Ian Moss @ Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 25 May 2024

As I stepped into Lizotte’s on Saturday night, I realised that it’s been far too long. It’s the kind of venue that welcomes you back like an old friend, no matter how much time has passed though. It may be under new management, but other than the hosts wearing more sequins and the décor receiving a few more fairy lights, little has changed. The rotating menu still features old favourites like the salt and pepper squid with passionfruit sauce and classic fish and chips. If anything, the dishes were even better than we remembered. With bellies and glasses full, we settled in for a fantastic night of music.

Lachlan Edwards hit my radar back in 2020 with the release of his EP Once More, and I relished the opportunity to discover his new music. He was just 17 back then, a teen showing great promise but certainly green. He’s blossomed over the last few years, with European travel under his belt and a bunch of songs inspired by it set to be released later this year. While love songs dominated his EP, this set revealed some heartbreak. Never easy to navigate, but if you can come away from it with some great songs, so much the better. I loved hearing all this new material, stripped back and raw. Although it’s made me pretty excited for the new EP to come.

Lachlan warmed up the stage for Ian Moss, who delivered a similarly stripped-back show. I’ve seen Mossy more times than I can count now, and he never disappoints. This kind of acoustic show is my favourite. The set list can change on a dime, so you never know what’s coming, and he has the space to chat to the crowd. It’s so loose, easy, and lovely. We heard about his frustrations with his Apple Watch always wanting to give advice; it ended up on the floor after the first song. “Rivers Run Dry”, the title track from his new album, was so much more poignant after learning about the decades-long friendship that inspired it. We laughed hearing about the generous steak meal he enjoyed after volunteering to get a flat tyre fixed and leaving the rest of the Cold Chisel boys freezing in the middle of nowhere. It was one of those special nights where you didn’t feel that traditional divide between artist and audience; we were all just there to have a good time.

It almost goes without saying that the music was stellar. Mossy has a voice and presence that fills the room, and he’s one of the best guitarists we’ve got. The set was a rare treat, littered with songs from the fantastic new album Rivers Run Dry, hits from Matchbook and the Chisel days, and some unexpected treats. “Message from Baghdad” from Six Strings! A stunning cover of “Cry Me a River”! What a joy. And of course, there were those classic singalongs. Nothing makes me feel like I belong more than being in a room of Aussies belting out tracks like “When the War is Over”, “Flame Trees,” and “Tucker’s Daughter”.

After a pretty stressful week, this show was exactly what I needed. Two fantastic artists, one near the start of their journey, the other a seasoned veteran showing no signs of slowing down. Mossy wraps up his Solo & Acoustic Rivers Run Dry shows next weekend but he’s got gigs all through the rest of the year, including a few in the United Kingdom. If you can see him anywhere, make sure you do. You will not be disappointed.

1 June 2024 – Tanks Arts Centre, Yidinji Country/Edge Hill
2-4 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Wirrarri/Birdsville
10 July 2024 – King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
12 July 2024 – Bush Hall, London
15-17 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash 2024, Wiradjuri Country/Bruie Plains (SOLD OUT)
17 August 2024 – D’agfest @ Dag Pub, Jinibara Country/D’aguilar
19-26 October 2025 – Rock the Boat, Eora/Sydney

Image source: own photos

“Rivers Run Dry” – Ian Moss

Rivers Run Dry is Ian Moss’ eighth studio album, but he shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he might be making the best music of his career.

I’ve already celebrated the singles “Nullarbor Plain” and “Rivers Run Dry,” but this album has so much more to offer. The information on Mossy’s website states “The song selection for Ian Moss’ new album, Rivers Run Dry, was simple. No matter the style or genre, just finding good songs was the goal.” That’s what he delivers here. 12 good songs. No, scratch that, 12 great songs. And yes, as those online comments suggest, there are some unexpected ones among them. “Open Your Eyes” is a funk-forward track that wouldn’t sound out of place in a hot ‘70s disco. “Bury Me,” a duet with Kasey Chambers, is earthy and rootsy. The heavenly voices of a gospel choir make listening to “What Can I Do” a spiritual experience. And I definitely didn’t expect him to close out this album of incredible originals with a Stevie Wonder cover.

River Runs Dry is an album that keeps you guessing, but it’s also one that proves Mossy really can do it all. His voice is maturing like a fine wine and his guitar licks are always on point. He’s an absolute pro who’s made me excited about his music all over again with this album.

Ian Moss will wrap up his full-band shows tonight, but if you missed out don’t worry. He’ll be back in a couple of months with some acoustic gigs. Here are all the dates you need:

18 August 2023 – The Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
23-28 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays
21 October 2023 – Glasshouse Theatre, Guruk/Port Macquarie
27 October 2023 – Lighthouse Theatre, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
28 October 2023 – Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Gunditjmara, Tjapwurong, and Bunganditj Country/Hamilton
3 November 2023 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha Country/Albury
4 November 2023 – The Capital Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
10 November 2023 – Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
18 November 2023 – This is Livin Fest, Kabi Country/Rainbow Beach
25 November 2023 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Wadawarrung Country/Queenscliff
8 December 2023 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
9 December 2023 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill
15 December 2023 – The Wedge, Wayput/Sale
16 December 2023 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon
25 January 2024 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth


Images used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM; main image credit: Robert Hambling

Ian Moss Releases “Nullarbor Plain” Ahead of Album Launch and Tour

Ian Moss is proving that his upcoming studio album Rivers Run Dry will be something special with the release of a new single “Nullarbor Plain,” which he co-wrote with country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley. I’d already raved about the title track, but this latest cut is every bit as good.

