Divinyls - Rick Grossman - Australian Story (All The Boys In Town)

Divinyls - Rick Grossman - Australian Story (All The Boys In Town)
ABC TV 10 November 2008
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard...)
Grossman has admitted that his heroin drug abuse forced him out of The
Divinyls in 1987, he nearly died from overdosing and The Buttery Drug and
Alcohol Rehab Centre helped him get clean; Grossman is now a patron of
The Buttery and also a drug rehab counsellor.[30] On 10 November 2008,
Australian Story episode "All the Boys in Town" featured Grossman, he
mentioned his recovery from heroin addiction at The Buttery and described
his project to gain funding for their rehab centre: a CD Caution: Life Ahead!
with performances and royalties donated by various artists.[31] Grossman is
married and lives in Sydney and, when not touring or recording, is a lecturer
at JMC Academy Australia, providing instruction in Creative Industries
Course: Popular Music and Performance.[32] He also developed 'Flight
Deck', a studio for aspiring songwriters, in 2000.[33]

[@nurulillyana]

Rick is my music teacher at the moment. A very talented and inspiring musician that I have so much respect for. 🌹

[@natalier7204]

Wow! He’s got so much experience from being in two of Australia’s greatest bands. Lucky you 😮

[@Rumpole1000]

Wow, I think this was filmed and aired in 2008 or so but here we are in 2023 and Rick is still doing what he loves. Playing rock with the Hoodoo Gurus.

[@jamiegroves5155]

I'm a studio musician and composer ive spoke with Rick now I am clean after nearly 40 years of heroin and methadone I have been Up and down Run in the 89 -2000 in Europe locked up coming through customs in Switzerland and I will be eternally grateful for kieth Richards I was given a temporary American Visa to go to detox and rehabilitation in a very expensive clinic got home in Sydney overdose on the plane , then The love of my life my partner in crime my wife whom U adore I woke up she was dead in my arms I still have nightmare about it my poor little girl was three months old My father and mother were her parents I was lucky, but I have a good relationship with her now but I ever get back in the heroin and my grandkids two girls and Two boys will never be in contact with me ever again my daughter made me feel so proud after she just finished a doctorate in physciology

[@cricket3715]

Matt Finish was what got me into playing bass. The short note album was a huge impact on my life.

[@germancaperarojas4023]

Wow, man. Being part of the eighties Divinyls is so far out. Don't you regret of nothing!

[@stevennewman1268]

I was an adict for 30 yrs originally from wollongong but live around gold coast selling smack many yrs in 2020 went to logan house and have been clean like rick said urself is the biggest problem ,, now i am nearly 66 own 3 guitars and 2 amps and drum machine spend my days playing in far nth Qld , , stay strong there is always a better idea then getting ON

[@danozism]

Such a great episode of Australian Story. Rick is refreshingly honest, believable and down to earth- very inspiring. It's so sad seeing Chrissy, knowing that five years after this was filmed she would no longer be with us (her death had nothing to do with drugs, for those who don't know). Sorry in advance for this really long comment! It's true that drugs were (and still are) prevalent in the Australian music scene, especially in the 80's and 90's. The drug culture has changed a lot in 30/40 years- these days it's quite often misuse of prescription drugs. Alcohol has always been part of the scene. I was involved in the Australian music scene, starting in the mid 90's. I sang and played a bunch of instruments, wrote songs, played and recorded in some well known bands, and spent long stretches away from home, recording in different cities and/or doing long, relentless tours. It can all really take a mental toll, missing your loved ones and your home life. Early on, my weakness was mainly alcohol and pot, but it didn't take long for harder substances to creep in. Speed, pills and cocaine were pretty common backstage, but it never seemed to be something that would cause long term problems, at the time. Of course, when many of the artists you admire have used heroin (for example- Kurt Cobain, Lou Reed, John Frusciante... too many to mention here), if the opportunity to try it arises, it can be very hard to say no. That was what happened to me- I thought- 'just one hit won't get me addicted', but as soon as I tried it, it made every other substance seem almost weak and pointless. Heroin did exactly what I'd wanted a drug to do since I started experimenting with them- euphoric, confident - a real 'king of the world' type feeling. Super warm, fuzzy and perfect. Within 18 months I was physically addicted, with pretty much all my money going straight into my arm. Music took a back seat to using- doing gigs was just paying for my habit. Within three years I'd sold most of my treasured equipment for drugs, I'd left (or been kicked out of) the bands I was in, and I was reduced to doing crappy solo cover gigs in awful pubs, just to pay for my next hit. I stopped writing songs, lost my girlfriend, ended up having a really strained, awkward relationship with my family... nothing mattered except the drugs. It's amazing that somehow, through the haze, you can almost justify it all- but it's just the drugs fooling you. Things are better now- twelve years since I became addicted, I can say that for the last eight months I have been clean for the first time. But it takes a VERY long time to reclaim your life, your self respect, your family and relationships- some will heal, some never will, but you have to accept that and be grateful for this second chance at life. Sorry for this super-long comment! I didn't intend to write so much, I guess it just spilled out, especially after watching this video. Thanks for the upload, Mark. Rock on! "-)

