Powderfinger Sells Out

I told you it would happen. But if you still procrastinated about getting those Powderfinger tickets you’re going to kick yourself. Those original shows in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne sold out in around five minutes.

But don’t stress too much. The lovely lads from Brisvegas have announced second shows at all the venues. They’re on sale now, so don’t think about it: just buy them.

The new shows are:

8 June 2008 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
12 June 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
14 June – The Forum, Melbourne

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Wikimedia Commons

Michael Johns Gets "American Idol" Boot

Michael Johns‘ dream run on American Idol has come to an end. His performance of “Dream On” was pretty solid, but it failed to connect with the American public.

I’ve got to admit that I’m shocked by the verdict. I was convinced that snoozeworthy Kristy Lee Cook or Whitney wannabe Syesha Mercado would get the chop first. Goes to show what I know!

It’s a doubly harsh blow considering the Australian Idol producers have decided to postpone the LA auditions indefinitely in favour of extending the London auditions. And here I was thinking he could just try out for our comp! Maybe next year Michael!

Pop Royalty Judges Australian Idol

I loved the celebrity guest judges in American Idol a few years back, so I’m thrilled to read Australia’s doing something similar this year. But while America saved the big guns for the top 12, we’re bringing Darren Hayes and Tina Arena in for the auditions. The pop megastars will join Dicko and James Matheson for the upcoming London audition.

“As an Australian entertainer living in London I definitely have a soft spot for Aussies trying to make it overseas,” Darren Hayes told The Daily Telegraph.

“Rather than judging people, I’m going to be looking for that little bit of magic that someone once saw in me. I think potential is a huge criteria for a musical career and hopefully Tina and I can help discover some.”

There are so many Aussies living in London so I can’t wait to see who they unearth over there. And how refreshing to have an audition without nasty judge Kyle Sandilands!

Image source: Maggz Appleton @ Wikimedia Commons

Michael Johns Does Aerosmith on "American Idol"

Michael Johns was back wearing his rock pants last night on American Idol. He took on the Aerosmith anthem “Dream On” and seemed to have the entire audience in the palm of his hands.

The judges seemed a little underwhelmed though. I understand what they’re saying, and agree last week’s performance was better. I just love him singing soul. But I appreciate him showing some diversity, and I think this was probably his best rock number.

Will it be enough to keep in the comp. I hope so, but at this stage it’s just so hard to predict. There are definitely people who deserve the boot before Michael, so I’m crossing my fingers.

Nancy Wilson Cancels Aussie Tour

Jazz great Nancy Wilson has cancelled her appearance at the upcoming Melbourne Jazz 2008 concert. Nancy was hospitalised last week with a collapsed lung. Initially, only her immediate commitments were cancelled, but her management has now decided it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“We were all looking forward to this trip and are very disappointed that we cannot be there, but obviously Nancy’s health must take priority,” her manager John Levy said.

The show will still go ahead, with Brazilian guitarist Yamandu Costa playing a double bill instead. But if you’ve got tickets and you’d rather give them up, full refunds are available at the point of purchase.

Image source: ABC Television @ Wikimedia Commons

Win Gyroscope’s "Breed Obsession"

Gyroscope’s latest album Breed Obsession recently topped the Aussie charts, and after giving it a spin it’s not hard to see why.

Breed Obsession is instantly accessible with lighter moments balancing the darker tracks. It opens with the big first single “Snakeskin,” before launching into another slice of Aussie rock, “All In On One.” The intense guitar riffs and driving drum beats of the opening songs perfectly capture the energy of one of this Western Australian quartet.

But this album’s about so much more than just rocking out. “Australia” is a touching ballad that is set to become a local crowd favourite. The lads dabble with jazz in the breezy “Polyphones & Multidors.” And the acoustic love song “The River Between” is beautiful for its rawness.

It’s all so eclectic, yet somehow this diverse mix seems to work. The tracks are richly layered and complex, with powerful vocals from Daniel Sanders and stellar instrumental support from the rest of the band.

The result is an album that is truly world-class. AC/DC did it. INXS did it. Gyroscope may just be the next Aussie rock band to take the world by storm.

I have five copies of Breed Obsession to give away to my loyal Oz Music Scene readers. All you’ve got to do to get your hands on a copy is leave a comment telling me what your obsession is. Too easy! Make sure you leave your e-mail address in the comments so I can get in touch with you if you win. Entries close at 5 pm AEST on April 22, and I’ll announce the winners on Wednesday April 23. Good luck!

