Brisbane band Avalon Drive crushed fans when they split up in November 2008, but the time is right for a reunion. The lads will play one last show at the Hi-Fi Bar on February 5. I caught up with lead singer Damion Page to talk about the show, Avalon Drive’s heyday, and how the Queenslanders are giving back to their city after the recent floods.
You disbanded in 2008. Why was the time right now for one more show?
People change. I needed some time and a break to get back to basics with music. As much as it pained me back then to disband, I back my decision up 100%. I don’t think we should ever have to sacrifice our love for music for something you aren’t 100% happy with. Music is an extension of me and nothing felt right. Come 2011, everything is feeling great and we are pumped about everything that is happening.
How are you feeling at the prospect of playing together again?
Doesn’t feel like we ever stopped, the energy, ideas are all still alive. If anything we have more of an understanding of what we all need from playing music and embrace absolutely everything that’s put out there. Onstage is going to be electric, always has been.
You’re playing again in front of your hometown audience. How important were the people of Brisbane to your success?
My god how Brisbane backs their own bands. It’s simply amazing and still astounds me how alive Avalon Drive fans were and still are. It’s nuts. We are so fortunate and we are so grateful for it. We never ever truly got to thank everyone; this is our way of doing that. By bringing everyone into one room, singing the same songs. Without our Brisbane fans and friends behind us, it just wouldn’t have been the same.
I’m sure this show will be extra poignant considering everything Queensland is going through at the moment. Have you or any of the other members of the band been directly affected by the floods?
I think all of Australia has been affected. It’s certainly made me realize how fragile life can be and I think I can speak for most people out there when I say how important your friends and family are. We decided to give all our profits from this show to those affected by the floods and hope that Brisbane gets back to being beautiful Brisbane ASAP. A few members were caught in the midst of the drama but no story can compare to the tragedies some of our neighbours have faced with the loss of their loved ones. Too hard to put into words I’m sorry.
What song are you most looking forward to playing again, and why?
“Outside Alone” for sure. That song is the heart of what Avalon Drive is. I remember writing it, I remember singing it for the first time and I remember seeing it on TV and hearing it on radio. It gave us the push we needed to feel like we could conquer the world.
How have you changed as a band since you released your first EP in 2005?
Maturity wise we are guys, so not much growing there [laughs], but as musicians, a massive change. Having the time to get back to our roots and rediscover ourselves has been amazing. Now being fortunate enough to be given the chance to bring that all into play feels amazing. 2005 I remember being one of the best years of my life. Setting goals and achieving dreams, anything was possible. And yeah, part of that journey was changing members, changing our sound, reinventing ourselves. We have all moved forward with our lives, both musically and personally. That all being said, 2005 feels liked yesterday for us. Our visions and goals haven’t changed in the slightest bit. We still want to drink a carton of beer and not feel the slightest bit drunk. It’s an Aussie dream isn’t it?
As you look back on your time together, what are your favourite moments?
The amount of touring we did was crazy. Would have to be in no order: ARIAs, Fall Out Boy, MTV Awards, seeing our first music video on TV, INXS, Rove Live and hanging out with our fans after shows.
Do you have any regrets about the time you spent together?
Nope, loved every second. If there are any regrets it would be that we didn’t say goodbye to our fans properly, but we are making that right on Feb 5th. So yep, no regrets.
What have you been doing since the band broke up?
My new project Words Versing Verses have just been signed for a single release and video so that’s been keeping me busy. I love it; it’s a side of music to me I have never been able to express. I have always had challenges getting my ideas and thoughts across and effectively getting what I need out of them. It’s going to be an amazing year for us. We released last year and sold out our first two shows in Brisbane. It feels only right to hit the road nationally.
Right now we’re hearing this is a one show only deal. Can you imagine getting back together in the longer term, for a tour or even an album?
I really don’t know. It’s raised a few emotions and before we dare to bring anything like that up we have to simply stay focused on this show. Let’s just say right now, things are amazing and whatever will be, you’ll no doubt hear about.
Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment