Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Veronica to Sue Over Nude Photos

I’ve deliberately stayed mum on the nude photographs that surfaced of one half of The Veronicas, Jess Origliasso this week. I figured before I weighed in I’d see how things panned out. Because let’s face it, for days we just had people up in arms about the fact that risqué photos existed. As far as I’m concerned, that’s not news.

What is news is that Jess has apparently decided to sue an ex-boyfriend over the matter.

If you haven’t been watching the news, the story goes a little something like this. Some nude photographs of Jess appeared on an American website called Fleshbot.com. The tabloids would like to tell us they’re pornographic photos, but considering there are no sexual acts involved that’s clearly not the case.

Warner Music confirmed one of the images was the feisty twin, but denied the other images were. At the end of the day it matters little. Clearly some photographs were taken in private, the girl’s been betrayed, and now the photos are in the public domain.

Some may argue it’s foolish for celebrities to run the risk of this kind of thing by posing for such photos, but these shots are three years old. I’m sure we’ve all done things when we were young we might not do today. And besides, these photos are hardly on a par with a Paris Hilton sex tape.

Jess hasn’t said anything about it, but her rumored lover Ruby Rose was happy to chat to The Daily Telegraph today.

“What has happened with those images is obviously completely illegal and there are lawyers getting involved,” she said.

“It’s just such an upsetting situation – there is a real tall poppy situation in Australia and both Jess and Lisa deserve more support, especially from their Australian fans.”

The Veronicas are due to return to the US next week to promote the release of their album Hook Me Up. I’ll bet they can’t wait to head back there and away from the grilling the press here are giving them!

Image source: Foraggio Fotographic @ Flickr

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

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elton John Loves PNAU

PNAU are one step closer to cracking the elusive European market thanks to an unexpected fan: Elton John. The flamboyant British singer is such a big supporter of the Aussie dance outfit, he’s just signed them up with his management company.

Toni Collette encouraged Elton to see the band while he was here on tour last December. He did, and was so impressed he bought dozens of copies of their latest album. He’s also stayed in touch with the lads, and become an invaluable support.

“We talk more about art than business and hopefully introducing us to that part of London, artists like Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Sam Taylor-Wood,” Nick Littlemore told The Daily Telegraph.

“His tenacity is something we admire because it’s something we have had from day one, always trying to do something new. And when we’re worried about money and how much it is going to cost to record there, he reminds us we’ll be able to use the studio he is building there.”

With offers like that, the Aussie lads must be feeling very good indeed!

Image sourc: PNAU media resource

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

CDB Are Back!

Well here’s some unexpected news: CDB have reformed! If you weren’t a teenage girl in the 90s this will probably mean nothing to you, so let me refresh your memory.

CDB were Australia’s very own boy band. Along with Human Nature, they showed local girls that we didn’t need the Backstreet Boys or Take That. Their pop-soul anthems like “Hook Me Up” and “Let’s Groove” sold plenty, but then after two albums they disbanded.

But let’s face it. Gary Pinto is wasted as a back-up singer on Australian Idol. And I’d much rather see his brother Brad shaking his booty than working behind-the-scenes writing and producing.

So why reform now? Andrew De Silva sheds some light on this surprising turn of events.

“We have rediscovered the reasons why we first formed the band. The chemistry between us and the combined skills just amaze me,” he explained in a press statement. “It’s been great pursuing our individual goals, but there’s something really special about this group and what we create together. During our time apart we’ve acquired new skills and ideas that we bring back to the band. We have rediscovered CDB but this time with greater experience and promise.”

It looks like the lads have taken some inspiration from Human Nature’s recent Motown success. After all, their 90s contemporaries have managed to stay relevant on the modern musical landscape, so they’re a pretty good model!

So CDB are paying tribute to their favourite artists with The Funk Sessions. It’s due out in October.

Until then I’ll just have to be content watching old footage like this music video for “Hey Girl” on Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Those white outfits make them look like they’re part of a cult, but those harmonies take me right back!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AC/DC World Tour in the Works

Anticipation is building as AC/DC’s comeback draws ever closer. The latest word out of the camp of the Aussie rock supergroup is that they plan to embark on a massive 18-month world tour to support their new album.

We’re all looking forward to welcoming back our favourite sons, but the best news is that the local leg may be more exhaustive than you’d expect.

“Concert industry sources at Coachella said AC/DC leader Angus Young wants to do major centres and has asked promoters to put Alice Springs in the tour schedule. Asked about the significance of Alice Springs, Young says it’s a gesture of giving back and he wants to take a major tour off the main road. The tour is likely to happen early next year,” said The Herald Sun.

The first single from the new album is slated for release next month. How exciting!

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Albert Hammond Jr Cancels Aussie Shows

Albert Hammond Jr has cancelled his Australian shows which were scheduled for this week. But unlike the Mary J Bliges of this world, The Strokes star has a very good reason.

He’s suffering a severe throat infection which has caused him to lose his voice. Understandably, his doctor’s advised him not to perform.

The cancellation affects tomorrow night’s Melbourne show, as well as gigs in Sydney and Brisbane and his slot at Splendour in the Grass.

If you’ve got a ticket you can take it to your place of purchase for a refund.

Image source: Todd Sie… @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "You’re Gonna Be a Star" by The Sunpilots

I caught the video for The Sunpilots‘ “You’re Gonna Be a Star” while watching Video Hits this weekend, and it hooked me in instantly. I’d never heard of this darkly melodic rock outfit before, but a quick Google search confirmed they’re homegrown. Make sure you give these lads from Sydney a listen – they’re definitely the real deal.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nat Bass Opens Up About Rogue Traders Split

It’s been a month now since Natalie Bassingthwaighte split from mega dance outfit the Rogue Traders. We’ve heard from lovable Rogue James Ash, the fans, in fact everyone but the girl herself. Until now.

Nat spoke to The Sunday Telegraph today from London to set the record straight.

Firstly, her relationship with Rogue Traders drummer Cameron McGlinchey didn’t go sour. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth!

“Cam and I are so together. I love him to pieces. I’m missing him, so he’s coming here and I can’t wait,” she gushed.

She says the decision to leave the band was a difficult one, but necessary. James wanted to continue his career, and Nat decided it wasn’t fair for him to sit around waiting for her to come back to the fold while she pursued her solo one.

“It’s always hard when people make up their own stories and don’t know the truth. I guess you could make the decision to go out there and say: ‘No, no, no’ and do 20 million interviews and tell everyone what the real story is.”

Instead of doing that, Nat got away from it all. It sounds like a much nicer option!

“I actually went on holidays with my best friend to Paris and Spain and all around the globe, chilling out. I had the best time. I just needed to relax and be somewhere people didn’t know who I am.”

But Nat Bass fans don’t have too long to wait before she returns to the spotlight. Her first solo single is out in October, the same month she’ll host the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Add to that her hosting duties for the next series of So You Think You Can Dance in 2009, and Nat’s going to be one busy bee!

Image source: Whinging Pom @ Wikimedia Commons