Peter ‘Blackie’ Black of Hard-Ons Releases Two Solo Albums as Boss Steps Away
Peter ‘Blackie’ Black, the renowned guitarist and co-founder of the band Hard-Ons, has recently unveiled two new solo albums, namely Boss Is Gone Gone Gone and A Bowl Of Spiders, accompanied by the release of a music video for the track “Not To Hurt Anyone” from A Bowl Of Spiders. This marks the fourth visual installment from the two albums, both of which were launched in February 2026 after an intensive recording process spanning nine months at Pet Food Factory. The albums were produced in collaboration with Jason Whalley and Jemima Perry-Ewing, with final touches done by Lachlan Mitchell at Parliament Studios and mastering by John Ruberto. The video for “Not To Hurt Anyone” was skillfully created by the renowned Sydney studio Kapow Pictures.
Blackie’s decision to release two albums simultaneously showcases his prolific creativity and a deliberate artistic divergence. One album, Boss Is Gone, explores acoustic minimalism and understated tones, while A Bowl Of Spiders ventures into various musical styles, demonstrating Blackie’s versatility as a songwriter. This format aligns with the growing trend of independent artists opting for unconventional album release strategies, allowing for more extensive and self-directed creative projects.
In his own words, Blackie explains the rationale behind the dual release: “It’s two albums again ’cause I just had too many songs I wanted to record. Boss Is Gone is purely acoustic, again I wanted to see if I could pull off something so quiet, and Spiders is eclectic.” This distinction underscores Blackie’s longstanding pattern of using his solo endeavors as experimental platforms separate from his band collaborations with Nunchukka Superfly and Hard-Ons.
The songs featured in A Bowl Of Spiders showcase Black’s musical diversity, with tracks like “Conga Line To The Rest Room” offering a glimpse into synth-pop influences, while “There Is Love” delves into gospel-inspired compositions. On the other hand, “Clap Your Hands” exudes power pop vibes with intricate guitar layers, highlighting Blackie’s wide-ranging sonic capabilities. In contrast, Boss Is Gone Gone Gone commences with “Pumas On The Sleeve”, an a cappella piece reminiscent of classic harmonic pop, followed by tracks like “Push Push Push” featuring vocals from Tim Steward of Screamfeeder, and “Toss And Turn”, a compelling duet with Lauren Friedman.
Blackie’s solo work is deeply rooted in his musical journey that began in Sydney’s western suburbs in the early 1980s. Having established Hard-Ons in 1982, the band garnered critical acclaim for their unique blend of punk, surf-pop, and heavy guitar elements. Despite lineup changes and periods of hiatus, the Hard-Ons have maintained their presence in the music scene, with recent albums regaining recognition on the ARIA charts.
In parallel, Black’s collaborations with Nunchukka Superfly have pushed the boundaries of experimental music, incorporating elements of psychedelia and progressive structures. His solo albums continue this exploratory spirit, focusing on intricate songwriting and meticulous arrangements. By releasing Boss Is Gone Gone Gone and A Bowl Of Spiders simultaneously, Blackie emphasizes a holistic presentation of his evolving musical repertoire, free from the constraints of conventional release schedules.
As the music landscape evolves, Black’s independent approach to production and distribution resonates with a broader movement towards artistic autonomy. The acoustic nuances of Boss Is Gone Gone Gone reflect a renewed emphasis on stripped-back compositions, showcasing Blackie’s prowess in crafting emotive and engaging songs. With the release of “Not To Hurt Anyone” and its accompanying video, Peter Black cements his position as a multifaceted musician dedicated to exploring new horizons in his solo career while upholding the legacy of his band contributions.