THUNDER DOWN UNDER was formed by ex AC/DC vocalist Dave Evans. Following Evans' term with RABBIT for two albums the singer formed the Melbourne based HOT COCKEREL in the early 80's. This band comprised of Evans, guitarists Nello Franceschini and Simon Crofts, bass player Paul Walsh and drummer John Mele. HOT COCKERAL folded in 1984 with Crofts going on to FAIR WARNING then Metal band S.A.S. Franceshini also became a member of FAIR WARNING.

Evans and Franceschini regrouped to found THUNDER DOWN UNDER pulling in guitarist Kevin Green, bass player Steve Craven and drummer Graham Owen. However, securing a deal Evans would use session musicians for the ensuing Mark Dearnley produced album 'Dave Evans And Thunder Down Under'. Included were guitarists Sam See and REDHOUSE and DALLIMORE man John Dallimore, bassist Joe Creighton, keyboard player Robyn Payne and drummer Danny Simcic.

For touring Evans assembled a completely fresh band of Dallimore, Payne, guitarist Geoff Warner, ex-SWINGERS bassist Bones Hillman, former STRANGE TENANTS keyboard player Rob Calvert and drummer Graham Owen. THUNDER DOWN UNDER folded in 1988 with Evans embarking on an acting career. Hillman joined MIDNIGHT OIL.