Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst, Martin Rotsey, and Jim Moginie have recruited Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie to form a brand new band. They haven’t settled on a name yet, but they’ve been recording in preparation for a 2009 album release.
“I was always a fan of the Oils, especially live,” Brian told Undercover. “Rob Hirst is one of the most powerful drummers anywhere. Just to be playing with those guys is a buzz. I really class them very highly amongst rock bands as being one of the most classic bands. I thought I should play with some local musicians so why not the best?”
Why not indeed! The band is yet to settle on a name but has been recording for a 2009 release. Last night they made their public debut, performing at Sydney’s Amnesty International 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights dinner. With Peter Garrett busy with parliamentary duties, Dallas Frasca and Holly Throsby lent their vocal talents to the ensemble.
The audience was treated to some oils classics including “Dreamworld,” “Put Down That Weapon,” “Truganini,” and “When The Generals Talk.”
It’s always exciting when musicians the calibre of the Midnight Oils lads get together, and with Brian Ritchie part of the group the music to come should be very interesting indeed!
Image source: Frozen Chipmunk @ Flickr
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