Absent Friends are an Australian pop rock band from Sydney, formed in 1989 by Sean Kelly following the breakup of his previous band, Models. The group featured a rotating lineup of notable Australian musicians, including Wendy Matthews, Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Duffield, and James Valentine. Initially dubbed "Sean Kelly and His Absent Friends," the band began as an informal touring act in May 1989, with performances featuring various members depending on availability. Their debut single "Hallelujah" was released in November 1989 and peaked at number 100 on the ARIA Charts. The band's first album Here's Looking Up Your Address followed in April 1990, reaching number 7 on the ARIA Charts. This album included the hit single "I Don't Want to Be with Nobody but You", a cover of the 1976 Dorothy Moore song, which peaked at number 4 and won the ARIA Award for Best Single in 1991. The album also featured the minor hit "Harmony". Absent Friends toured extensively throughout 1990, supporting Crowded House at their 'Rock For Land Rights' concert in July 1989 and later INXS on an eight-week European tour. During this period, the band played large venues across Europe, including five performances at Wembley Arena. Despite their success, Absent Friends disbanded later that year. Members went on to pursue other projects, with Wendy Matthews releasing her debut album Émigré and Sean Kelly forming The Dukes with Geoffrey Stapleton.
