Mad Macka
Dane Beesley
- Sitter: John "Mad Macka" McKeering
- Medium: Photograph
- Dimensions: 65cm x 100cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
About the artwork
In this large no-nonsense portrait with its stark background, the focus is firmly on Mad Macka. Born John McKeering, this music industry icon plays guitar for the Cosmic Psychos, who recently returned from their 40th anniversary and US Tour.
The Guardian describes the Cosmic Psychos as “..sounding like the Ramones fronted by the Crocodile Hunter, they write songs in a distinctly Australian vernacular about drinking, fighting, roadkill and punching above your weight.”
The gruff exterior in this candid portrait, with its contradictory, halo-like soft smoke surrounding the figure, hints at what else might make up this remarkable man. A lawyer with a degree in political science and a master of arts in musicology, a former competitive swimming coach who, as a junior, beat Kieren Perkins, he perfoms on stage with no shoes, shorts and a singlet.
Mad Macka played with the Onyas and the Egos as well as the Cosmic Psychos. When not touring, he teaches guitar from his Boondall home.
About the artist
Brisbane photographer Dane Beesley is best known for his work in the music industry, including his decade with Rolling Stone magazine, and his book, Splitting the Seconds: A Photographer’s Journal. He also co-founded the street print magazine Text & Image in 2013. His photographs are regularly published in national and street music publications around Australia and internationally and his work is held in public and private collections.
