Month: August 2008

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meanies Guitarist Killed in Car Accident

Tragedy has struck Melbourne indie outfit The Meanies for the second time in a year. Their guitarist Tasman Blizzard was killed in a car accident on Friday. This sad news comes after the death of founding member Dennis DePianto in February.

Tasman’s station wagon spun out of control while he was travelling down the Bellarine Peninsula in wet weather on Friday. The vehicle spun into a dam along the roadside and became almost completely submerged. Rescue teams arrived on the scene quickly, but Tasman was found dead in the driver’s seat.

Next week’s show at Geelong’s National Hotel will go ahead as planned. It will now be a tribute to Tas. I’ll leave you with a little vintage Meanies – here’s their 1994 single “Ton Of Bricks.”

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll Tells His Story So Far

Some might argue that releasing a greatest hits album after four years in the business is probably a little premature. But not Sony BMG, who figure they might as well repackage Shannon Noll’s best bits for those people who quite like to listen to him on the radio but never actually bought a CD.

Of course there’ll be something for the real fans too, who can look forward to five new tracks including the upcoming radio single, “Summertime.”

Personally I think you need a greater body of work than three albums to consider a greatest hits package, but Shannon thinks it’s a brilliant idea.

“It was only once we started talking about the idea that it sank in how many singles there’s been, from ‘What About Me’ right through to ‘Loud’ and ‘In Pieces’,” he said in a statement.

“All these songs mean so much to me and showcase a journey that I’ve been through with my songwriting and recording, my career in general. It’s great to have the new songs on the album, as they are just a taste of what we’ve got planned for next year!”

To celebrate the September 27 release of No Turning Back: The Story So Far, Shannon is heading out on the road for one of his biggest tours to date featuring shows in the capital cities and regional centers.

Here are all the dates!

11 September 2008 – Magnums, Airlie Beach
12 September 2008 – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns
13 September 2008 – Bombray Rock, Townsville
14 September 2008 – Andergrove Tavern, Mackay
16 September 2008 – Roma Bungil Recreation Centre
18 September 2008 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
19 September 2008 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
20 September 2008 – Caloundra RSL
23 September 2008 – Ballina RSL
24 September 2008 – Coffs Harbour Ex-Services Club
25 September 2008 – Port Macquarie Panthers
26 and 27 September 2008 – The Palms @ Crown, Melbourne
3 October 2008 – Bunbury Entertainment Centre
4 October 2008 – Burswood Theatre
5 October 2008 – Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
6 October 2008 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
8 October 2008 – Curtin University, Kalgoorlie
23 October 2008 – Capital Entertainment Centre, Wagga Wagga
24 October 2008 – Kinross Woolshed, Albury
30 October 2008 – Tivoli, Brisbane
31 October 2008 – Seagulls Club, Gold Coast
8 November 2008 – Acacia Ridge Hotel
9 November 2008 – East Bank Centre, Shepperton
12 November 2008 – Inferno Nightclub, Traralgon
14 November 2008 – Shoppington Hotel, Doncaster
16 November 2008 – Hallam Hotel
19 November 2008 – West Tamworth Leagues Club
20 November 2008 – Dubbo RSL and Memorial Club
21 November 2008 – Orange Ex-Services Club

Image source: Foraggio Fotographic @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Join YouTube

To celebrate the release of The Whitlams’ greatest hits Truth, Beauty, and a Picture of You today, the band have launched their very own YouTube channel. This is a must for fans thanks to Tim Freedman’s videos revealing the stories songs like “Blow Up The Pokies” and “No Aphrodisiac.” The film clips are also included, so you can listen to the song’s with a new understanding.

Sadly there isn’t a lot to see right now, but hopefully they’ll add more soon! In the meantime, here’s the clip for one of my favourites, “No Aphrodisiac.” No matter how many times I hear it I still love it.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sydney’s Acer Arena Named One of World’s Best Venues

Sydney’s Acer Arena has been named the third best venue in the world by Billboard magazine. Clearly the folks at Billboard have never sat in one of the venue’s nosebleed seats, but I digress.

There’s no denying the arena certainly has some pulling power, hosting acts like The Eagles, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Kiss, and Celine Dion in recent years.

Acer Arena was kept from the top spot by London’s O2 Arena and New York’s Madison Square Garden. But that doesn’t worry Acer staff.

“The ranking confirms our position in the arena market and we are proud of our place on the world stage,” David Humphreys, Acer Arena General Manager said in a statement.

I’ve made no secret of my love of Lizotte’s, and I’d definitely take a night out there than a visit to Acer Arena any day. I’d also much rather see a show at a beautiful venue like Newcastle’s Civic Theatre, an intimate one like Sydney’s The Basement, or a serene outdoor one like Bimbadgen Estate.

But I’m in New South Wales, and so my experience is limited to my home state. So tell me, what’s your favourite place to see a band and why?

Image source: FUEL Youth @ Flickr