Picture an Australian punk rocker turned award-winning crime novelist, spinning tales as gritty as the outback and as sharp as a Sydney summer—meet Dave Warner! Born in 1953 in Bicton, Western Australia, Warner’s journey from raucous music stages to the literary spotlight is a masterclass in reinvention. Known for his Dan Clement & Snowy Lane crime series and screenplays featuring stars like Kylie Minogue, he’s a cultural chameleon whose work pulses with Aussie spirit.
Warner’s not just a storyteller; he’s a living legend, named a Western Australian State Living Treasure and inducted into the WAMi Rock’n’Roll of Renown. His ability to weave raw, authentic narratives across music, novels, and film has cemented his place as a multifaceted icon.
The Making of Dave Warner
Growing up in Bicton, Warner was a footy-loving kid with a creative streak, educated at Aquinas College and the University of Western Australia, where he earned a BA in psychology. In 1973, he formed Pus, dubbed Australia’s first punk band, channeling the rebellious energy of New York’s The Fugs. By 1977, his band Dave Warner’s From the Suburbs hit the scene, with their gold album Mug’s Game and the anthem Suburban Boy earning praise from none other than Bob Dylan. This musical fame laid the foundation for his later pivot to writing, where he’d trade guitar riffs for gripping prose.
Dave Warner’s Unforgettable Stories
Warner’s literary career kicked off with City of Light (1995), a crime novel that snagged the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award for Fiction and is credited as WA’s first contemporary crime novel. Set in Perth, it follows Snowy Lane’s pursuit of a serial killer, blending gritty realism with a vivid sense of place. His 2015 novel Before It Breaks, part of the Dan Clement & Snowy Lane series, won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Australian Crime Fiction, showcasing his knack for taut police procedurals.
Beyond crime, Warner’s versatility shines in the humorous Andrew ‘The Lizard’ Zirk series, starting with Murder in the Groove (1998), where a former rock star turns detective. His children’s series Charlotte and the Starlet brings a playful vibe, pairing an outback girl with a talking Hollywood horse. Warner’s style—often compared to Elmore Leonard’s—mixes sharp dialogue, dark humor, and a distinctly Australian lens, whether he’s penning novels or screenplays like Cut (2000), a teen slasher starring Molly Ringwald.
His screenwriting credits are equally impressive, with contributions to Aussie TV staples like McLeod’s Daughters and Packed to the Rafters, plus films like Garage Days, co-written with director Alex Proyas. Warner’s stories resonate because they’re grounded in the everyday struggles and triumphs of Australian life, from suburban pubs to remote coastal towns.
Why Dave Warner Matters
Dave Warner’s impact lies in his fearless genre-hopping and his role as a chronicler of Australian identity. His music defined suburban rock, his novels elevated Aussie crime fiction, and his screenplays brought local stories to global screens. By blending raw authenticity with a larrikin spirit, Warner has inspired generations of artists to embrace their roots while pushing creative boundaries. His recognition as a WA Living Treasure in 2015 underscores his enduring influence.
About Dave Warner
- Born: 1953, Bicton, Western Australia
- Key Works: City of Light, Before It Breaks, Murder in the Groove, Charlotte and the Starlet
- Awards: Western Australian Premier’s Book Award (1996), Ned Kelly Award (2016)
- Fun Fact: Bob Dylan called him one of his favorite Australian artists!
Ready to dive into Dave Warner’s world? Snag City of Light or crank up Suburban Boy for a taste of his gritty, Aussie charm!