Ironheart were among the most original of all the Australian heavy rock bands playing that scene at the time. While most of the other bands chose to display themselves in striped spandex, leotards and plastic chains and played the standard cover versions such as Deep Purple’s” Smoke on the water” or Led Zeppelins "Rock'n'roll" Ironheart belted out powerful well written original material and often performed their sets in what was undoubtedly by heavy rock standards of the time quite an unconventional manner which left the punters and often the other bands scratching their heads in confused astonishment! They had a mean dark image complete with candle lit stage and a leather clad singer John Vella, who had the look, athleticism, and a gigantic pair of lungs.

This band was loud! In fact local legend has it, that one of the bands most dedicated punters who was known to be completely deaf would often “sign” that Ironheart was the only band he could feel! The band recorded a 3 track EP that unfortunately never got released. Bass player Constantinou left the band in 1985 and was replaced by Botica's old mate from Bad News Mark O'Connor. This lineup continued on throughout 1986 but due to seemingly endless internal complications the band finally called it a day and saw Botica,Venner and O'Connor form Labrats.

Trent Masterton 1999

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