Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rolf Harris and John Laws Join Hall of Fame

Rolf Harris and John Laws will join the ARIA Hall of Fame next month. The colorful characters will receive the honor at the Hall of Fame ceremony on Monday July 1.

“I look up at the shelf in my office and see the ARIA pyramid obelisk which was sent to me back in 1994, on my 64th birthday actually. At that time I was just gearing myself up to do my first Glastonbury Festival, and I was knocked out to get this recognition from the 8th ARIA Awards. It commemorates my win for Best Comedy Release. I think it was my version of ‘Stairway to Heaven’, which changed my whole life by thrusting me back into the awareness of all the University aged youngsters. They suddenly realised they knew all my songs from their childhood, and what’s more, remembered all the words,” Rolf reminisced from his UK home.

“Now, 14 years later, I’m being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. I look at all the famous names and am thrilled to be with them, for basically, just enjoying myself through music for the whole of my life. Thank you so much.”

John Laws will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Australian Music Industry. The retired radio DJ joins previous recipients Daryl Somers, Ian “Molly” Meldrum, Michael Gudinski, and John Woodruff.

Russell Morris, The Triffids, Max Merrit and Dragon will also be inducted this year.

Image source: Brian Minkoff @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Def Leppard and Cheap Trick Plan to Rock Oz

Attention all hair band fans. Please join me in celebrating the announcement of the tour to end all tours. Def Leppard and Cheap Trick are joining forces for a show that’s sure to have more hits than the State of Origin.

Think about it. We’ve got Def Leppard with “Love Bites,” “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” “Let’s Get Rocked,” “Photograph” and stacks more. Then there’s Cheap Trick with “The Flame,” “I Want You to Want Me,” “Dream Police” … you know I could go on.

The Galvatrons were always the natural choice for the support slot, so I’m thrilled they’re also on the bill.

If you’re as excited about all this as me you’ll want to grab your tickets when they go on sale on June 20. You can see these two massive acts the following venues.

31 October 2008 – Members Equity Stadium, Perth
3 November 2008 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
5 November 2008 – Acer Arena, Sydney
7 November 2008 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre
8 November 2008 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
10 November 2008 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
11 November 2008 – AIS Arena, Canberra

Image source: Rob Kennedy @ Wikimedia Commons 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Troy Casser-Daley Wins Major Country Award

Local lad Troy Cassar-Daley has won the Country Music Association Global Artist Award. Troy received the gong at The Stage in Nashville last night.

The award recognises the achievements of country artists which further the genre’s popularity outside the US.

“Receiving this award means a lot to me,” he said. “I have loved country music since I was a child and have enjoyed many years out on the road in Australia playing it.

“It makes me proud that people in Nashville think that I am a worthy ambassador for this award, and I look forward to many more shows playing this incredible music called country!”

With sales of around 250,000 units locally, Troy is definitely a worthy recipient. He also comes across as a genuinely nice guy. Congrats Troy!

Image source: Adam J.W.C. @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tin Alley Tour Oz

Melbourne trio Tin Alley are back with their brand new single “Polar Bear.” To celebrate the release the lads have hit the road for their very first Australian tour.

The gigs have extra significance for the band, who were forced to cancel a previous tour when drummer Peter was involved in a motorcycle accident. He’s all better now, and the boys are thrilled to be able to bring their music to the people.

They’re visiting plenty of capital cities and regional centers, so there’s bound to be a show near you. In the meantime, make sure you take a look at the filmclip for their funky new single Polar Bear!

Tin Alley are playing the following dates around the country.

12 June 2008 – The National Hotel, Geelong
13 June 2008 – The Yahoo Bar, Shepparton
14 June 2008 – The Pub, Bendigo
21 June 2008 – The Espy, St. Kilda
27 June 2008 – The Green Room, Phillip
5 July 2008 – The Rhino Room, Adelaide
11 July 2008 – The Cat & Fiddle, Balmain
25 July 2008 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
17 July 2008 – Bar Soma, Fortitude Valley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daniel Johns Finds New Model Love

Six months after splitting with ex-wife Natalie Imbruglia, Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns has been linked to model Louise Van de Vorst.

The Daily Telegraph says the pair has been inseparable since meeting two weeks ago. They apparently spent the long weekend partying at Hugo’s and Shh in Kings Cross.

20-year-old Louise is one of the hottest new models on the scene. She’s just returned from a six-month stay in Paris where she was named the face of cosmetics brand She Uemura. Ooh la la!

