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Interview with
REG MOMBASSA and
PETER O’DOHERTY
from
DOG TRUMPET

(28th August, 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Watch the whole interview below:

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Few names in Australian music carry as much cultural weight as Reg Mombassa and Peter O’Doherty. As founding members of the legendary Mental As Anything, and now the creative engine behind Dog Trumpet, the brothers have been shaping the country’s sonic and artistic landscape for nearly five decades.

I sat down with Reg and Peter for a wide-ranging conversation about their journey – from art school beginnings, Countdown glory, and the legacy of the Mentals, to their enduring work as Dog Trumpet, whose new album Live Forever continues their adventurous musical spirit.

From the Mentals to Dog Trumpet

Mental As Anything were one of Australia’s true originals – a band that injected wit, art, and a kind of manic playfulness into the late ’70s and ’80s scene. With hits like If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too? and Live It Up, the Mentals defined an era.

But after 25 years together, the brothers stepped away around 2000, handing the reins to the rest of the band. “We’d already started Dog Trumpet by then,” Peter explained. “We just wanted more time for our own music and our art careers. Dog Trumpet’s been going for over 30 years now, which is actually longer than we were with the Mentals.”

The name Dog Trumpet itself comes from one of Reg’s iconic Mambo illustrations – a surreal image of a canine crossed with a trumpet and jet engine. As Peter put it, “The picture gave us the name, and we’ve been running with it ever since.”

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The Sound of Dog Trumpet

So what does Dog Trumpet sound like? Reg and Peter describe it as a hybrid of psychedelic pop, folk, blues, country, and rock – a timeless blend that resists trends while embracing classic songwriting.

“We love ’60s pop and psychedelic music,” Reg said. “But we’re also into jazz, country, and folk. It all just feeds into our songs. Hopefully, it’s timeless – music that could have come from the ’70s or the ’90s but still feels right today.”

Their new album, Live Forever, showcases that approach. With tracks like Space and Time (exploring the mysteries of physics), High on the Rocks (a psychedelic journey), and re-recordings of earlier gems like Marianne and Medicine Balls, the record balances sharp songwriting with expansive soundscapes. At over seven minutes long, Medicine Balls even ventures into prog rock territory – something the brothers laugh about, given their younger selves once resisted such indulgence.

On Mentals, Greedy, and Longevity

Naturally, the conversation turned to their time in Mental As Anything and the sad passing of frontman Greedy Smith.

“It was a real shock,” Peter reflected. “We always thought Greedy would outlive us all. He was so full of energy, so present. It really was the end of an era.”

Despite the departure, the brothers look back with warmth. “We had a rare chemistry in that band,” Reg said. “The lineup stayed together for over 20 years, which is unusual. But moving on to Dog Trumpet gave us freedom – both musically and personally.”

As for working together as brothers, Peter and Reg credit mutual respect. “We don’t really fight,” Peter laughed. “We’ve just figured out how to work around each other. That’s probably why we’re still doing it 50 years later.”

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The Art of It All

Music is only half the story. Both brothers have flourishing visual art careers – Reg, of course, being world-renowned for his Mambo designs and vivid paintings, while Peter has carved out his own respected path in galleries. They design Dog Trumpet’s album covers, posters, and merchandise themselves, seamlessly blending the visual and musical worlds.

“That’s our day job,” Peter said. “The art keeps us grounded, and the music keeps us inspired. They’ve always gone hand in hand.”

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Performing Live Forever

Dog Trumpet have no plans for the gruelling six-night-a-week tours of their Mentals days, but live shows remain vital. They’ve already launched the new album at Sydney’s Camelot Lounge and are lining up dates across Melbourne, Canberra, Newcastle, the Central Coast, and beyond.

“It’s about finding the right gigs,” Reg said. “The ones where the crowd’s really there for the music. We’re still having a ball playing live – just without the punishing schedules.”

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Reflections and Advice

At this stage in their careers, you’d forgive the brothers for slowing down. But retirement? Not a chance.

“What we do doesn’t feel like a job,” Peter shrugged. “It’s just life. Making music, making art – it’s like being kids. Why stop?”

And for younger artists trying to make their way in today’s digital landscape? “Play live,” Reg advised. “That’s where you sell your records and T-shirts. Streaming doesn’t pay unless you’re Taylor Swift. The middle ground that used to exist – it’s gone. But if you connect with people live, that’s still the best way.”

Final Thoughts

From Countdown to Live Forever, Reg Mombassa and Peter O’Doherty have carved a path that’s as eccentric, colourful, and enduring as their art. Dog Trumpet isn’t just a continuation of their story – it’s proof that creativity doesn’t fade, it just evolves.

As Peter put it: “We’ve been doing this for nearly 50 years. It’s quite ridiculous really. But we’re still enjoying it – and that’s what matters.”

Dog Trumpet’s new album Live Forever is out now. Catch them on tour around Australia throughout 2025.

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Follow DOG TRUMPET
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter

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Watch the whole interview below:

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AMNPLIFY – DB