by Luke Steele correspondent Martin Zygote





Gippy Steele: The latest member of the Steele family to make it into the top ten.

Friends of Luke Steele say he is not at all jealous of the success currently being enjoyed by Gippy, the Steele family pet goldfish.

Gippy, who is only five years old, recently released her debut album, "Country Goldfish," and it went straight to the top of the charts.

The album has recieved rave reviews in NME and Rolling Stone, and Gippy has been hailed as the next big thing in alt country indie rock.

"Despite sounding slightly garbled, due to being recorded underwater, this is a masterpiece worthy of Ryan Adams," wrote one American critic. "Gippy is a phenomenal talent. Just the fact that she has learned how to play guitar with her fins is an amazing feat in itself. She is the biggest thing to come out of Perth since INXS."



Not jealous: Luke Steele with a large shopping list yesterday

This must come as a bit of a blow to Luke Steele, who has already been outshone by his little sister Katie, 12, who recently became a famous rock star. She has also released a new album, "Uh Huh Her," and this too is being highly praised around the world.

In comparison, Luke has only ever enjoyed real success in France, a place where even Jerry Lewis is regarded as a genius. But friends of Luke say he is not bitter, and wishes his pet all the best in her music career.

"Luke does not have any feelings of resentment towards Gippy at all," said one friend. "Even though he taught her everything she knows about music, and used to feed her twice a day, and often changed the water in her tank, he doesn't feel as if she owes him anything. He is incredibly proud and hopes she has every success in the music industry."

Gippy's new hit single, "Am I Not Scaly Enough?" will soon be available in MP3 form on Perth Rock City.

Posted by Martin Zygote at July 19, 2004 01:51 PM