Martin Plaza

Martin Edward Murphy (born 23 December 1955), commonly known by the pseudonym Martin Plaza, is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician and visual artist who is a founding member, vocalist and guitarist of the new wave band Mental As Anything. He has also worked with other bands and is an accomplished artist. Plaza also has a solo music career and had a No. 2 hit in Australia with his 1986 cover of the song "Concrete and Clay".

Education and early career Plaza was born Martin Edward Murphy on the North Shore of Sydney. He attended St. Pius X College in Chatswood, excelling in sporting and artistic pursuits but showing little interest in other subjects. After attending Hornsby Technical College he switched with fellow student Steve Coburn to the East Sydney Technical College in Darlinghurst in the mid-1970s where he met Chris O'Doherty. Around this time he was working part-time at Kentucky Fried Chicken. With O'Doherty (later known as Reg Mombassa), Coburn and another student, David Twohill, he formed the pop/rock band Mental As Anything in May 1976.

Mental As Anything

Art career All early members of Mental As Anything are also artists in addition to being musicians and have exhibited their artworks since 1982. The Rock Party released a 12" single "Everything to Live For", which was produced by Joe Wissert, Phil Rigger and Phil Beazley. it became one of the first Australian Dance or House albums. Another surprising turn was his 1994 album Andy's Chest. Composed almost entirely of Lou Reed covers,

Released: March 1986 Format: LP, Cassette Label: CBS 12

Released: May 1994 Format: CD, cassette Label: RCA 58

Singles + Title Year Peak chartpositions Album AUS 2019 Andrew "Greedy" Smith and Martin Plaza (Mental As Anything) Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame