The Bad Dad Orchestra are a bit of a local secret, beloved in their native Lutruwita/Tasmania but largely unknown on the mainland. Listening to their latest single “Birds of Prey,” which features Julian Moss, the song of living legend Ian Moss, I’m convinced they should be every bit as big as the Teskey Brothers. They’ve got a similar classic soulful sound, but for some reason they just haven’t broken through.
They’re hardly newcomers either. They’ve released three EPs since 2016 and received extensive support from community radio and ABC’s regional channels. They’ve even played top national festivals like Blues on Broadbeach, Caloundra Music Festival, and Queenscliff Music Festival.
The Bad Dad Orchestra deserve all the accolades. We’ve all been sleeping on them. That’s on us. I’m not sure when we’ll see them on the mainland next, but they’ve got a stack of gigs booked in their home state. Catch them anywhere you can:
9 December 2023 – Forth #151, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth
16 December 2023 – Royal Oak, Kanamuluka/Launceston
31 December 2023 – Beerfest NYE, Royal Park, Kanamuluka Country/Launceston
21 January 2024 – Tamar Valley Festival, Kinimathatakinta/George Town
28 January 2024 – Mona Lawns @ Mona, Nipaluna/Hobart
2 February 2024 – Festival of King Island, Erobin/Currie
8-11 February 2024 – Party in the Paddock @ Quercus Park, Kanamuluka Country/Carrick
24 February 2024 – Love It Music Festival, Kanamuluka Country/Sassafras
2 March 2024 – Spoke Music Festival, Paredarerme Country/Swansea
3 March 2024 – Shearwater Resort, Tommeginne/Shearwater (supporting Rose Tattoo)
16 March 2024 – Forth Valley Blues Festival, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth
The Bad Dads are a very talented band or orchestra but they are such lovely people as well thourally recommend
So good to hear Chris!