80's....just good music that still gets me in the heart
Yes.
Totally agree. I just found the vinyl of this and am about to head out and buy a record player. Matt Finish were a stunning live band and whilst hugely popular across all the Sydney pubs where we went to see them they never had the career path of many of their peers. So sad Matt died so young. I often think back to their gigs...
U reign..
Saw Matt Finish at Penrith Park sometime in the 80's and there were all the great Australian bands playing including Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, Swanee etc etc...most people were pretty drunk and noisy and then Matt Finish come on and open with Short Note. You could have heard a pin drop. Everyone went quiet and just seemed to be mesmerised by the song. I'll never forget that moment.
Yeah i was there that day At Penrith Park,Matt Finish were Awesome,was a great Day,Good Memories.
The greatest song ever. Cranking guitars, grinding bass, drums and Matt's amazing voice. These guys never got the recognition they deserved.
check out Always Another on youtube
I still have the cassette tape I bought when I lived in Germany where I first discovered his music in a music store in 1989. I also have a sealed album that was shipped to me from Australia that I will never open and I even saved the box it was shipped in. I fell in love with Matt's music the moment I listened to it, he was one of a kind. I'm also a Songwriter and I have an awesome music room in my house and I proudly display his music memorabilia I have collected.
+SongWriter111 Oregon - music was made to be enjoyed - crack the seal and listen to his music - that's what it's there for; he would have wanted it that way ...
+renaissance guerrilla that is your opinion, but somethings are meant to be preserved :)
I met my first girl friend and listened to this together 36 years ago... Feels like yesterday
I was just talking to Matt's sister who I just met for the first time about twenty minutes ago who was with a friend of mine who was Matt's roadie all the way before he went to the UK to pursue a solo career , I loved Matt Moffat it was sad he died so young !
Seen em plenty of times. Fuckn cool.
Matt Moffit was always one of the greatest this country ever produced but he never received his just standing and acclaim.
Highly Under rated. Brilliant band who should have toured the world.
The 80s pub rock live music scene in Sydney Australia was absolutely on fire. INXS, Sunnyboys, The Reels, Mondo Rock, Radiators, Matt Finish and so many more. What a great time it was to be young then.
Favorite band of mine! Had the pleasure of interviewing Matt, John & Jeff at PBS in Melbourne in the 80s. Big feature of my Aus music show that week! Dream come true. Still loving the music as well as Matt's albums. Live on!
supported them 2 nights in a row at the Playroom in about 83 . . . sat side stage and was mesmerized, Moffat, Prior et al . . . what a band !!!
The playroom was an awesome venue. I feel we were in the greatest period of Australian music
My band gigged with these guys in 80 and 81 and they were such an inspiration. Such a great period in Australian rock music. Long live Matt Finish. x
What a killer song. Matt may be gone...but he'll never Fade Away in my mind.
I was very fortunate to have seen Matt Finish while travelling and working around Aus. When I think of Matt's passing, feel sad we lost him way too soon, I have ache in my heart...life is fragile and unpredictable...Matt's amazing voice, energy and ability to communicate through his music, never to be repeated....
I used to drink with Matty at the Enmore at 11am in the morning...he was so alive on stage and so dark during the day. He and Prior were pure genius under the lights.
this band still gives me goose bumps..
This band!!! So privileged to see them as many times as I did ..... So far ahead of their time!! What a band, what a talent!!!!!
me too ;)
There's another version of this he did which is phenomenal.
I use to play it all the time when I was driving one of my son's around to footy training, but I can't seem to find it.
Both Matt and my son gone to early.
so sorry Wimbo xx
when bands were bands and men were men and girls were still the same. surely times are just as good now? wishes do come true xxx
matt is truly an australian music icon
Ah the memories of listening to this, as a kid in the 80's...
Outstanding, just like it was yesterday.
I miss good music like this so much.
Ohhhh! So many Great Memories! Thanx for the Memories!
Family inn at Rydalmere ! They owned it!
one of the many outstanding bands back in the day, Matt Finish rocks,....
Matt Finish you reign!
Remember this mob rocking the lounge of the Caringbah Hotel (Cronulla~Sutherland Shire) one night back in the day [gee, was it late 70's or early 80's?] And then, around that same week or so, there was The Radiators did a gig in the lounge as well. Both really great gigs, really shook the house.
I played the vinyl EP today. What an awesome song and band.
Love this band... live was great... great memories... totally in.
Best footage ive seen ... what a persona ... thanks John .. what a band
also I love the bass tone.
This is such a powerful song.
Hadn't seen this clip before. Great clarity and they were on that night. Instantly transports me back....
Great band! Loved following them around in the eighties. Has anyone got a live video of "Out On those Moments"? My favorite song of theirs.
Great musos and what a superb voice live.
Lucky peeps that got to them
I put my Matt Finish vinyl on disc the other day and listened to them all night at work Fade Away and Short Note on multi repeats
Great performance. DVD should be great.
R.I.P. What a talent. What a legacy.
What a fucking band !!!! Perpetually intense.
Takes me back to my youth,awesome bang & tracks
Band
They were so good! I'd forgotten. Saw them countless times in Sydney in those days. Just remembering they were at one point my favourite band
Wow, memories thank you Matt Finish for ever
Saw em a lot in the day, they were prolific and hard working. Very good value, no standing around with these guys. You would be into it and get a sweat up.