“The Nullarbor Plain is such an open and harsh part of Australia that I have driven I don’t know how many times with Cold Chisel and by myself. Whilst vast, the beauty of it never ceases to amaze me,” Mossy enthused. “I trust my co-writer Troy Cassar-Daley and I have captured a little of both in ‘Nullarbor Plain’. Who wouldn’t want to do that drive in a 351 shaker!?”

Rivers Run Dry will be released on 21 July 2023. That gives you a bit of time to familiarise yourself with all the new songs before Mossy heads out on his album launch tour which just got bigger. In addition to the full band shows in August previously announced, Mossy will also visit regional centres from October where he’ll play solo and acoustic. Tickets are on sale now for all those dates.

5 August 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 August 2023 – Palais Theatre, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
12 August 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 August 2023 – The Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
23-28 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays
23 October 2023 – Glasshouse Theatre, Guruk/Port Macquarie
27 October 2023 – Lighthouse Theatre, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
28 October 2023 – Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Gunditjmara, Tjapwurong, and Bunganditj Country/Hamilton
3 November 2023 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
4 November 2023 – The Capital Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
10 November 2023 – Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
23-26 November 2023 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
8 December 2023 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
9 December 2023 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill
15 December 2023 – The Wedge, Wayput/Sale
16 December 2023 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunai Country/Traralgon
25 January 2024 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Ian Moss Releases Fantastic First Single From 8th Album Ahead of Aussie Tour

Sadly far too many people consider Ian Moss a nostalgia act. They love his work with Cold Chisel and early solo hits like “Tucker’s Daughter” and “Telephone Booth,” but they don’t realise he’s still releasing incredible music. If it’s been too long since you’ve checked in with Mossy, make sure you listen to his latest single “Rivers Run Dry,” the title track from his soon-to-be-released eighth studio album. This epic ballad has a gospel feel that’s something new for Mossy. It’s far from the only genre represented on this ground-breaking album.

“The song selection for ‘Rivers Run Dry’ was focused on simply finding good songs, regardless of the style or genre they may have initially presented, and the result is an album that covers straight-ahead rock, Latin, funk, country, blues & unapologetic pop and yet we still ended up with an album that sounds very cohesive,” Ian said. “I don’t think any of us feel we have any ‘What the fuck is that song doing on this album?’ moments.”

The Rivers Run Dry album drops on July 21. Mossy will play Legends of the Lawn in Mackay today heading abroad for some UK shows. He’ll be back before you know it with some gigs in Australian capitals to celebrate the album’s release. Don’t miss him when he comes to a city near you.

20 May 2023 – Legends on the Lawn, Yuwibara Country/South Mackay
1 June 2023 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
2 June 2023 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
3 June 2023 – 100 Club, London
7 June 2023 – Cluny, Newcastle Upon Tyne
9 June 2023 – Retro Bar, Manchester
10 June 2023 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
5 August 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 August 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 August 2023 – The Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
28 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Mark Wilkinson Enlists Famous Friends For COVID-19 Charity Single

Just how much talent can you cram into one track? Mark Wilkinson tests the theory with his iso charity single “We’re Not Alone.” Spotify credits Mark and the Lockdown Choir. But take a listen and you’ll soon realise this isn’t your average choir.

It features the one and only Ian Moss, Dragon frontman Mark Williams, Australian Idol graduates Rob Mills and Damien Leith, Uncle Jed’s Laura Brooker, and talented up-and-comers Patrick James, Rachael Fahim, and Taylor B-W.

It’s a rousing ballad that looks to lift our spirits in these dark pandemicky times.

“I wrote ‘We’re Not Alone’ just as COVID-19 really started to take hold here in Australia. The song was very much a reaction to and a reflection of the emotions the situation evoked in me,” Mark explained. “Along with the obvious anxiety and uncertainty driven by the pandemic, I was struck by the fact that in a backwards kind of way, despite having to isolate ourselves, the circumstances had truly united the world. I wanted to try and write a song that celebrated the world’s resilience and unity in the face of the many challenges brought about by the pandemic.”

In the tradition of the best star-studded singalongs, funds raised from the recording will be divided between Beyond Blue and Support Act. So make sure you download a copy or get streaming to help out these vital charities.

Image used with permission from Rayne Management

“Live” – Ian Moss

Like many music lovers, I miss attending concerts most of all in these pandemic times. Live streams fill the void somewhat, but who knows how long it’ll be until I’m sitting in a room with other music lovers watching one of my favourite artists perform once again. The cravings are real, but Ian Moss has gone some way towards satisfying them with the recent release of his live album, simply called Live.

