rudely interrupted

Back view of a person in a purple hoodie sitting behind a drum set on stage with warm lighting and other band members in the background.

One of the greatest privileges of my life was working with Australian indie-rock band Rudely Interrupted. Formed in Melbourne in the mid-noughties, the band captivated audiences worldwide with their infectious blend of indie and synth-pop.

A male musician performing on stage with a guitar and microphone.

This is Rohan Brooks, co-founder of the band, performing at the United Nations in New York in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Rohan is the only member of the band without a disability. After this powerful performance, the band quickly gained momentum, receiving a wave of bookings, including a spot at Toronto’s NXNE festival (Sneaky Dee’s) and performances at prestigious venues across New York, Washington, DC, Montreal, and beyond.

Close-up of a young man with light skin and curly brown hair standing outdoors near a bus, with a brick building in the background.

This is Rory Burnside, co-founder of Rudely Interrupted. He has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, and was born without eyes, yet he possesses the extraordinary talent of perfect pitch. As the band’s frontman, Rory brings a unique energy to every performance.

During a tour in Canada, we had the chance to meet Tom Cruise. After chatting with him, Rory turned to us and quipped, “Nup, I don’t believe that was Tom Cruise!” His witty scepticism never failed to surprise us.

Large red banner advertising the 2010 International VSA Festival held from June 6 to 12, 2010, with images of performers and supporting organizations, hung in a building labeled Hall of Nations.

The band proudly featured on a massive banner promoting the world-renowned VSA Festival at Washington DC’s Kennedy Center.

Being invited to perform at such a prestigious venue was an exciting milestone for the band, a true testament to their talent and hard work.

This incredible opportunity led to a North American tour aboard a luxurious coach complete with tinted windows, a bar, and bunk beds for the band and crew.

To top it off, the tour was captured in a thrilling 60-minute television documentary that aired to rave reviews during primetime on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). It was a significant moment in their musical journey.

Two young adults, a woman on the left with dark hair and striped hoodie, and a man on the right with curly hair and graphic t-shirt, smiling and talking on the street in front of a bus.

Check out the tour bus!

Open newspaper on a table with a red paper cup nearby. A laptop is visible at the top left corner. The newspaper features articles, pictures, and advertisements, including a billboard for the Montreal Festival with dates and a photo of a person in colorful clothing.

On the tour bus, I found myself poring over the reviews, grinning as I read the glowing praise the Montreal music press had given to Rudely Interrupted.

Schedule of upcoming events at Brooklyn Bowl, including concerts and performances from June 2 to June 12, with artist names and event details.

Rudely Interrupted headlining at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl was no sympathy gig — this band is the real deal, earning praise from the likes of Pitchfork and VICE Magazine. Even Moby wrote a glowing review of the group in his fanzine.

A musician wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket plays an electric bass guitar on stage. Other band members are visible in the background with drums and keyboard, and a large screen is behind them.

Ever the showman, this is bass player Sam Beke.

A young man sitting on red-carpeted stairs, resting his chin on his right hand, wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and Converse sneakers, in an indoor setting with warm lighting and decorative gold-colored poles in the background.

Marcus plays keys and holds a cool tune, despite being partially deaf and having autism. Here he is taking a breather after soundcheck at the VSA Festival in Washington, DC.

Man sitting on red-carpeted stairs with arms outstretched, wearing a red shirt with white silhouette figures and text, at an event with a large red banner overhead that reads 'international vsa festival, June 6-12, 2010'.

The flamboyant, irrepressible Sam Beke, who has Down Syndrome. Sam is a people person and loves to perform.

Close-up of a young man wearing a black beanie with the word 'Death' embroidered on it, in a dimly lit environment with blurred background lights. He has a slight smile and is wearing a hoodie with a guitar pattern.

There’s no rock ‘n’ roll without a drummer, and Rudely Interrupted is incredibly fortunate to have Josh laying down the beat. His tight and precise drumming has musicians and music writers in awe, bringing an exciting, urgent, and vital energy to the band’s sound.

What truly makes Josh a legend is his resilience; despite his disability, which makes it challenging for him to hold the sticks, he performs like a total pro and a master of his craft. It’s inspiring to think that he learned to play the drums on pots and pans, proving that passion and determination can overcome any obstacle.

A musician on stage playing an electric guitar and singing into a microphone, with drums and additional guitars in the background.

Rohan Brooks is highly regarded on the Australian indie rock scene. Before forming Rudely Interrupted with Rory Burnside, he toured internationally with many of Australia’s most well known bands.

Close-up of a young man with messy dark hair, blue eyes, and slightly open mouth showing teeth, with warm lighting and a blurred background.

Rory can’t see, he has no eyes, but he ‘sees’ in colour; often red, amber and green.

Young man singing into a microphone on stage with a drummer playing behind him in a dark concert setting with blue lighting.

Band rehearsal in Melbourne, Australia.

Black and white photo of five people sitting at a counter in front of tall mirrors in a room, possibly a salon or barbershop.

Getting ready for another headlining gig.

A bald man wearing dark sunglasses, a leather jacket, and a chain, extending his hands towards the camera in a lively indoor setting.

Larger than life, it’s bass player Sam. He’s a huge fan of the band Kiss.

A young man with disheveled hair wears a black T-shirt with a broken heart and the text "Don't break my heart." He is smiling and holding out his hand, possibly shaking hands with someone. The background shows a mirror and several people, some of whom are blurred.

Rohan Brooks during a television interview. You can also hear Rudely Interrupted featured on NPR’s All Things Considered.

A man standing in front of a wall covered with colorful concert posters, wearing a denim jacket over a red, blue, and white plaid shirt that is partly unbuttoned, with a serious expression.

There would be no Rudely Interrupted without the drive, perseverance, and sheer determination of Rohan Brooks.

Working alongside him was a true pleasure. Together, we broke down barriers, challenged the indie music scene’s norms, and earned the respect of the international press while securing high-profile gigs worldwide.

It was a privilege of a lifetime to be involved and to connect with some of the kindest people in the music business. Today, I live in the UK while Rohan continues to thrive in Australia.

Two musicians playing guitars on stage during a live performance, with audience members watching in the background.

Sam and Rohan on stage in Montreal, Canada.

Three men posing in front of a poster-covered wall. One man is making a rock hand gesture, wears glasses and a leather jacket. The second man has curly hair and a checkered shirt, with an open jacket. The third man has short dark hair, wears glasses, and a patterned hoodie. The background features promotional posters of music events.

As the Aussies say, “legends”. I’m grateful to them for an exhilarating, life-changing experience that was truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you for the incredible journey.