What a great Band very very underrated band and even without Matt I saw them at Lazots at Avoca in 2010 and they were fantastic
the power of this band! beats midnight oil even without the passion!
They were both fabulous live. Midnight Oil at the Royal Antler-Narrabeen (Sydney) or at Castle Hill RSL on a Sunday night were fabulous! Anywhere Midnight Oil played they have their all. Matt Finish at the Muso's Club, Manly Vale Hotel, any of the gigs they played along the beaches, like the Oils, also gave their all. Matt M's voice has that incredible urgency that many of the great rock bands have (in my humble opinion). Glad Cold Chisel still play gigs from time to time. Saw them in Feb here in Sydney and was seriously one of the best gigs I've ever seen. Ian Moss and Don Walker played like they were new men!
Nowhere near the power of the Oils but still a great live band.
Dose anyone know where I can get this song it's not on the Short Note album which I have listening to this morning, I totally agree with F4UNick this song is totally UNFUCKENBELIEVABLE This song makes me want to get into a car & cruise the highways. Matt you may have passed on but you are still here with killer music like this MAY YOU FOREVER REST IN PIECE.
I just bought 4 Matt Finish albums & I can't wait to have a relaxing Saturday morning in bed with Matt Finish blaring out of my CD stacker just pure magic.
Great stuff, thanks for posting (got to see the Gross playing in Hoodoos last week) -
The Prince of Pretty Perfect Pub Punk. Wot a Fkn Loss..miss u Tonite and every Nite Matt..how tha Fkk is this Man..this Band not in the Ozz Rock N Roll..even Songwriters Hall of Fame as a Bare Fkn Minimum..this man is every bit an Ozz Poet as Paul Kelly..bar None...
takes me back to the bayview tavern
i still have the Matt finish LP... :-)
One of the best live bands......PERIOD👍RIP Matt😢
Great singer, love you Matt. RIP ❤
Matt finish and ice house via Davies the true Aussie great singers.
Love that snare !!!!
Still good after all these years.
I couldn't have said it better myself well said.
Bring more Matt Finish and Matt Moffitt to itunes please!
Just brilliant
This was on a live EP called Fade Away - I have it on Vinyl from it's first release - maybe you can track it down.
Brilliant !
This is EXCELLENT. I find it so strange he sings "JUST fade away" rather than "DON'T fade away"
fuck no i didn't even hear he had passed what a loss to aussie music RIP MATT
There's a copy on Ebay right now ... I'd grab it!!
@casperblackcat1975 I got my CD's in the post today & I'm listening to the studio version of this song & it's FUCKING SPECTACULAR
they were the Green Day of the 70s .... Awesome Live Band.... !!!
I was there
On hols in Paros and let it rip….fucking classic
I couldn't agree with more.I saw the original band at just about every gig they ever did in Melbourne.They always put on the most intense shows I have ever been to.The second version of MF were quite good as well but nowhere near the original band. Oh those great nights at the Armadale!!!!
The Family Inn at at Rydalmere !
Grossman on bass crackin bass line
❤
John Oreo would love this.
@GeneralG1810 I don't think I'm allowed to post links here but if you go to the Matt Finish website you may find it there.
inspiração from my surf 🤙🏼
Greart band😁
look at me
@Scratch1golfer . . . 100% with you !!!!
Yo me old Bro
Should have been bigger than INXS......
+Ray Lehto
gees.. that's a hugggge call, they were no where near the same class. Matt Finish was actually quite plain i thought & certainly not among the other classic artists out their in the early 80s... however when he went solo and had his hit " miss this tonight " was the only song i reckon he did well and chart worthy.
+Mr Moo I think you will find they were a lot different from the other classic artists out there. I know a little bit and I think you will find a lot of the classic artists you may refer to would have a completely different view to you. Matt was quite often referred to as the Muso's, muso.
YES!!!
flipitygibet garbage
INXS were totally overrated crap. Especially Michael Hutchence. He didn't have the class or talent of Matt Moffit's fingernail. Yes, they were more successful but that means nothing. There's no accounting for bad taste.
Could have been bigger than they were saw them around 1983 in StKilda-drummer was very impressive. -sad that matt moffit died
still here in 2023 john PRYOR
Matt finish died,when did this happen?
Home > Obituaries > Article
Wild one with a dark angel's voice
September 10, 2003
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Matt Moffitt, Singer, songwriter, 1956-2003
Matt Moffitt, songwriter and founder and lead singer of the rock band Matt Finish, has died in Sydney in his sleep, apparently from a stroke, at the age of 46.
Matt spent much of his childhood in Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains of NSW.
.
bonzoAU. That's so very very sad, Short Note used to make me cry, still being a very young girl, I felt a sadness emanating from the radio. Such a very sad loss so young Matt Moffitt. Sincerest condolences to family, band members, friends and everyone that knew and loved you, all your fans included. Love to everyone. Rest in Paradise.
13th August 2003, he had a Stroke
Really? Oh wow i didnt know how it happened. So sad😔
Can't find the lyrics anywhere.
You're Welcome!
www.mattfinish.com/mflyrics/fadeaway.html
Bass guitar is the Best
...sounds a lot like a young Freddie Mercury
🌹🇦🇺
by the early 2000's poor Matt had really lost his confidence. Great talent but lost his way somehow.
What a Pecker 👃