Seven has confirmed the Australian television premiere of “Live It Up: The Mental As Anything Story”, the feature documentary chronicling the rise of one of the country’s most recognisable bands.
Written and directed by Matthew Walker, the Beyond Entertainment production will air on Tuesday, November 24th on Seven and 7plus, following its theatrical release earlier this year.
The documentary traces the band’s unlikely journey from five counterculture art students who formed a cover band in Sydney in 1977 to one of Australia’s most successful and distinctive musical acts.
Combining infectious pop melodies, irreverent humour and a unique visual identity, Mental As Anything became known for capturing and satirising Australian suburban life without ever taking themselves too seriously.
The band achieved 22 Australian Top 40 singles, including “The Nips Are Getting Bigger”, “If You Leave Me Can I Come Too?”, “Too Many Times” and “Live It Up”. The latter became an international success after appearing in the 1986 film “Crocodile Dundee”, introducing the band’s music to audiences around the world.
Featuring previously unseen archival footage and exclusive interviews with original members Reg Mombassa, Peter O’Doherty, Martin Plaza and David Twohill, the documentary explores the personalities, creative relationships and experiences that shaped the band throughout its career.
It also revisits the legacy of the late Andrew “Greedy” Smith, who died in December 2019, and examines how to group navigated fame, creative differences and the pressures of the music industry while maintaining the humour and individuality that defined its appeal.
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Announced earlier this year as part of the band’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the film coincided with Mental As Anything reuniting for a national tour featuring original members Mombassa and O’Doherty.
Originally released in Australian cinemas on March 5th, “Live It Up: The Mental As Anything Story” offers a look at the band’s lasting cultural influence, from their early days on Sydney’s local pub circuit to their international breakthrough and the music that continues to resonate with generations of Australians.
“Live It Up: The Mental As Anything Story” premieres Tuesday, November 24th at 9.10pm on Seven and 7plus.