Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Huey Lewis & The News Concert Postponed, But Was It Ever Happening?

Andrew McManus Presents has announced the postponement of Huey Lewis & The News upcoming Australian tour.
The official reason given is that “due to recording commitments the band is unable to leave the US at this time.”

But hang on. Shouldn’t the band have known they were recording at the time they were due Down Under? This is where the plot thickens. According to administrators on the Huey Lewis & The News forum, the tour was never confirmed with the band’s offices.

Now I don’t know a lot about organising concerts, but I would have assumed that should be the first step. Tickets probably shouldn’t have gone on sale months ago, and we definitely shouldn’t have heard of this two weeks out from the shows.

I’m lucky. I was attending a relatively local show, so all I’m dealing with is a little disappointment and money tied up until Andrew McManus Presents can reschedule the shows. That is, providing they can. But there are many folks out of pocket several hundred, even thousands of dollars, for travel and accommodation costs.

Frankly it shouldn’t happen, and I have to wonder how it has.

Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Spandau Ballet and Tears for Fears Bring 80s Double Act to Oz

It’s time to break out the spandex and leg warmers; Spandau Ballet are bringing their Reformation tour to Australia, and 80s megastars Tears for Fears are coming along for the ride.

Reformation is more than just the name of the tour, with both bands celebrating relatively recent reunions. After a fairly nasty split in 1990, Spandau Ballet members Tony Hadley, John Keeble, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, and Steve Norman mended their relationship last year. This tour marks their first Australian tour since 1985, although Tony Hadley visited our shores with Paul Young in 2008.

Meanwhile Tears for Fears members Roland Orzabel and Curt Smith parted ways in 1991, only to reunite in 2003.
I’m personally thrilled to see all the bands back together and gracing us with a visit. Jack Jones, who made his name with Aussie outfit Southern Sons, will also no doubt elicit squeals as the support act.

Tickets for the shows go on sale on February 1. Here are all the dates!

17 April 2010 – Sandalford Winery, Perth
19 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
21 April 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
23 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
27 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rufus Wainwright Cancels Aussie Tour

Rufus Wainwright has cancelled his upcoming Australian tour due to illness in the family. Unfortunately, this has also seen the cancellation of his Day on the Green concerts with Paul Kelly.

“We are all incredibly disappointed that Rufus has had to cancel his tour,” A Day on the Green promoter Michael Newton said in a statement. “Unfortunately we have no time to secure another artist of the same calibre to replace him as the co-headline act, which makes it economically unviable to continue with the show. We hope we will see Rufus at A Day on the Green next summer.”

Ticket holders can now get a full refund from their place of purchase.

But there is a silver lining for fans. Apparently they’ll get priority ticket allocated when Rufus returns later this year.

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Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Damien Leith Celebrates Irish Heritage on Keys and Strings Tour

More details have come to light about Damien Leith’s upcoming shows. It seems the intimate concerts will have an Irish bent. The former Australian Idol will embrace his Celtic roots on the Keys and Strings tour.

The name comes from the violin, guitar, and piano that will accompany Damien’s trademark voice. Damien is set to perform traditional and modern Irish hits, as well as some of the best tracks from his new album Remember June. You can expect to hear ancient Irish folk tunes alongside contemporary classics from Van Morrison, Damien Rice, and U2. It sounds like an eclectic mix!

“My Irish background is incredibly important to me and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take this show to the stage,” Damien said about the upcoming tour.

As a reminder, here are all those tour dates!

