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How the Specials Inspired Singer Russell Morris

23 March 2018 Veronica Kooyman, Former Assistant Curator

Inspired by the enigmatic police photograph of Sydney swindler Thomas “Shark Jaws” Archer (alias Thomas Sweeney, Thomas Everet), celebrated Australian musician Russell Morris wrote his hit blues and roots song Sharkmouth.

The subsequent album went on to become the highest selling Australian album of 2013. Here Russell shares his story of how the influence of this photograph led to a resurgence in his music success.

About the author

Veronica Kooyman

Former Assistant Curator

Veronica has worked in museums since 2009 and has been fortunate to work at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour and the National Motor Museum in the Adelaide Hills where she had far too much fun riding around in vintage cars. Between 2014 and 2018 Veronica worked as part of the exhibitions team, learning and sharing new and fascinating stories from her home city.