Private Function

Private Function were an Australian punk group, originally formed in Melbourne, Victoria in 2016. They released four studio albums, and were known for their larrikin humor, high-energy live performance style and unorthodox marketing gimmicks. On 25 December 2025, the group announced they were splitting up following a final run of performances in early 2026.

History

In 2016, the group released their debut EP Six Smokin' Songs which featured cover artwork depicting Bryan Curtis, the face of Australia's anti-smoking campaign, portrayed as being at death's door until he heard the band's music.

In 2017 they released a track titled "I Wish Australia Had Its Guns Again", a satirical take on to US gun laws, which became a crowd favourite. The track was used in Warwick Thornton's 2021-2022 vampire TV series, Firebite.

In November 2017, a second EP titled Rock In Roll was released on independent record label Roolette Records.[citation needed]

On 16 August 2019, the group released their debut studio album titled, St. Anger with both the title and artwork replicating Metallica's divisive album of the same name.

In June 2020, the group announced the release of their second studio album Whose Line Is It Anyway? The album debuted at number 9 on the ARIA Charts. The release of the album included a limited-edition "Mystery Bag" vinyl variant which purportedly contained small plastic bags of speed pressed inside the clear records.

In July 2021, the group announced the compilation of early EPs titled, The First Two Tapes On a 12".

In October 2021, founding member Joe Hansen was removed from the group. Hansen was replaced with Anthony Biancofiore, who initially filled in to play Santa Claus at Private Function's Christmas Show, Miracle on 69th Street, at The Forum Melbourne, before becoming a permanent member. Later, super-fan Lauren Hester, who the band were familiar with after she directed the video for the track "Give War A Chance" for her Swinburne Film and Television assignment, was offered a permanent place in the band, replacing Allan Stacey.

In February 2023, the band have announced the release of their third studio album, 370HSSV 0773H, released on 31 March 2023 via their own Still On Top Records. The album was proceeded by the single "I'm This Far Away (From Being the Worst Person You've Ever Met)" and "Seize and Destroy". The first 3000 vinyl copies of the album featured a scratchcard album cover, and was given a government exemption by the then South Australian Minister for Liquor and Gaming to be sold in the state. The winning cover revealed three matching icons and its owner won a signed test pressing of the album, $2999 in cash and a photo of their face printed on all future pressings of the album. The winner of the scratch competition was found in June 2023 as a Queensland man named Mitch. The album debuted at number 11 on the ARIA Charts. The band also released a limited-edition "Gold" vinyl variant of the album filled with the band members' urine, limited to 50 copies.

In May 2025 the band released the album ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ which included a limited-edition "Goopy" scratch'n'sniff vinyl variant scented like Gwyneth Paltrow's vagina.

On Christmas Day 2025 the band announced that they were breaking up in 2026. The band began their farewell tour at The Tote on 16 January 2026, supported by heavy metal bands Aardvark and Fly! and garage rock band Elvis II. The band played their final show at Luliepalooza at Victoria Park on March 21, 2026.

Members

Final line-up

• Chris Penney – lead vocals, occasional bass (2016–2026)
• Milla Holland – bass, backing and occasional lead vocals (2016–2026)
• Aidan McDonald – drums, backing and occasional lead vocals (2016–2026)
• Anthony Biancofiore – lead guitar, backing vocals (2021–2026)
• Lauren Hester – rhythm guitar (2022–2026)
• James Macleod – keyboards, percussion, occasional bass and drums (2023–2026), rhythm guitar (2021–2022)

Former members

• Joe Hansen – lead guitar, backing vocals (2016–2021)
• Matt Fazio – rhythm guitar, keyboards (2016–2018)
• PJ Russo – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2019–2021)
• Allan Stacey – rhythm guitar (2021)

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

Compilation albums

Extended plays and singles

Awards and nominations

AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

ARIA Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music.

National Live Music Awards

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) commenced in 2016 to recognise contributions to the live music industry in Australia.