Christine Joy Amphlett

Assembled and edited

By

Martin Francis

JosslynMartinArt.com

Feature Artist Band or Album

Chrissy Amphlett grew up in a working-class family in Geelong. She had a challenging upbringing marked by personal struggles and a tumultuous relationship with her family. Her father was a truck driver, and her mother was a housewife. Chrissy had a difficult relationship with her parents, especially her mother, which led to her running away from home at the age of 14. After leaving home, Amphlett travelled around Australia, living on the streets and performing in various towns to support herself. She spent time in Sydney, where she began to hone her singing skills and immerse herself in the city's vibrant music scene. Amphlett also travelled abroad during her teenage years, spending time in Europe and the United States, where she was exposed to different musical influences, including rock and punk, which would later shape her unique vocal style and stage presence. Amphlett's early life experiences, marked by hardship and a determination to forge her path, greatly influenced her music and the persona she projected on stage. She became an icon not just for her vocal talent but also for her defiant attitude and unique style, which left a lasting impact on the Australian music scene.

In addition to her music career, Amphlett also pursued acting. She starred in the Australian production of the musical Blood Brothers and appeared in the film Monkey Grip (1982), which further showcased her talents and versatility as an artist.

Amphlett co-founded Divinyls in 1980 with guitarist Mark McEntee, and the band quickly gained attention for their energetic performances and Amphlett's electrifying stage presence. She became known for her unique, androgynous style, often performing in school uniforms and fishnet stockings, which became her signature look.

Divinyls released several successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Desperate (1983), What a Life! (1985), and Temperamental (1988). Their biggest international hit came in 1991 with the song "I Touch Myself," which topped the charts in Australia and reached the Top 10 in the United States. The song became a cultural touchstone and remains one of the most iconic tracks of the era.

Health challenges marked Amphlett's later years. In 2007, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and in 2010, she revealed that she was also battling breast cancer. Despite her illnesses, she continued to work and remained an inspiring figure to many.

Chrissy Amphlett passed away on April 21, 2013, at the age of 53. Her death was a significant loss to the music world, particularly in Australia, where she is remembered as a pioneering female rocker who broke boundaries and paved the way for future generations of women in music.

Amphlett's legacy lives on through her music and her lasting impact on the rock genre. Her fearless attitude, powerful voice, and unforgettable performances have ensured her place as an enduring icon in Australian music history.

“I would never do Australian Idol. You know, if I’d been starting out now and was on one of those Idol talent shows, I’d have been kicked off for being too different. Everything is just so generic now, it’s ridiculous.” Chrissy Amphlett, Divinyls

Amphlett grew up in a musical family and was exposed to the arts from a young age. Her aunt was Australian singer Little Pattie, which likely influenced her early interest in music. Amphlett left home as a teenager and spent time in Europe, where she lived in Spain and travelled through various countries. During this time, she honed her singing and performance skills by busking and performing in various clubs.