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16 January 2010 – Sandalford Winery, Perth (Day On The Green)
17 January 2010 – Sandalford Winery, Margaret River (Day On The Green)
23 January 2010 – Bimbadgen Winery, Hunter Valley (Day On The Green)
24 January 2010 – Centennial Winery, Bowral (Day On The Green)
26 January 2010 – Siromet Winery, Brisbane (Day On The Green)
30 January 2010 – Leconfield Wines, Adelaide (Day On The Green)
31 January 2010 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (Day On The Green)
11 February 2010 – Toowoomba City Golf Club
12 February 2010 – Redcliffe Cultural Centre
13 February 2010 – Sunshine Coast Function Centre
14 February 2010 – Victoria Point Sharks Club, Brisbane Bayside
19 & 20 February 2010 – Penrith Gaels
26 February 2010 – Marconi Club, Bossley Park
27 February 2010 – Club Sapphire, Merimbula
3 Mar 2010 – Weller’s Restaurant, Kangaroo Ground
5 Mar 2010 – Milano’s Tavern, Melbourne
6 Mar 2010 – The Village Green, Melbourne
7 Mar 2010 – York on Lilydale Resort, Mt Evelyn
12 March 2010 – Country Club, Launceston
13 March 2010 – Wrestpoint Entertainment Centre, Hobart
17 March 2010 – The Mean Fiddler, Rouse Hill
19 March 2010 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
20 March 2010 – Revesby Workers Club
26 & 27 March 2010 – Norwood Live, Adelaide
1 Apr 2010 – Cafe Coast Restaurant, Perth
2 Apr 2010 – Friends Restaurant, East Perth
3 Apr 2010 – Charles Hotel, North Perth
9 April 2010 – Kingsford, Souths Juniors
10 April 2010 – Dee Why RSL
14 April 2010 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
15 & 16 April 2010 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
17 April 2010 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
23 April 2010 – Coffs Ex Services, Coffs Harbour
24 April 2010 – Ballina RSL
30 April 2010 – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns
1 May 2010 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
2 May 2010 – Magpies Sporting Club, Mackay
4 May 2010 – Proserpine Cultural Centre
5 May 2010 – Rockhampton Leagues Club
6 May 2010 – Gladstone Entertainment Centre
7 May 2010 – Hervey Bay Boat Club
8 May 2010 – Gympie RSL
9 May 2010 – Tewantin Noosa RSL

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussies On Board for Bacardi Express

An all-star Aussie line-up will join La Roux on this year’s Bacardi Express tour. Amongst the locals are Art vs Science, Yves Klein Blue, Miami Horror, The Cassette Kids, and DJ Sampology.

The retro train will take all the bands on one hell of a ride from Brisbane to Sydney. Along the way the engine will make pit stops in Coffs Harbour and Newcastle for some rocking shows.

“We’ve heard the catering is really good on the train, bring on the fun!,” gushed Art vs Science.

“Jam room, bars, being locked in close proximity with a bunch of other musicians for 48 hours – it’s just a unique touring experience, we can’t wait to get on the Bacardi Express,” added Yves Klein Blue.

If you want to jump aboard, and you’re over 18, make sure you head to the Bacardi Express website to register for the free tickets.

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25 March 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
26 March 2010 – Club Coffs, Coffs Harbour
27 March 2010 – Panthers, Newcastle
27 March 2010 – Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Back Again to Celebrate Cab Calloway

It took Big Bad Voodoo Daddy 20 years to visit Australia for the first time, but clearly they enjoyed themselves! Just nine months after that maiden voyage they’ve announced a return tour!

The swing kings will be here to promote their eight studio album How Big Can You Get? The disc is a tribute to legendary big band pioneer Cab Calloway, a joyous celebration of his musicianship and mischief.

Funnily enough Sydney’s missing out, but Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will hit Brisbane’s Hi-Fi Bar on January 7 before visiting Melbourne’s Billboard on January 8. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

Image source: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy press gallery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Coppel Withdrawal Puts V Festival in Doubt

V Festival’s future in Australia is in doubt after promoter Michael Coppel refused to renew his deal with Sir Richard Branson. Unless the Virgin Group can find another major promoter before March, it looks like the show won’t go ahead.

“For the past three years, the Virgin Group and Michael Coppel Presents have worked together to deliver the acclaimed V Festival to Australian audiences,” Mr Coppel said in a statement.

“The presentation of V Festival in 2009 concluded this arrangement and the partnership is not being renewed. The Virgin Group will make further announcements regarding V Festival in Australia in the coming months.”

