Ian Haug

Ian Haug
Ian Haug at the Across the Great Divide Tour in Sydney, 2007.
Background information
Born	(1970-02-21) 21 February 1970 (age 47) Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Origin	Brisbane, Australia
Genres	Indie rock, alternative rock
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Guitar Vocals
Years active	1989–present
Labels	Polydor, Universal
Associated acts	Powderfinger Far Out Corporation The Predators The Church

Ian Haug (born 21 February 1970) is an Australian musician best known for being the lead guitarist, songwriter, and backing vocalist in the rock band Powderfinger from its formation in 1989 until its breakup in 2010. He is presently a member of The Church.

Powderfinger was formed in 1989 by vocalist and guitarist Ian Haug, bass guitarist John Collins and drummer Steven Bishop, who took their band's name from the Neil Young song "Powderfinger". Before the band's formation, Haug had played in other Brisbane-based outfits. The band later sought an extra guitarist, Bernard Fanning, who Haug had met in a university class. Fanning took over the role of lead vocals from Haug, and at the same time Jon Coghill joined, replacing Bishop. Powderfinger's final line-up change came with the addition of guitarist Darren Middleton. The line-up of Coghill, Collins, Fanning, Haug and Middleton has remained unchanged since 1992.

Haug and Grant McLennan formed the Far Out Corporation in 1996 and made one record - and performed a handful of shows to critical acclaim. During a hiatus (2004–2006) in Powderfinger's career, Haug worked on a side project, The Predators, with Collins and original Powderfinger member Steven Bishop on drums and vocals. During all live Predators shows Ross Mclennan played drums while Steven Bishop stepped to the front of the stage. In April 2010, Powderfinger announced it would disband after their final tour in September–October.

In 2004, Powderfinger decided to take some time off to allow the band members to begin families and pursue side projects. In this downtime Haug formed The Predators with the original Powderfinger lineup of drummer/vocalist Steven Bishop and bassist John Collins. The band, like the other side projects for Powderfinger, was signed to the Dew Process record label. The Predators released a six track EP in 2006 and were joined live by drummer Ross McLennan.