Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Molly Meldrum Gives Up the Grog

A very different Ian “Molly” Meldrum will host the nostalgic Countdown Spectacular 2 tour this month. The Aussie music guru will be clean and sober.

Molly decided to quit drinking following a series of embarrassing incidents, and the deaths of close friends Billy Thorpe, Lobby Lloyd and Lynne Randell.

These gaffs included a drunken spat with radio breakfast DJ and Australian Idol judge, Kyle Sandilands, last month. Molly was in England covering the Princess Diana tribute concert when he fired some explosive barbs at the shock jock.

“You have no talent and you’re fat,” he said during the morning broadcast. “Why don’t you get off television? Your advice on Australian Idol means sweet jack s..t.”

Kyle shot back that Molly was a “drunken tragedy.”

Molly has no regrets about his comments, but concedes he should never have done an interview during a party.

“I only lost the plot by going to a party and doing a live interview while I was there,” he told The Sunday Telegraph.

“Kyle is always accusing people of being fat, and this and that, and I thought: ‘Who is he to be making these calls?’ If it had been anyone else, I’d feel terrible, but with Kyle … if you give it, you can take it.”

Molly says he is looking forward to overseeing the Countdown Spectacular 2 with a clear head. He will join a host of local and international stars on the tour, including Rick Springfield, Samantha Fox, Richard Clapton, and Kate Ceberano.

“There are vodka police everywhere. I’ll be seeing Countdown from a whole different spectrum,” he joked. “Sober.”

While skeptics may question Molly’s resolve, he certainly seems committed to a new healthier life. He’s now working with a personal trainer, and has even installed a home gym. Here at Oz Music Scene we wish him all the very best!

Image source: Jeanie Mackinder @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Request Spot: David Campbell

Here’s a fantastic David Campbell video performing on Sunrise, as requested by Jennifer from Hippie Sounds!

What I love most about this clip is how much fun it is. For most people a laughing fit would result in a botched performance, but David recovers from this shaky start to deliver a delightful version of “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You.” In fact, he’s enjoying himself so much that he can’t resist launching straight into a killer cover of “Call Me Irresponsible.”

I hope Jennifer, and all my other loyal readers, enjoy this video as much as I do!

If you’d like to see any Aussie songs or artists featured, please feel free to send me an e-mail with your request!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll’s Loud New Single

In the not so recent past, I couldn’t turn on the radio without Shannon Noll trying to fire me up. I quite enjoy Shannon, but the last thing I wanted to hear from my clock radio was inspirational pop rock telling me why I needed to get up and out of bed. I also didn’t need to hear that he knew how hard it could be, but encouraging me to lift anyway.

Expect more of these inescapable positive messages to dominate the airwaves in the coming weeks. Shannon’s latest single, “Loud”, has just been released to radio.

Nollsy is the most successful artist discovered through the Australian Idol talent search, selling more albums and releasing more hit singles than his reality TV peers. He believes his optimistic outlook is the key to his longevity.

“There’s way too much negativity in the music industry, songs that talk about hate and killing and anger,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“The beautiful thing about music is its ability to make people feel something positive.”

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jet Support Stones in UK

The Rolling Stones were clearly impressed with their 2003 Melbourne support act, Jet. They’ve just asked the local boys to open for them in London.

The Melbourne rockers will support The Stones at the O2 Arena in London on August 21 and 23.

The Brits will also get a chance to see the Aussie supergroup when they perform at the V Festival at Chelmsford’s Hylands Park on August 18, and Staffordshire’s Weston Park the following day. They’ll play alongside major international stars like The Killers, Amy Winehouse, Foo Fighters, and Pink.

Image source: Jim Pietryga @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enter the Spirit of Youth Awards

If you’re a talented Australian muso under the age of 25, why not enter the Spirit of Youth Awards? You could win a mentorship with one of Australia’s top producers, $5000 in cash, and $5000 worth of Qantas flights.

Last year’s winners, Adelaide rockers Wolf and Cub, used the prize pool to tour Japan, so just imagine where it could take you!

To enter, just create a profile at Noise and upload three songs. The competition also has categories for gifted visual artists, fashion designers, photographers, and more. Good luck!

Image source: Spirit of Youth Awards website 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea’s Homesexual Appearance

Australian Idol 2 runner-up Anthony Callea’s come a long way since he was forcibly outed earlier this year. He’s helped Jo Stanley take second place on It Takes Two, sold out concert halls around the country, and scored a plum role in Dead Man Walking. Now he’s preparing for another major career move: performing at a popular gay and lesbian club.

