From Australian psychedelic rock to producing global synth-pop hits
In short: Alan Tarney’s career trajectory is a masterclass in musical evolution. He moved from the gritty underground of 1960s Adelaide psychedelia to the pinnacle of international pop, shaping the sound of icons like A-ha and Cliff Richard while navigating the transition from live performance to high-gloss studio production.
Born in Cumberland, England, Tarney emigrated to Australia as a teenager. He became a foundational figure in the Adelaide music scene during the 1960s pop boom. Alongside collaborator Trevor Spencer, he formed James Taylor Move, recognized as one of Australia's first psychedelic rock bands. The group gained early momentum by winning the South Australian final of Hoadley’s Battle of the Sounds in 1967 before relocating to Melbourne.
The transition to international success began with a move to the UK in 1969. After forming the band Quartet, Tarney and Spencer pivoted into session work, contributing to top acts like The Shadows and Olivia Newton-John. This period was crucial for his development as a versatile multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, eventually leading him to join The Shadows from 1973 to 1977. He also participated in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, supporting UK entries in 1973 and 1975.
Tarney’s peak commercial influence arrived in the late 1970s and 80s. He achieved a major milestone by writing and arranging Cliff Richard's "We Don't Talk Anymore," which hit No. 1 in the UK in 1979. His production style became highly sought after, leading to hits for Leo Sayer and Barbara Dickson. By the mid-80s, he reached a global audience by producing A-ha’s "Take On Me" and several of their best-selling albums, cementing his legacy as a bridge between classic pop craftsmanship and modern electronic production.
His technical versatility is evidenced by his wide range of credits, spanning from the 1980s synth-pop of Squeeze to the tribute work for Diana, Princess of Wales. Even decades later, his influence persists; he renewed his partnership with A-ha in 2015 to produce their album Cast in Steel, proving that his 'brain food' approach to pop production remains relevant across generations.
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