Guns N’ Roses Rock Out with KoRn

Guns N’ Roses have announced a couple of sideshows to complement their appearance at the V8 Supercar Championships in Sydney later this year. The band will headline shows in Townsville, Adelaide, and Perth this December alongside fellow countrymen KoRn.

“This is a very exciting tour for us,” said promoter Andrew McManus. “I saw Guns N’ Roses perform in Helsinki earlier this year and I’ve never seen a bigger crowd. It was a wild concert with over 60,000 fans going freakin’ berserk! They were really well behaved and were there purely to give the band as much energy back as the band gave them, which believe me was a ton full! I got goose bumps hearing the crowd leave the venue all as one singing ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’.”

This tour has been a long time coming, as the band haven’t played Oz since 2007. Personally I think things will never be the same without Slash, but I have no doubt fans will turn out to catch tracks like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Paradise City,” and “ November Rain.”

Tickets for all shows go on sale at noon on September 7.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA. JUNE 9, 2010. Guns n' Roses frontman and co-founder Axl Rose (L) and lead guitarist DJ Ashba perform during a concert at Moscow s Olympiysky Sports Arena (Photo ITAR-TASS / Alexei Pantsikov) Photo via Newscom


1 December 2010 – Reid Park, Townsville
7 December 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
11 December 2010 – Motorplex, Perth

City Riots Singer Held at Knifepoint

You’d assume that the post offices of Adelaide would be pretty safe places, but Ricky Kradolfer of City Riots has another tale to tell. The singer was recently held at knife point as he waited to mail posters for their upcoming September shows!

But Ricky survived and mailed the posters, so he’d probably be pretty grateful if you got out to the gigs. City Riots will headline shows around the country with The Chemist and play a few festivals as well.

The shows will give you a sneak peek at tracks from City Riots’ debut album, which they recorded recently in the States with legendary producer Bjorn Thorsrud (Smashing Pumpkins, Dandy Warhol, Billy Corgan).

Here are all the dates!

9 September 2010 – Big Sound, Brisbane
17 September 2010 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
18 September 2010 – Jive, Adelaide
24 September 2010 – Spectrum, Sydney
25 September 2010 – Coaster Festival, Gosford
20 November 2010 – Open Arms Festival, Coffs Harbour

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment/Jason Penney

U2 Bring 360 Degree Tour to Australia

The rumor mill’s been buzzing for a while, and now it’s all official: U2 will visit Australia this November with their 360 Degree Tour.

The show is supposed to be a spectacle unlike anything Aussie audiences have ever seen, with a 57 meter bug-like four-legged spaceship nicknamed The Claw and 120 trucks needed to transport the production.

Refreshingly tickets will be available to suit all budgets, with the cheap seats starting from just $39.90. Don’t expect to see too much for a mere $40, but it’s a great option for anyone who’s counting their pennies before Christmas. I’m thrilled that a band is happy to offer their show to all fans, not just the elite that can afford the hefty price of admission.

“U2 has always been at their best when surrounded by their audience, and this extraordinary production makes that happens in stadiums,” U2 manager Paul McGuiness said in a statement. “It was important to the band that we were able to bring the whole production to Australia and New Zealand so fans could experience the latest of U2’s legendary productions.”

Tickets go on sale on September 3 from the usual outlets.

Lead singer Bono (C) of Irish rock band U2 performs a concert at the Olympic stadium in Turin, northern Italy August 6, 2010. U2 singer Bono is ready to rock after back surgery sidelined him for two months, and forced the band to postpone its North American tour by a year to May 2011. The Irish rockers began the second European leg of their 360 Degree world tour on Friday in Italy. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (ITALY - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)


1 December 2010 – Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
8 December 2010 – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
13 December 2010 – Olympic Park, Sydney
18 December 2010 – Subiaco, Perth

Ed Kowalczyk Makes Aussie Return

When Ed Kowalczyk toured Australia last August he promised he’d be back soon. He’s now making good on that vow with the announcement of a tour this October and November.

While he was in acoustic mode last time, the former Live frontman will be in full band mode this time around. He’ll play all the old Live favourites as well as songs from his first solo release Alive. We got a taste of some of these tracks during the last tour, and I can’t wait to hear them amped up with a full backing band.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on August 19. Get them; you won’t be disappointed.


31 Sunday October 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
2 Tuesday November 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
5 Friday November 2010 – The Forum, Melbourne
6 Saturday November 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
8 Monday November 2010 – Metropolis, Fremantle

Image source: own photo

From Las Vegas to Oz: Human Nature Come Home

The lads from Human Nature are coming home for Christmas. The Sydney boys will take a three-week break from their Las Vegas residency to play shows all around the country inspired by their overseas stint.

The Direct from Las Vegas tour is Human Nature’s first Aussie tour in three years. They’re promising to play the Motown tunes they’ve made famous in Vegas, favourites from their original back catalogue, and a few tracks from their new album.

This disc will feature covers of songs inspired by Sin City. Think Elvis, Barry Manilow, and Tom Jones. If I don’t hear their spin on “Danke Schoen” I’ll be disappointed. Having said that, isn’t it about time Human Nature reminded us of their own pop talents and recorded an album of originals? They’re so much better than simply becoming a covers act.

