Isn’t it funny? In recent weeks the American Idol judges have been so excited about Michael Johns’ mediocre performances. This week I thought he was back to his best, but the reception from the judges was less than enthusiastic.
At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what they said. Our Aussie boy is through to the top 11. I just hope he keeps delivering more performances like this, with killer vocals and plenty of genuine conviction. With that combination he can’t go wrong.
I’ve got some good news for my David Campbell loving American readers. Australia’s swing king says he plans to crack the US market. He will head to the United States later this year for shows in Las Vegas and New York City. He’s also considering trying his luck with some shows in London.
David knows how competitive the American scene is after spending time trying to make it on Broadway in the early 90s.
“When I was there before, I was still learning about who I was,” he told The Sunday Telegraph. “So while I was hyped up and it was good for a time, it was doomed to break down and force me to come home to reevaluate who I wanted to be.
“I don’t know if they’ll [American audiences] accept me, but I think I know what I am doing now.”
Anyone who’s caught his latest Aussie shows can attest to that. The Yankees are in for a real treat.
Superstar and sweetheart Kylie Minogue has signed an adorable teddy bear to help raise money for sick kids. The bear is currently being auctioned on eBay ahead of Westmead Children’s Hospital’s annual fundraiser, Bandaged Bear Day.
Funds raised in the auction will help the hospital purchase medical equipment and conduct further research into children diseases and disorders.
Bears signed by Hollywood heavyweights Nicole Kidman and the late Heath Ledger are also being auctioned by the hospital. But get your bids in quick! All the auctions end on Saturday morning.
Muse are one of the biggest bands on the planet right now. Last July they played for 150, 000 fans in two massive sold-out shows at London’s Wembley Stadium. These historic gigs were captured for the release of Muse’s latest CD/DVD set, Haarp.
It’s released on March 22, but Sydney fans can get a sneak peek thanks to Warner Music Australia. Warner, in conjunction with MySpace and Greater Union, are giving away tickets to a special preview screening. It will be held at Greater Union’s G-Max cinema on March 17 at 6:30 pm. G-Max cinemas are definitely the way to watch this show, with a giant 20 metre screen, crystal clear sound, and luxurious plush seats.
To win one of 200 passes e-mail Warner at rsvp.sydney@warnermusic.com by Thursday 13 March and tell them you want to be on the guest list. Too easy!
Aussie promoter extraordinaire Michael Chugg has taken out The Bottle Award at the International Live Music Conference Arthur Awards in London.
The prize honours Chuggie’s contribution to live music. And what a contribution it is. His team are currently working on 40 tours around Australia, including the Blues and Roots festivals and country music festival in Thredbo.
“I’m very proud. I came all the way to London to celebrate 20 years of this fantastic event. I always enjoy coming to ILMC and having the opportunity to see all of these great people in the business in one place at one time. I’m truly honoured to be have been recognised by people who are not only my peers, but also great friends who know and love this crazy business as much as I do,” Michael Chugg said.
“I also have to recognise the great team of people behind me. A lifetime achievement award comes with a lifetime of great partners and associates. They keep the business together, keep me excited and just as I do, always strive to create magic.”
If there’s one thing Aussies do well, it’s write a mean rock song. But what’s the best of the best? Well, according to an online poll of Herald Sun readers, it’s “You’re the Voice” by John Farnham.
Farnsy’s rock anthem beat out classics like Cold Chisel’s “Khe Sahn,” and AC/DC’s “Jail Break.”
Rock guru Glenn A. Baker said he was surprised by the result considering that “Friday on my Mind” by The Easybeats was voted best song of all time by industry experts three years ago.
“But it just goes to show you that the people want to hear differs quite vastly from what the industry thinks,” he told the Herald Sun.
“It’s a song that really is an anthem about empowering yourself and I think people really relate to that.”
Personally I think “Khe Sahn” is a more worthy winner, but there’s no denying that “You’re the Voice” is an awesome song. Play it loud and see what you think: is it the best rock song of all time?
Juliette Lewis is one of the first big-name international guests announced for this year’s MTV Australia Awards. Juliette will perform with her band The Licks, and said she’s thrilled about her coming trip Down Under.
“I’m so happy it’s in Australia. I’m sure it’s going to be loose – a great party vibe,” she told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We’re so excited to be playing at such a big show.”
US rapper Eve will also perform at the awards show. And expect more celebrity announcements in the coming weeks. A-listers like Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, and Paris Hilton are also rumoured to appear.
The MTV Australia Awards will be held at Redfern’s Australian Technology Park on April 26. Juliette and The Licks will apparently announce some Aussie sideshows soon.
When you buy tickets to see your favourite band, there’s always one special song you hope they’ll play. Well if you’re holding Wilco tickets, you might just get your wish.
Fans can now request the songs they want the band to play on their upcoming tour. Just head to their official website and enter your details, including your request and the show you’ll attend. Too easy!
You can catch Wilco at the following venues later this month:
18 March 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (with Bridezilla)
19 March 2008 – Tivoli, Brisbane (with The Mess Hall)
26 March 2008 – The Palace Theatre, Melbourne (with The Drones)
Australia’s gay and lesbian community celebrated the 30th anniversary of Mardi Gras in a very unique way this year. They voted for the gayest songs of all time. The results are in, and Aussies fared pretty well on this camp catalogue compiled by SameSame.
The Minogue sisters have always been gay icons, and they both scored spots on the list. Dannii’s only real hit “This Is It” made it to number 35, while Kylie scored a doubler with “Better the Devil You Know” at number 7 and “Your Disco Needs You” at number 5.
From gay icons to proud gay Aussies, the late great Peter Allen’s “I Go To Rio” was at number 33.
Fresh from her performance at the Mardi Gras parade, Olivia Newton-John was sitting pretty in the top 10, with “Xanadu” at number 8.
And what song was voted the gayest of all time? “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, naturally! Click here to see all the results.
Last night I headed out to Mingara Rec Club to see Australia’s own king of swing, David Campbell. The crowd was more diverse than any I’ve seen before, with folks from 18 to 80 filling the auditorium.
They all rose to their feet as David made his way from the rear of the room to the stage, with his band behind him. They played the opening strains of “King of the Road” as David greeted the enthusiastic audience with high fives and kisses.
Once he took the stage he filled it, with the sort of energy and personality I haven’t witnessed for some time. He encouraged us to sing along, and we were all compelled to comply. The upbeat fun continued with a rollicking rendition of “This Ole House.”
Swing and old fashioned rock and roll was the order of the day, but David delivers them both with such passion that the classic tunes never seem dated. His larger than life personality shines through in all of it, whether it’s hamming it up with a cover of his daddy’s hit “Cheap Wine” or joking about recent gay rumours.
While David’s a very funny guy, it wasn’t all lighthearted. His empowered rendition of “That’s Life” was spellbinding, and I felt myself tear up when he played “One for the Road” and “Mr Bojangles.”
David’s touring to support his recent Swing Sessions 2 recording, but he knows people will never tire of this turn as Johnny O’Keefe. So it was a real thrill to hear “She’s My Baby” and of course, “Shout.”
With his penchant for swing standards I suppose comparisons with Michael Bublé are unavoidable. I’ve seen them both live, and I honestly believe David is every bit as good as the Canadian megastar. Both perform with equal measures of cheeky charisma and reverence for the classics. Both make these old songs relevant today. And both are drop dead gorgeous. Don’t wait until Michael’s shows in May to get your live swing fix. David Campbell is touring around the country now.