Real Life

Real Life Biography by John Bush Heartland The Australian new romantic band Real Life formed in the early '80s with a new wave-influenced sound similar to Duran Duran. Comprising vocalist/guitarist David Sterry, drummer Danny Simcic, bassist Allan Johnson and keyboard player Richard Zatorski, the group gained a hit in Australia during 1983 with "Send Me an Angel," from their debut album Heartland. The single became an international success by the end of the year, and settled at number 29 on the American charts. Real Life returned to the Top 40 early in 1984 with "Catch Me I'm Falling," but lost its Australian contract two years later after second album Flame was a commercial and critical disappointment. Lifetime The group remained on Curb/MCA in America though, and had their biggest hit in 1989 when a remix of "Send Me an Angel" reached number 26. With the addition of new keyboard player Steve Williams, Real Life recorded Lifetime, but it too failed, and the band found themselves with no contract at all. After a five-year hiatus, the group returned in 1996 with a self-released EP titled Like a Ghost.