The boys will jet back to Vegas after these shows, so if you want to see them make sure you snap up your tickets for the following shows on August 16 from the usual outlets.

3 December 2010 – Wrest Point Casino, Hobart
7 & 8 December 2010 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
10 December 2010 – Convention Centre, Melbourne
12 December 2010 – Kings Park, Perth
15 December 2010 – Convention Centre, Brisbane
17 & 18 December 2010 – State Theatre, Sydney

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Crowded House Bring “Intriguer” Tour to Oz

Aussie music legends Crowded House will circle the country this November in support of their latest studio album Intriguer.

Just quietly, it’s about time. Critics have been heaping praise on the lads after shows in the United Kingdom, Europe, and United States. Perhaps they were just perfecting things before they hit home soil?

At any rate, Crowded House are promising a two hour show featuring plenty of old favourites alongside new tracks. It sounds like it’ll be a whole lot of fun. Tickets for the following shows go on sale through Ticketek on August 10.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 27: Neil Finn of Crowded House performs during day 3 of the Hard Rock Calling festival held in Hyde Park on June 27, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)


5 November 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
6 November 2010 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
9 November 2010 – Convention Centre, Brisbane
14 November 2010 – Sandalford Estate, Swan Valley
16 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Katherine Jenkins Can’t Get Enough of Australia

It seems Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins just can’t stay away from Oz. She’ll touch down in August for a quick promotional tour ahead of some theatre dates this October.

Katherine will be in the country to promote her album Believe, which went straight to number one on the Aussie classical charts on its release late last year.

Katherine will play intimate theatre shows around the country this October, with our own operatic superstar Mark Vincent acting as support. Tickets are on sale now for the following dates.

WASHINGTON - MAY 29: Katherine Jenkins performs during the Annual PBS National Memorial Day Concert Rehearsals at the US Capitol on May 29, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images)


23 October 2010 – State Theatre, Sydney
26 October 2010 – Entertainment Centre (Theatre Mode), Adelaide
28 October 2010 – Regent Theatre, Melbourne

John Farnham Back With New Live Tour and Album

The legendary John Farnham is heading out on the road for shows all around the country this October and November. The dates include a handful of Day on the Green winery shows, and a special show at Luna Park celebrating the amusement park’s 75th birthday.

“I love doing outdoor shows and the vineyards around Australia are beautiful venues to perform at,” John said on the announcement of these shows, adding that “the opportunity to perform at an iconic venue such as Luna Park was something I just couldn’t say no to. Performing in an intimate venue will be fantastic.”

We can expect to hear plenty of old favourites, and a couple of new songs. These tracks will feature on John’s new album which should be in stores this October. That should give fans just enough time to learn the words!

John will be joined on the tour by some top-notch supports including Katie Noonan, Richard Clapton, and Ross Wilson.

Tickets go on sale from the usual outlets from July 30.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 03:  Singer John Farnham performs on stage in the Lyric Theatre on September 3, 2009 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)


4 October 2010 – Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney
23 October 2010 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (with Kate Ceberano and Vika & Linda)
30 October 2010 – Robert Oatley Wines, Mudgee (with Ross Wilson and Richard Clapton)
27 November 2010 – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth (with Ross Wilson and Richard Clapton)
2 November 2010 – AIS Arena, Canberra (with Katie Noonan)
6 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Wollongong (with Katie Noonan)
8 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle (with Katie Noonan)
11 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Tamworth (with Katie Noonan)
13 November 2010 – RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast (with Katie Noonan)
20 November 2010 – Coopers Brewery, Regency Park (with Katie Noonan)

Gorillaz Announce First Aussie Tour

It’s no real surprise to anyone who follows the Gorillaz, but Damon Albarn’s virtual rock outfit will tour Australia for the first time this December.

Animated bass player Murdoc has been busy tweeting about the tour for days, but it’s nice for fans to have that official confirmation and all-important dates. The tour comes on the back of the release of the band’s third album Plastic Beach.

This should be some intriguing shows, and if the rave reviews from their Coachella and Glastonbury performances are anything to go by, some pretty spectacular ones. Tickets go on sale from the regular outlets on August 6.

GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 25: Damon Albarn of Gorillaz performs on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival 2010 on June 25, 2010 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Getty Images)


6 December 2010 – Burswood Dome, Perth
8 December 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
11 December 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
16 December 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
19 December 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Buck 65 Celebrates 20 Years in the Biz with Aussie Shows

Nova Scotia’s Buck 65 is returning to our shores for a swag of shows this September. This intriguing performer blends hip hop, blues, folk, and country to create the kind of music which defies classification.

He’s built a lot of underground buzz in the last 20 years, which is all the better for his fans who can enjoy seeing him in some fantastic intimate venues. He’s here to support his latest collection of tunes, which is funnily enough called 20 Odd Years. Never one to adhere to convention, Buck 65 will release the songs in a series of digital mini albums over the coming months.

“Twenty years seems like a long time but the thought of slowing down or ‘hanging it up’ has not even crossed my mind,” Buck 65 admitted in a press release recently. “Will I still be at it when I’m 50 years old? I guarantee you that I will.”

Catch Buck 65 at the following shows this September.

16 September 2010 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
17 September 2010 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 & 19 September 2010 – The Spiegeltent, Brisbane Festival

Image source: Tsar Kasim @ Flickr