Daniel deserves a little happiness, so hopefully the rumors are true!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gyroscope on the Road Again

If you missed out on Gyroscope tickets last time around, don’t stress. The lads have enjoyed their recent national tour so much, they’re doing it all again.

Their latest tour celebrates their third single, appropriately titled “Australia.” This stunning song shows a different side of the band best known for their rock anthems. With its stirring rhythms and patriotic lyrics, it’s sure to be a massive local success.

With 36 dates scheduled, this is Gyroscope’s biggest tour to date. They’ll play dates with the awesome Shihad, Sugar Army, and Jebediah. The last tour sold out, so you’d better get your skates on and nab your tickets when they go on sale on June 26.

Here are all the gigs!

5 August 2008 – Brother’s Leagues, Cairns (15+)
6 August 2008 – Bombay Rock, Townsville
7 August 2008 – Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach
8 August 2008 – Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton
9 August 2008 – Young Australian Hotel, Gladstone
10 Aug 2008 – Sugarland Tavern, Bundaberg
12 August 2008 – The Arena, Brisbane
13 August 2008 – Sawtell RSL
14 August 2008 – Club Forster
15 August 2008 – Blacktown RSL
16 August 2008 – Waves, Wollongong
19 August 2008 – Caringbah Bizzos
20 August 2008 – Souths Juniors, Kingsford
21 August 2008 – The Cube, Campbelltown
22 August 2008 – Penrith Panthers (All ages)
23  August 2008 – Newcastle Panthers
26 August 2008 – The Metro, Sydney
27 August 2008 – Castle Hill RSL
29 August 2008 – Revesby Worker’s Club (All ages)
30 August 2008 – Doyalson RSL
31 August 2008 – Mona Vale Hotel
2 September 2008 – ANU Bar, Canberra
3 September 2008 – Station Resort, Jindabyne
5 September 2008 – Edge Hotel, Buronga
6 September 2008 – Pretoria Hotel, Mannum
7 September 2008 – HQ, Adelaide
9 September 2008 – Billboard The Venue, Melbourne
12 September 2008 – Ferntree Gully Hotel
13 September 2008 – The Pier Live, Frankston
14 September 2008 – Hallam Hotel
17 September 2008 – Batman Fawkner, Launceston
18 Sep 2008 –Warehouse Night Club, Devonport
19 September 2008 – Sirocco’s Bar & Night Club, Burnie
20 September 2008 – Showroom (Wrestpoint), Hobart
3 October 2008 – Metro City, Perth
4 October 2008 – Wild Oats Festival, Northam

Image source: Safetypinheart @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AC/DC Ink Wal-Mart Album Deal

AC/DC’s first album in eight years will be available exclusively through Wal-Mart stores in the United States of America.

The Eagles were the first to ink a similar deal last year. They received $30 million when Wal-Mart sold their Long Road Out of Eden album.

The AC/DC deal is expected to be somewhere in the same vicinity. Nice work if you can get it!

The as-yet-untitled album is slated for release later this year.

AC/DC are also planning a world tour to support the release, which should start in Australia early next year.

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Newton Faulkner Back in Oz

Newton Faulkner is one of my new favourite singer-songwriters. I always did have a thing for a mellow guitar boy. The good news is that he’s heading back to Australia for some intimate theatre shows in September.

He was a relative unknown when he came out here to play at the Blues and Roots festivals this March. But his stand-out performance won over the crowds, and that’s where the buzz all started.

Fast forward a few months and his song “Dream Catch Me” is all over radio and the album Hand Built By Robots is a firm fixture in the Aussie top 10.

Tickets are on sale now through all the usual outlets. See Newton at the following venues:

3 September 2008 – Capitol, Perth
5 September 2008 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
6 September 2008 – The Forum, Melbourne
8 September 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
10 September 2008 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image source: Nadworks @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Living End Gig Moved Due to Fire

The free Living End concert scheduled for tomorrow night in Melbourne will still go ahead despite the blaze in AC/DC Lane. It will now be held at Duckboard Place.

“On Thursday night, a fire caused some damage to a building in AC/DC Lane. The surrounding area, including the space where the gig was going to be held, has been closed off pending police investigation,” explained Triple J Marketing Manager Claire Collins in a press statement.

“The new site complies with OH&S regulations and has been approved by the local council, so its all systems go for this special event.”

The fire began in the offices of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Foundation. It also damaged the Cherry Bar downstairs.

Image source: Gajbireland @ Flickr