[@user-dt3rz2lz7q]

Thank you, for your very long comment. Without it, no one learns anything. Your insight. As a 63 year female l can honestly say l have never smoked, drank or even dabbled in drugs. Why? Because l never wanted anyone or anything controlling me. I never wanted to loose control. A control freak, possibly🙂 but l hope positively. Nature is a great healer and l love it passionately. As a fellow human being, l am so glad you survived that scurge, so consider yourself a life warrior that shared your very long comment. Thank you🐨😘🦘

[@danozism]

@@user-dt3rz2lz7q Thanks, it's much appreciated. And your decision to stay away from intoxicants was a wise one. In the end, they destroy and control you, if you don't have the will power to control them. All the best! "-)

[@Chris-sq7bh]

@@user-dt3rz2lz7q 62-year old here. No drug experience either!! So glad to hear that people come through it eventually. Everyone has a story to tell and we can all learn from each other.

[@pwrrpw319]

Don't apologize for telling your story, & good on ya for sharing & for escaping from your addiction, while plenty don't understand & just look down their nose at people who are struggling, most ( i hope ) of us understand & have respect for you & Mark & a whole lot more that have come before you & sadly will still come after you & follow a similar path, as for me I'm a heavy drinker, but not an Alcoholic, i can stop drinking any time I choose, but I have very little else in my otherwise useless existence to look forward too, so I drink & also to self medicate! for depression & anxiety, never (fortunately ) had an issue with drugs, I have only ever had weed, nothing more & never been addicted too anything , so maybe I have no right to even comment here, but I do know what it's like to struggle with life so....... , anyway all the best ,I hope you stay clean & have banished your demons forever!.

[@shelli5471]

Addiction sucks...you can either ride the drug wave and die or kick the shit and get your life back on track...congratulations to everyone that survived addiction and got their life back..

[@jasonlogie3863]

I had the pleasure of seeing the Divinyls live in a pub in Toowoomba in 1988 . It was the best night off my life. Chrissy RIP during the song I Touch Myself she pissed on the crowd in the front of the stage. I was one of those at the front. Again what a night

[@JulieannHouse]

She loved tormenting the Boy's when singing that song, I met her & band, the boyfriend drummer I was dating at the time played in a band called Sweaty Palms, they supported Divinyls in Canberra, after the show went met her, she looked at me said nice meet ya, take care of yourself Sweetie, they didn't hang around long, as they had been wanting to get out of there, great memories RIP Chrissy 😢very missed ❤️ I'm glad that she found a true Man to love care for her & he did,

[@UriahHeep100]

Great documentary. Loved Chrissy, but she was pretty mixed up, did an all-nighter with her once (alcohol) in Perth after we shared a Taxi. She was truly lovely, intelligent and had a heart of Gold! Was devastated when she passed....

[@maxq73]

wow you had a need to share a private moment and call her pretty mixed up? You are obviously unaware she quit drinking years b4 she passed away.

