If you had told me a year ago that I would be playing in the world’s biggest rock band…in Antarctica…at Casey Station…at that particular point in time, I would have told you “Ya Dreaming!” But it happened. The Sub-Optimals hit the world stage with instant success. Band members were as follows:-
Peter “Macklemore” Mackle belting out the vocals.
Natasha “Nat Attack” Behrendorff ripping it on the keyboards.
Dan “The Man” Dardha busting some beats on the drums.
And myself, Tom “Morello” Herbert shredding the guitar.
The Sub-Optimals began their Antarctic tour at Midwinter, starting with Splinters Bar - The Red Shed. It was a sellout, all 8 tickets sold immediately!
The song lineup comprised three songs which involved the use of no more than four chords, a narrow vocal range, and an easy beat. A recipe for success!
I wish I could say the fame and money that followed didn’t come at a price. Pete, after finding love, decided to split from the band - wanted to tread his own path. Natasha developed severe arthritis in her fingers. Dan, after declaring bankruptcy, released a biography “Suffering from Success” which has been the subject of multiple copyright infringements. While I am left with the memories of what was. And my photographs. Guess I will go back to being an electrician.
Maybe we can get the band back together one day…
Tom Herbert
Ex Lead Guitarist, Sub-Optimals