But whispers are that Michael Coppel’s not getting out of the festival biz altogether. Industry buzz says he’s working on a festival for late 2010, with many suggesting it could see Livid resurrected. I’ll miss V Festival, but that would certainly ease the pain!

Image source: Bradii @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bon Jovi Planning Australian Tour

One of my favourite concert memories of last year was Bon Jovi’s show at Sydney’s Acer Arena. So I was thrilled to read the boys from New Jersey are planning a return visit.

There are no dates as yet, but the rockers have confirmed they’ll be here sometime in the next two years during The Circle world tour.

“One of our few regrets is the way we toured in the last decade was much more civilised than when we were young bucks and would go out for 200-250 show tours,” Jon said from Tokyo recently.

“So we neglected a whole region of the world, including Australia, which we always loved immensely, and by neglecting it we lost our footing there. The last record we came back and started to re-establish that, and with our hearts on our sleeves I can tell you we are going to spend a lot more time in Australia, starting with this record.”

I’m sure anyone who saw the band last time will agree, Bon Jovi spending a lot more time in Australia is a very good thing.

Photo credit: Mack Male @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Foxx on Fire Celebrate EP Release with East Coast Tour

Melbourne quartet Foxx on Fire have just long released their long-awaited debut EP, White Sands. To celebrate, the lads who proudly describe their music as ‘apocalyptic disco-noir’ are heading out on the road for an East Coast tour.

Since their inception in 2006, Foxx on Fire have played more than 100 live showed including the St. Kilda Festival and supports for Art vs. Science, Bluejuice, and Midnight Juggernauts. There’s a reason why these boys took out the Diesel:U:Music comp and become finalists at the MTV Kickstart Competition, Tooheys Extra Dry uncharted.

Discover why yourself why Foxx on Fire are fast becoming one of Australia’s most exciting live acts at the following shows.

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2 November 2009 – ‘Melbourne Cup Eve’ @ The Birmingham, Melbourne (Tix $10 at the door)
14 November 2009 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (Free entry)
20 November 2009 – Neverland Bar, Gold Coast (Tix $10 at the door)
21 November 2009 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (Free entry)
25 November 2009 – Diesel:U:Music Party @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
28 November 2009 – Ed Castle, Adelaide (Tix $10 at the door)

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cassette Kids Announce Nothing on TV Album Release

They’ve spent the last 18 months earning a reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts in the country, and now Cassette Kids are ready to announce the release of their long-awaited debut album, Nothing on TV.

The first single, “Lying Around,” hits radio this week ahead of the album’s March 2010 release.

“The first single, “Lying Around,” has a great energy and quite a strong message: If you don’t get off your arse and go after what you want, then you can’t expect it to fall in your lap,” explained the band’s lead singer, Katrina.

The track is just one of a dozen tracks, the result of spending six months in the studio with Richard Wilkinson (Hot Chip, Adele, Magic Numbers, Carl Cox) and Michael Di Francesco aka Mikey from Van She (Ladyhawke). Under the guidance of these uber-talented producers, the Kids have experimented with their sound to create something really special. It’s a little more pop, but fans will be relieved to find the band’s trademark grit intact.

March may seem an age to wait, but you can get a taste of the new tracks on the Cassette Kids’ Lying Around tour. Tickets to all shows are on sale now.

8 November 2009 – Northbridge Festival, Perth WA (with Downsyde)
13 November 2009 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote VIC (with Canvas Kites and Red Ink)
14 November 2009 – Revolver, Prahran VIC (with Canvas Kites and Wilfred Jackal)
20 November 2009 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW (with Canvas Kites and We Say Bamboulee)
21 November 2009 – Trackside Festival, Canberra ACT (with Hilltop Hoods, Karnivool, Midnight Juggernauts)
27 November 2009 – The Clubhouse, Brisbane QLD (with Canvas Kites and Yacht Club DJ’s)
28 November 2009 – Open Arms Festival, Coffs Harbour (with Hilltop Hoods, Karnivool, Children Collide)

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia