Olivia Newton-John Releases Opera House DVD

Olivia Newton-John played a historic concert at the Sydney Opera House backed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. She played hits that spanned her amazing four-decade career, and I heard so many people say how amazing it was. Now two years later, she’s releasing that concert on DVD so we can all enjoy it.

“This concert was very special to me as it combined my career as a singer with my personal roots growing up in Australia,” Olivia said in a press release. “I had the honour of performing at the Opera House for the Queen but, this night was even more special as it gave me the chance to perform all of my hits in this historic building – it’s hard to believe that I have been singing for so long!”

It is hard to believe when you look at her (does she ever age?), but there’s no denying it when you check out the track listing. It includes gems like “Xanadu,” “Physical,” “Suddenly,” “You’re the One That I Want,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “Summer Nights” for all you Grease fans, “I Honestly Love You,” and “Jolene,” and that’s just for starters! There’s two hours of concert on there, plus bonus footage of Olivia visiting her favourite spots in Sydney.

Olivia Newton-John and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (Live at the Sydney Opera House) will be on sale from March 1.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

10 Aussie Artists I Wouldn’t Trade Places With If You Paid Me

It probably comes as no surprise to you that the passionate writers in the b5media music channel would secretly love to trade places with our musical idols. I’m completely tone-deaf, but give me a SingStar and I can easily pretend I’m not. Of course we all know being a big star isn’t all glitz and glamour. There are plenty of musicians I wouldn’t trade places with as a bet. This post is dedicated to them.

Dannii Minogue
Fancy being “the other Minogue.” She’s lived in Kylie’s shadow all her life, with inferior pop songs, uglier boyfriends, and dodgier plastic surgery. Even the nice judge gigs on Australia’s Got Talent and the British X Factor couldn’t make the public like her!

Natalie Gauci
Beautiful girl, talented girl, but I wouldn’t be Natalie for quids. It seems like the poor thing won Idol just as everyone was getting over it. It’s a real shame because despite her brilliance, she’s always going to be that girl that won a reality TV show and didn’t sell a lot of albums.

Casey Donovan
While we’re talking of Australian Idol winners, I can’t go past Casey Donavan. Despite winning the competition she really didn’t have it easy, did she? While the media fawned all over Anthony Callea, the only comments about Casey were snarky remarks about her weight! Being a teenager’s hard enough – I’m glad I haven’t gone through what Casey has!

Wolfmother
Yes they won a Grammy, managed to tour the world, and their fans love them. But I reckon all that adulation must be pretty hollow when you know your music’s unoriginal. Surely they realise bands like Led Zep and Black Sabbath did exactly what they’re doing now, and they did it a zillion times better. That’s got to burn.

The Young Divas
They remain tight-lipped about it, but can you imagine how it must feel to be a Young Diva now? Your mate Ricki-Lee leaves you in the lurch and scores international record deals while you’re still singing disco covers and playing RSLs.

Nikki Webster
Try as she might, Nikki Webster will always be that annoying kid from the Olympic Games opening ceremony. She can strip off for FHM and she can vamp it up in Rent but it’s never going to give her an ounce of real cred.

Shannon Birchall and Michael Barker
Who? Exactly. You might know Shannon and Michael better as “the other guys” from the John Butler Trio. These lads are incredibly talented in their own right, but do you think anyone ever asks them for their autographs? It’s got to suck to be in one of the hottest bands in the country but be virtually invisible.

Delta Goodrem
Now like a whole lot of Australians, I love Delta. But I’d never want to trade places with her. I just couldn’t deal with the pressure of being Australia’s sweetheart. I truly believe she’s as pure as she seems, but if it were me I’d be dying for a boozy night out.

Mahalia Barnes
Mahalia’s another one of the super talented ladies on my list. But she’s here because I’ve gone to see Mahalia with my husband and some male friends. And I know exactly how much time men spend appreciating her music and how much time men spend drooling over her. I’ve got to tell you, a lot more of the latter goes on.

Paul Kelly
I’d love to have his talent, but I’m far too vain to ever want to trade places with him. As brilliant as he is, Paul’s not the most attractive guy. And let’s face it, if you’re too ugly for groupies why would you want to be a musician?

New Song Obsession: American Television

Ben Lee’s new music video has sparked a whole new love affair with his song “American Television.” With so many great tracks on Ripe it almost got lost, but this clip is all kinds of awesome.

It’s a homage to the TV shows of my youth, with parodies of Doogie Howser M.D., Blossom, ALF, and stacks more. I just love the Michael Jackson-style face melding towards the end. Look out for a cameo appearance by Saved by the Bell’s Kelly Kapowski, Tiffany Amber Thiessen.

Weddings, Parties, Anything Together Again

Weddings, Parties, Anything won our hearts back in the 90s with their epic single “Father’s Day.” They never saw that kind of success again, but Weddoes fans continued to see the lads in droves until they parted ways in 1998.

Now a decade later Mick Thomas and the boys have teamed up for one last tour. You can check them out at the following venues.

1 March 2008 – The Peninsula Lounge, Moorooduc
2 March 2008 – Beulah Footy Club, Beulah
8-9 March 2008 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
22 March 2008 – East Coast Blues and Roots Festival, Byron Bay
23 March 2008 – Southern Roots Festival, Hobart
28 March 2008 – Arts Centre, Fremantle
5 April 2008 – The Gaelic, Sydney
11 April 2008 – The Zoo, Brisbane
18 April 2008 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
25 April 2008 – Astoria 2, London

Michael Bublé Show a Valentine’s Day Treat

Few performers make me swoon like Canadian crooner Michael Bublé. All that vintage charm is so incredibly romantic, and I’ve always been a sucker for a man in a suit.

Aussie audiences will have to wait until May to catch the man himself, but Perth men can score some major brownie points by taking their ladies to see Earl Cole’s Michael Bublé tribute show this Valentine’s Day.

Earl is known as Perth’s finest crooner, so he’s sure to do justice to Michael’s big hits including “Home,” “Fever,” “Everything,” “Sway” and more.

But the show’s not just about impressing the women. The Earl Cole Dancers will give the men some eye candy too.

Earl Cole’s Michael Bublé tribute show will play at 7:30 pm at Cicconi’s on Cambridge (353 Cambridge Street, Wembley). Tickets cost $75, and they include a romantic three-course meal and bubbly on arrival. You can book a table by calling Cicconi’s on (08) 9383 7888.

Duran Duran, Smashing Pumpkins, QOTSA Play Adelaide

Adelaide may have missed out on the V Festival, but that doesn’t mean they’ll miss some of the event’s biggest names. 80s pop icons Duran Duran and 90s emo pioneers Smashing Pumpkins are making the trip to South Australia. As an added bonus for Pumpkins fans, Queens of the Stone Age will also appear at this very special show.

Duran Duran will play all their classic tracks and songs from their newie Red Carpet Massacre on April 1 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The big Smashing Pumpkins/Queens of the Stone Age show will play the Ent Cent on the following night. Yes, that’s right: two massive shows on in the middle of the week. I can imagine there’ll be some very bleary-eyed workers in Adelaide!

Tickets for both shows will go on sale to the public at 9 am on Monday 11 February from Ticketek.

Image source: Brian Aris @ Wikimedia Commons

Jackie Orszaczky Loses Cancer Fight

Bass guitarist extraordinaire Jackie Orszaczky passed away on Sunday morning following a long battle with cancer.

Jackie was born in Hungary in 1948. He relocated to Australia in 1974. On his arrival, he played bass with the 70s band Bakery and led Marcia Hines’ band.

Jackie was embraced by the local music scene and became one of the most prominent session musicians in Australia. He worked with a diverse collection of artists including The Whitlams, Savage Garden, You Am I, Leonardo’s Bride, Hoodoo Gurus, and Grinspoon.

Fans can remember Jackie at an upcoming private celebration. Details of this public ceremony are still being finalised.

As for the music, that’s not over just yet. A new trio album, featuring Dave Symes and Hamish Stuart, will be released on Vitamin Records later this year.

Here’s a great video of Jackie playing Ray Charles’ “Lonely Avenue.” Enjoy!

Pete Murray Tours New Album in Europe

It’s been a little bit quiet on the Pete Murray front, but don’t think this massive singer-songwriter has been idle. He’s putting the finishing touches on a new album which should hit stores in May.

Pete will showcase his new material when he tours Ireland, England, Belgium, and Germany mid-year.

Don’t worry Aussies – Pete hasn’t forgotten about us. He’ll announce an Australian tour later this year.

Pete Murray’s European tour dates are as follows:

28 May 2008 – Olympia Theatre, Dublin
29 May 2008 – Academy 2 Manchester Uni, Manchester
30 May 2008 – Carling Academy Brixton, London
3 June 2008 – AB Club, Brussels
5 June 2008 – Frannz Club, Berlin

Apparently there are more gigs to come so don’t fret if your city isn’t here yet!

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Flickr

Spice Girls Cancel Aussie Show

Sorry kids. It looks like the Spice Girls won’t visit Australia after all. Emma, Geri, Mel B, Mel C, and Victoria have decided to wrap up their world tour at the end of the month.

Their last performance will be in Toronto on February 26, leaving China, South America, South Africa, and Australia out in the cold.

“We’ve had such an amazing time over the last three months,” the girls said in a statement. “It’s been incredible being back together and seeing our fans again. We want to thank everyone who came to see us. It was all so mad the first time round, so we’ve really been able to appreciate it properly this time.

“There have been so many highlights and good times that we know it will be hard to be apart after Toronto. Really sorry if we didn’t get to see you this time round. We all have other commitments in our lives now but who knows what will happen next.”

There are rumours buzzing around that poor ticket sales and high ticket prices are behind the tour’s early end, but I’m not so sure. I know plenty of people who signed up for the ticket ballot, and I’m sure they’re going to be crushed.

The statement doesn’t discount further reunions sometime down the track so who knows? I’ll keep my fingers crossed for all your Aussie Spice Girls fans!

Image source: Martinrp @ Flickr

Live & Cookin’ @ Lizotte’s Restaurant – Various

The Live & Cookin’ @ Lizotte’s Restaurant CD has been permanently lodged in my stereo since I picked it up at the Rick Price/Jackie Bristow show a few weeks ago. The disc features an all-Australian cast, with big names like Daryl Braithwaite, Christine Anu, Rick Price, and Richard Clapton appearing alongside Central Coast locals Mike McCarthy and Sarah Humphries.

The songs are stripped back and raw. We all know the words to just about every track, but their acoustic treatments breathe new life into these songs, giving the familiar tunes new meaning. To hear Diesel and Jon Stevens jamming on “Dock of the Bay” is truly something special.

I’ve often gushed about my time at Lizotte’s. I feel so blessed to live on the Central Coast, where we have such an intimate venue serving the simple pleasures of good food, good wine, and good music. We aren’t all so lucky. But this album allows all of us to experience a little bit of Lizotte’s. The CD slick even features some recipes so we can recreate the experience at home.

Just like a night out at my favourite venue, Live & Cookin’ @ Lizotte’s is a satisfying and indulgent experience to be enjoyed again and again.

Image source: Lizotte’s website