[@pwrrpw319]

A year later in 2024 i hope Rick is still doing what he loves, playing rock n roll with the Hoodoo Gurus , wish I could join them, if they are still at it !, I once had the pleasure of working with them, in Bunbury Western Australia, a great bunch of guys/musicians , they were an absolute pleasure to work with, and a top notch bunch of blokes ! :) , rock on guys :).

[@HopliteWarlord]

'80's Melbourne was full of the best Herion you could get your hands on. I remember buying 50 bucks worth of Heroin and could get off on it for two days in 1980/81/82 used to play Monkeygrip and Desperate in my Monaro on the way to St Kilda to score! Irony was I was into the Divinyls in a big way then! They were my Heroin Band!! Unbelievable. I wish Rick all the best, I am still a recovering Herion addict and I am 63 years old! On Suboxone for the last 20 years before that Methadone for 10 years! I know where you are coming from and wish you all the best Rick Grossman!

[@CC3193]

Gosh, I love Neil Finn's songwriting and singing 💙💚🤍

[@RogerKeynes]

His playing in Matt Finish inspired this (muuuuch younger) bass player.

[@joancahill4405]

Loved "Matt Finish" ❤

[@bogan-slayer7469]

I played in a support band for them at Port Macquarie RSL back in the day.

[@keithminchin1817]

Wow! Finding it hard to come up with the words to do that justice. Such honesty. ❤ There are some great people in this world.

[@TheMicturation]

geez didnt know he played on 'short note' such an iconic australian song

[@joancahill4405]

Matt Finish were Sensational!

[@bono1961]

Well done to all. Powerful stuff. Life is good 👍

[@HopliteWarlord]

I was so into Herion during the Divinyls era from 1980 till 1986. I relate my Heroin addiction to this era and The Divinyls were a huge part of my Heroin memories!

[@johnjullien-wk3pp]

Wow.. we ❤ Rick. I put my hand up too. Spent time in re hab. Best thing I ever did.

[@GoodMrDawes]

Those harmonies. What a Legend

[@myNTlife]

I met him at an NA meeting years ago, cool guy

[@isralolssen8760]

What an amazing journey….good on you Rick!

[@MagicThys]

more of these butteries are needed

[@MrDino1953]

Used to love going to pubs in 1980’s Melbourne to see Matt Finish and listen to Rick Grossman’s bass work.

[@pauldixon1766]

Indeed, they were one of the best and underrated outfits of their time. Was so sad to lose Matt so early.

[@deebaker9199]

I've heard lots of great stuff about the Buttery...many addict friends who have experienced great recovery there. I did 8 months in a Brisbane recovery centre , was best time of my life but still relapsed when I exited. Addiction is a powerful disease..and affordable rehab is so rare 😢 but now am 3 years in a recovered and greatful state 🎉 We need more rehab retreats like the Buttery...and 12 step recovery program accessibility as so few of us make it... 😢 thankyou so much for sharing this film ❤ Miracles are possible ❤ 🎉

[@bretthernan7589]

You'd think that since governments decree drugs illegal and then can't control their import and sale (eg you can get any drug you want in prisons, even!) then they'd also be obliged to provide financing and plentiful rehab services for those who end up addicted to the supply of drugs which their ongoing policy of prohibition guarantees. Nothing like an adequate amount of detox facilities exist anywhere in Australia to treat the amount of contemporaneous drug addicts. It can take longer than 6 weeks on average to get an introductory assessment interview at a detox facility and then who knows how very long for a bed? How can society and the law in any way blame the addict for their ongoing addiction when, if they decide to proactively quit by seeking to enter rehab, they find the rehab system seems to oppose them due to lack of availability? When scheduled to open so incredibly rarely, what hope has the average addict of maintaining their resolve to quit when they make that decision? Our society ought to do everything possible to immediately assist when an addicted person seeks treatment, (not as now the least possible), because that window of opportunity represents a critical moment of life and death decision making on their part, one where if they are not given help they may have not another chance to achieve sobriety. The message received from governments is that drug rehabilitation is not a priority, since it is their policy to weaponise, against those whom they claim to represent(!), their own people, the innate desire inherent in the human psyche to experience intoxication, a derangement of the senses, either temporarily or long term, by maintaining the very obviously failed social experiment which drug prohibition represents. This version of prohibition is an ironic and tragically absurd incarnation which, through that other obvious aspect of human nature ie greed, not only ensures globally widespread drug supply, but also through hyper inflated retail values, ensures a long line of willing dealers waiting to replace the last one either killed or incarcerated, each attracted by extremely high profit margins, traditionally justified because of the very fact that "It's illegal". Currently the prohibition of drugs is like an enormous, out of control Ferris wheel, spinning massively too fast for anyone to either stop it or survive the ride. Instead of accepting their 'boot walking upon our faces' we ought to be using what power liberty still affords us by challenging the status quo and demanding radical and legitimate drug law reform from our government. And if they can't do that then, at least, cater adequately for addicts when they seek help.

