The Laughing Clowns, an Australian post-punk band, formed in Sydney in April 1979 with Bob Farrell on saxophone, Ed Kuepper on lead guitar and vocals, Ben Wallace-Crabbe on bass guitar, and Jeffrey Wegener on drums. Their debut EP, Laughing Clowns, released in 1980 via Missing Link, showcased their unique blend of free jazz, bluegrass, and krautrock influences. The band's sound was characterized by its diverse yet moody compositions, ranging from melodic to dissonant. In 1981, they released the EP Sometimes, the Fire Dance.... on Prince Melon, followed by another EP, Laughing Clowns 3. The band's first compilation album, Throne of Blood/Reign of Terror, was released in July 1981. The group disbanded in 1984, but released the single double A side "Just Because I Like" / "Crystal Clear" in February 1985.