Image source: Gyroscope MySpace

Nat Bass Releases Self Help Book

Natalie Bassingthwaighte has already inspired girls all over Australia with her career as frontwoman of the Rogue Traders, numerous acting roles, and a hosting gig on So You Think You Can Dance. Now she’s hoping to encourage even more to achieve their full potential with the release of her first book, Sistahood: A Journal of Self Discovery.

Nat has worked with her sister Nicky Moore for several years on the project. They wanted to create more positive role models for girls than clotheshorse party girls like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.

The book encourages girls to recognise their strengths and weaknesses, identify what inspires them, and achieve their dreams with chapters like “Celebrate Difference,” “Jumping Life’s Hurdles,” and “Believe in Yourself.”

This could be just the start of the Sistahood story. Nat is hoping to launch a clothing line and magazine inspired by the self help book.

“We feel it’s just a really great message,” Nat told The Sunday Telegraph. “I can see clothing, stationery, everything – and creative things for girls as well, maybe more books; things that have a positive message or that are made in a way that we are helping the underprivileged.”

She may be gorgeous and talented, but even Nat admits her self-esteem has taken a battering in the past.

“I am pretty comfortable with who I am but I do get insecure and if I read something bad about myself it does affect you,” she said. “I actually had to go to this book when I felt down.”

Sistahood: A Journal of Self Discovery will be launched on Wednesday. Nat will also appear at ABC shops around Sydney next week to sign copies of the book. Check her site for all the times and dates. Sales from the book help the SISTER2sister charity, which supports disadvantaged young girls.

It seems younger and younger girls are battling low self-esteem, so it’s awesome to see one of our coolest Aussie chicks doing something about it!

Image source: Natalie Bassingthwaighte website

Mars Volta Bring Bedlam to Oz

Rock gods The Mars Volta are bringing their brand of anarchy to Oz for some shows in June. They’re here to support the release of their brilliant fourth studio release, The Bedlam in Goliath.

This seven-man band has to be seen to be believed. Their albums have inspired a legion of fans, but they insist the live stage is where the magic really happens. Be dazzled at their shows this June.

The last tour was massive, so you’ll want to get your tickets when they go on sale on Wednesday April 16. Moshtix are selling the Perth tickets and Ticketek are taking care of the rest.

Catch The Mars Volta at the following shows:
17 June 2008 – Metro City, Perth
19 June 2008 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
21 June 2008 – Brisbane Convention Centre
23 June 2008 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne

Bon Scott Honoured By Arts Project

Fremantle-born AC/DC frontman Bon Scott will be remembered with the Bon Scott Project, a Western Australian initiative commemorating the life and times of this legendary rocker.

The Fremantle Arts Centre will showcase 19 creative works inspired by the late singer from May 17 to June 29. The project will also feature Bon’s private letters, giving the public a further insight into the life of this Aussie icon.

In addition to this exhibition, the arts centre will also host special Bon Scott inspired events. These include The Ugly/Sexy Factor, a debate discussing the way Bon influenced fashion, and a performance by AC/DC tribute band FAC/DC. Check out the full program at the Fremantle Arts Centre site.

Bon may have died in London and lived in Sydney and Melbourne in the height of his fame, but he was raised in North Fremantle and was buried their following his death in 1980.

Fans can contribute to the project by submitting their works to the Bon Scott Blog.

Damien Leith Covers Classics

It’s been a long wait for Damien Leith fans, but our favourite Irish-born crooner is almost ready to unleash his new album.

Catch the Wind: Songs of a Generation features covers of some of Damien’s favourite songs from the 60s and 70s. I can’t wait to hear what Damien’s done with songs like Cat Steven’s “Father and Son,” “Everybody’s Talking” by Harry Nilsson, and “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg.

“The great songwriters of the 60s and 70s have always been a major influence on my own original material,” Damien explained in a press statement. “In many ways the songs of that generation are as relevant today as they were back then. I’ve chosen songs that either mean a great deal to me on a personal level or those that I’d just love people to hear.”

Catch the Wind: Songs of a Generation hits stores on April 26, but you don’t have to wait that long if you pre-order through Damien’s website.

Image source: spud murphy @ Wikimedia Commons