[@mrozboss]

I lost my brother to H he also was an artist even filled a spot with Pantera in the 90s he eventually moved to tas and was of it for 5vyears but sadly ended his life because the addiction was still haunting him he said to me once is the dragon will eat its own tail and it did stay strong survivors help is always there

[@Bims79-w3b]

I love divinyls so much

[@markrussell7804]

Rick well done great bass player for the divinyls and good story 👍

[@erlstone]

brilliant!!... hope this can inspire others to seek help or find the metal to go "head on" confronting your issues.. there is no half measures... all or nothing

[@jeffreybright8119]

Great story and news Rick, you`ve been an inspiration to me, from Matt Finish to the Hudoo`s , i`ve always loved your playing style as i`m a Bass player too, and Pbass is my weapon of choice for 40 yrs ,,, lol Glad you got through it Mate ...

[@MagicThys]

wonderful insights

[@Beenjammin9]

Thanks, I needed that!

[@donnagough5349]

This documentary is very honest Nailed it about the speed ,and heroin use in the 80's. Best time to see awesome Australian bands .

[@poitor9217]

Fortunate guy is rick in a number of ways💪🏻

[@jamesharryward5595]

Bless you Rick .........

[@kelvinring5690]

Touching Recovery Story. Any addict can stop using, lose the desire to use and find a new band...

[@fergo7010]

This story made me feel good inside 👍✌

[@saltylavender7096]

Wow ! Neil Finn !

[@virgomonkey68]

Got ya picks from the hoodoo gurus/ rock wiz show kings park perth. You played tight mate and ill treasure them….but they’re pretty worn….didn’t realise you play on them on side edge. Anyway i thought your a great bass player…never missed a beat. Top show and much respect for what you do.

[@Robyn-by6qt]

James Reyne was in L.A at one point in time after being signed to Roger Davies (Tina Turners management)etc . He noticed her and her band were playing a gig . He admired her singing , stage presence , and her band ...however like many males treated her appallingly. My guesstimates being He was intimidated by such an amazing force of nature with uber talent in spades. So hard to have been a female rocker back then especially.

[@sehkra13]

This waffle makes no sense. Who treated who badly? Are you thinking of a movie you saw? What does this have to do with Rick and his amazing sense of community spirit and the funds struggle of the Buttery ? Are you saying James Reyne had a heroin additction or was a jerk? Nothing makes sense

[@howlinsg1968]

he doesnt come across like a druggy, more like an enabler.

[@kinghtcg4017]

Yeah differently 😌 💯 look at the demon, you never know the battle in own head

[@97widerider]

Quitting drugs is easy. Just start running and get a whole new high.

[@tonysajkowski3534]

Its always about more money

[@MagicThys]

coming off hgards drugs is awful...a week of horror

[@vincentcalcopietro6970]

Such a great and beautiful musician, she fought better than lion . RIP NOW IN THE GOOD LORDS CARE. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Michael-yd5ry]

I never touch myself,honestly !

[@derhampaul2182]

They can't sing

[@mattharris5067]

Who can't sing?