Independent archival label Seelie Court has officially released “My Best Friend,” a collection of previously unreleased recordings from the 1970s Australian Hard Rock band Lucifer. Out today across physical CD and digital formats, the album restores a forgotten chapter of Western Australian Rock history through restored studio tapes and live archival recordings.
— Band Lineup and Early History —
Founded in Western Australia by singer Rhett May, the group originally formed in 1970 under the moniker Shakespeare Sarani. After briefly changing their name to Prodigy, the band settled on Lucifer in 1973. The lineup featured Rhett May on lead vocals, dual guitarists Tom Matthews and Glen Garrett, drummer Lino Costanzo, and bassist Michael Porter, who was later succeeded by Paul Gadsby.
— Live Circuit, High-Profile Supports, and Lost Studio Sessions —
Lucifer became a prominent fixture on the Australian concert circuit throughout the 1970s, establishing a strong regional fanbase across Western Australia. Their live reputation earned them major support slots at the Perth Entertainment Centre, opening for Ray Charles in 1974 and for Queen in 1975.
Building on their live momentum, the group traveled to Melbourne to track a debut studio album at Armstrong Studios. However, severe management disputes and financial problems forced the project to be shelved prior to release, leaving the recordings unheard for decades until this official reissue.
— Official Label Statement —
In presenting the release, Seelie Court issued the following note detailing the historical context of the album:
Straight from the wild heart of 1970s Australia, Lucifer returns at last. A lost chapter of Australian rock history is now restored and ready to be heard as it was always meant to be. Led by Rhett May, this is the sound of a band that left everything on stage. My Best Friend captures the live fire of a group that once tore up stages alongside Queen and even Ray Charles. Unearthed from lost tapes and live recordings, this is pure rock memory brought back to life for fans of dirty ’70s heavy rockers.
— Release Details and Packaging Specifications —
“My Best Friend” is available today, September 18, 2026. The physical CD edition (catalog number AX006CD) is presented in a cardboard wallet, complete with rare archival imagery and detailed historical liner notes. The digital format offers streaming and high-resolution 16-bit/44.1kHz audio downloads
Purchase “My Best Friend” on Bandcamp: https://lucifer70s.bandcamp.com/album/my-best-friend
Tracklist:
01. Sweet Rock and Roll 03:04
02. Me & My Lady 02:52
03. Round & Round 03:07
04. No Biz Like Show Biz 03:16
05. Drag Queen 02:55
06. Day Tripper (Cover) 03:01
07. Sexy Sam 04:18
08. Girl Crazy 03:40
09. Charles Manson 03:27
10. Blow Up 04:21
11. My Best Friend 04:54
12. Jenny 02:38
13. Life Wasn’t Meant 03:13
14. Wake Up Make Love (Cover)
Lineup:
The core lineup featured Rhett May (lead vocals), Tom Matthews (guitar, vocals), and Glen Garrett (guitar, vocals), supported by a rotating rhythm section that included bassists James “Jimbo” Payne, Michael Porter, and Paul Gadsby, and drummers Douglas Allmark, Glen Walsh, and Lino Costanzo.
Contact info: seeliecourt@email.com