In late 2005 – 4 Griffith school boys decided to form a band! John-Ross Wood on Vocals and Guitar, Erik Renno on Bass, Matt Favaro on Guitar and Andrew Farrugia on Drums.
In April 2006 “The Mourning After†played their first gig and showcased their music. Shortly after this time bass player Erik Renno decided to exit the band. Agh! “The Mourning After†was in desperate need for a replacement. Long time friend, guitarist and ex band member from another band Ben Parle learned to play bass overnight so that he could jump ship onto “The Mourning Afterâ€.
After practising, rehearsing, and writing, Greg Hookey was recruited as vocalist and the boys got their first ever real gig in Andrew Farrugia’s hometown of Rankins Springs. A town with a population of no more than 200. Check this out: Not a bad effort at all – around 50 people rocked out to “The Mourning Afterâ€
Yeah, that is ¼ of the people of Rankins Springs!
More time passed, more reheasals, more songs! The boys land their second gig. Once again in Rankins Springs N.S.W. This time – a full on event. Over 100 people in attendance – and an awesome 2 hour long gig.
While still on their high from their awesome gig – tragedy struck “The Mourning After†drummer Andrew Farrugia was bashed to death in the early hours of January 1, 2007.
The Grief stricken band knew they had to act on behalf of Andrew Farrugia and his family.
Songwriter Ben Parle penned the song “Waiting for You (For Andy)†a few short hours after the tragic news of Andrew’s death.
On Wednesday the 3rd of January a prayer service was held for Andrew at his Griffith High School Marian Catholic College.
In front of over 200 people “The Mourning After†performed their song “Waiting for You (For Andy)â€
That afternoon – “The Mourning After†recorded an accoustic version of their song “Waiting for You (For Andy)†at 99.7 StarFM Studio’s in Griffith New South Wales.
Guitarist Matt Favaro was then was then moved to the drums due to the fact that he had been playing the drums since he was in the womb and had actually taught Andrew how to play.
For 2 days StarFM promoted the premiere of the song “Waiting for You†which was to air for the first time on Radio Monday January 8th at 10:00am. With the premier of the song promoted on WIN news, and the local newspaper “The Area News†many individuals and businesses tuned in and turned up to hear the song that everyone was talking about.
After it was announced the boys allowed the song to be available for requests, the public people of Griffith and surrounding areas requested the songs numerous times per day.
The band members and their friends were also hit up in the streets and asked about where you can buy copies of the song.
National TV networks and Newspapers contaced 99.7 StarFM Griffith for copies of the popular song. Samples of the song were also played on National Nine News, Seven News, TEN News and A Current Affair.
Lyrics to the song were also found in “The Area News†and Sydney’s “The Daily Telegraphâ€
Tuesday 9th of January was the day of young Andrew Farrugia’s funeral in Griffith. In front of over 1000 people the song “Waiting for You†was played. A story that has truly touched so many peoples hearts and lives. Local pubs and clubs in the Griffith and surrounds area have already made contact already keen to get “The Mourning After†in for gigs.
A plaque in Andrew’s honour is currently being made and will be placed at his makeshift memorial tree. The Band, The Town, Friends, Family and StarFM are currently planning a Benefit Concert for Andrew’s Family. Numerous local bands and acts will be performing on the day, and all proceeds going towards Andrew’s family.
