Ronnie Simmons & The Redback Spiders

Australian Rock guitarist Ronnie Simmons and his new band The Redback Spiders debut their killer punk influenced EP ‘Bite! Part One’ (22/11/24 –  Suburban Records)

Ronnie Simmons and The Redback Spiders are a new punk influenced hard rock band from Sydney Australia, fronted by Ronnie Simmons (Rose Tattoo, Richie Ramone, ex-Faster Pussycat).

The band’s debut EP ‘Bite! Part One’ was written and produced by Ronnie himself, and engineered and mixed by Clay Davies at One More Time Recording in Los Angeles. Influenced by classic punk, Australian pub rock and with a tinge of ska, the record features Richie Ramone (The Ramones) and the late Chris Moye on drums, with Johnny Martin of LA Guns on bass, backing vocals by Danny Nordahl of Faster Pussycat and Scott Churilla of Reverend Horton Heat and The Supersuckers, lead vocals, all guitars and saxophone by Ronnie Simmons.

The songs are an accumulation of Ronnie’s experiences from leaving Sydney Australia and moving to Hollywood, before returning to become a permanent member of Rose Tattoo. Stylistically and lyrically paying homage to elements of his journey and life in Los Angeles, they also are a return to his roots and where he started.

Earlier this year, the band released the band released debut single ‘Alone With You’, along with a show at the Sydney Harbour cruise, performing against the backdrop of the iconic Sydney skyline. Coinciding with the single release, Mozztronics launched the “RTS-1 Blood & Thunder” Ronnie Simmons signature edition effects pedal, which combines all of Ronnie’s favorite guitar tones into one signature unit.

Second single ‘Little Misunderstood’ is a rebellious punk rock anthem inspired by Ronnie’s teenage years growing up in Sydney Australia. In celebration of those who succeeded despite all odds and also in memoriam of those who didn’t.

In discussing the collaborative effort behind the EP, Ronnie emphasized the invaluable support from friends he worked with at various stages of his time in Los Angeles. “It was really cool to have my friends come together to help bring this record to life. Everyone’s support and involvement definitely brought a spirit of fun and energy to the recording process,” he elaborates. “Having drums played by Richie Ramone on songs I’d written is something I’ll be eternally proud of, and also being able to capture on record just how good a drummer Chris Moye was, really means a lot to me.”

When playing live, Ronnie is joined by his Redback Spiders: Hayden McGoogan and Sean Anderson on guitar, Tommy Hills on bass and Chip Scanu on drums. After just two live performances in Sydney, The Redback Spiders have signed with Suburban Records in the Netherlands and are fast picking up momentum.