Anthony will help Homesexual celebrate their second birthday with a very special appearance. Anthony’s performance marks a turning point for the once-closeted star, so it’s sure to be a night to remember.

Anthony will appear alongside some of the country’s hottest DJs, including Jayson Forbes, Alex Taylor, Terry Vietheer, and Shigeki.

Join Anthony at Homesexual’s Second Birthday Bash at Sydney’s Home Nightclub on September 6. Tickets are available online or at HUM Records in Oxford Street and Newtown.

Image source: Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jim Keays’ Cancer Fight

Aussie rock legend Jim Keays has revealed he’s battling myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer.

The former Master’s Apprentices frontman fell ill while holidaying in England last month. He was suffering from back pain, but the greatest problem was a build-up of toxins in his kidneys. When British doctors diagnosed cancer, there was no doubt in Jim’s mind that he needed to return home.

Despite his serious condition, Jim is staying positive.

“It’s treatable and it often goes into remission,” he told the Herald Sun. “I started chemotherapy last week and I am on dialysis, and I am confident both will work.”

He hopes to rejoin his current bandmates Russell Morris and Darryl Cotton on the road soon.

“We have had to drop a few gigs, and Russell and Darryl played Saturday night together, but I hope to be back in business and playing with the boys next month,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky. I’ve had good health all my life. Until this I had never been to hospital — and I plan to get out of this one quick smart.”

Jim’s wife Karin is also optimistic that her husband will make a full recovery.

“The doctors are quietly confident that Jim’s kidney function will improve. Jim has such strength of will that I have no doubt he’ll make it happen.”

Jim Keays burst onto the Australian music scene in 1966. His group, The Master’s Apprentices, stormed up the charts with hits like “Elevator Driver,” “Turn Up Your Radio,” and “Because I Love You.” In the last few years, Jim’s enjoyed success as part of the trio Cotton Keays and Morris. He recently completed a solo album called Resonator.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Cat Empire Come Home

After a whirlwind world tour, Australia’s biggest ska success story, The Cat Empire, are glad to be home. Their performance at last weekend’s Splendour in the Grass festival kicked off what’s shaping up as a busy couple of months for the Melbourne sextet.

The Cat Empire will release album number four, So Many Nights, on September 22. To promote the release, they’ll perform shows in Cairns, Noosa, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide.

Can they break their own record in Sydney? In 1996 the band sold out seven consecutive shows at The Metro. This time around they’re booked in for eight appearances. Considering how long these funksters have been away, I’m pretty sure they bouncers will be turning away fans at the door.

So make sure you don’t miss out! Check The Cat Empire’s website to see when they’re playing near you.

Image source: MuntyPix @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fergie Tops Aussie Charts

Aussies just can’t get enough of pop diva Fergie. Her single “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and album The Duchess are both sitting pretty at number one on the ARIA charts.

The ladies are doing well on the charts, boosted by recent high profile tours. Gwen Stefani’s The Sweet Escape bounced back into the top 10, while Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basics jumped from number nine to six.

It seems like “Girlfriend” was number one forever (or was it just me?). I wonder whether Avril Lavigne’s newie “When You’re Gone” will do just as well? It’s debuted at a respectable number five.

Grinspoon, Powderfinger, and Lee Kernaghan are flying the flag for the Aussies in the album charts. Alibis & Other Lies is at number four, just ahead of Dream Days at Hotel Existence at number five and Spirit of the Bush at number eight.

Image source: Robin Wong/Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Gives Love Rat Marriage Ultimatum

Kylie Minogue and Olivier Martinez have had more break-ups and make-ups than most celebrity matches, and that’s definitely saying something.

But rumour has it that the glamour couple is back on again after establishing some new ground rules.

Kylie wants Olivier to shed his ‘love rat’ tag and marry her. She’s also insisting that he quit posing for the paparazzi with other women.

But Olivier’s not the only one compromising. He said Kylie must give up on her dreams of having children to be with him.

It’s a tough break, but a source has told The Daily Mail that Kylie willing to do anything to keep the troubled relationship afloat.

“She sees Olivier as the love of her life. He made her feel like a woman again when she lost her hair. They still have a massive connection.”

Image source: Rob Young @ Flickr.com