Recorded over two shows at Canberra’s Playhouse and Sydney’s Enmore Theatre in July 2018, the album captures all the electricity of one of Mossy’s live sets. The tracklist balances popular Cold Chisel and solo singles with some unexpected gems. Well-known tracks like “Choir Girl” and “Tucker’s Daughter” are perfect for singalongs while the less familiar numbers give Mossy space to spread out and experiment. I found myself marvelling as he jammed out with his six-piece band on tracks like “Janelle” and “One Long Day.” This album captures so beautifully those moments that would floor you in the room, where the musicians are so totally caught up in the groove.

“It was great to be back out and touring Australia with a big band full of extraordinary talent and exceptional musicians and playing to some of the best audiences I’ve ever played to,” Ian reminisced. “The crew we had on the road with us were some of the best in the business and of course, having the new studio album, Ian Moss, full of songs, with me at the helm of the songwriting to play was fantastic”.

Ian Moss’s Live is exclusively available from digital services including Spotify and Apple Music. If you love what you hear, remember Ian Moss will be back on the road next year. Here are all the shows we can look forward to in early 2021.

24 & 26 February 2021 – Jetty Theatre, Coffs Harbour
27 February 2021 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree
5 March 2021 – The Art House, Wyong
6 March 2021 – The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
26 March 2021 – Latrobe Performing Arts Centre @ Town Hall, Traralgon
27 March 2021 – The Wedge @ Performing Arts Centre, Sale
7 April 2021 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Swan Hill
9 April 2021 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
10 April 2021 – Broken Hill Civic Centre, Broken Hill
16 & 17 April 2021 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
23 April 2021 – Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre, Dubbo
24 April 2021 – Tamworth Town Hall, Tamworth
1 May 2021 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga

Images used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM; header image credit: Daniel Boud

Ian Moss Heading to Regional Venues for Acoustic Shows

I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to listen to Ian Moss’ most recent album. He released the self-titled work in March, yet it’s taken me until now to give it a spin. I blame the lack of fanfare, but that’s kind of the way this unassuming Aussie artist prefers thing. If like me it passed you by, do yourself a favour and fire it up on your streaming service of choice. With bluesy tracks filled with melodic hooks and sublime guitar parts, it’s classic Mossy, just the way you like him.

Mossy will bring songs from the new album and all your old favourites to regional venues all around the country next year. Tickets are on sale now for all dates on the National Solo Intimate and Acoustic Regional Tour.

8 February 2019 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
9 February 2019 – Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Wagga Wagga
22 February 2019 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta
23 February 2019 – Paramount Theatre, Echuca
1 March 2019 – Goldfields Art Centre, Kalgoorlie
3 March 2019 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
6 March 2019 – Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
8 March 2019 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
9 March 2019 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
15 March 2019 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
16 March 2019 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
20 March 2019 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mount Gambier
22 March 2019 – Northern Festival Centre, Keith Michell Theatre, Port Pirie
23 March 2019 – Barossa Arts and Convention Centre, Barossa Valley
27 March 2019 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
29 March 2019 – Ipswich Civic Theatre, Ipswich
30 March 2019 – Empire Theatre, Heritage Bank Auditorium, Ipswich
3 April 2019 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
5 April 2019 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
6 April 2019 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
26 April 2019 – Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford
27 April 2019 – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
3 May 2019 – SkyCity Darwin Concert Lawns, Darwin
4 May 2019 – Araluen Centre, Alice Springs

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM/Photo credit: Daniel Boud

Ian Moss @ Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford – 24 March 2016

Should I ever appear on RocKwiZ, I’m glad that I have a credible answer to the question “What was the first piece of music you bought with your own money?” While some people might cringe at their younger self, I can proudly remember the moment when I visited my nearest Brashs and bought Matchbook, Ian Moss’s first solo album, on cassette. I knew of Mossy from the Cold Chisel albums Dad played, but my love of solo tracks like “Tucker’s Daughter” and “Telephone Booth” inspired me to lay down my hard-earned pocket money. That was 27 years ago, and my appreciation for Ian Moss’s music hasn’t waned. I’ve seen him play entertainment centres and wineries, but I feel like intimate gigs at small venues are where Mossy really shines. So I knew I was in for a real treat when he brought his 10th Anniversary Six Strings Classics Tour to Gosford’s Laycock Street Theatre on Thursday night.

A short video reminded us of Mossy’s journey to the stage, his time growing up in Alice Springs and honing his craft as a member of Cold Chisel and as a solo musician, the key moments that brought him to us to kick-start our long weekend. So it was fitting that he began the show not with an original but a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Green River,” a bluesy song that no doubt influenced his own music. There was plenty of that to come, drawing from his Cold Chisel and solo years. While the hits went down a treat, I also appreciated that Mossy played lesser known songs too, like “Such a Beautiful Thing” from my beloved Matchbook album. The Chisel songs took on a new complexion stripped back, and that helped bring out the exceptional lyrics of Don Walker and dearly departed Steve Prestwich, who Mossy mentioned a few times during the set. I really loved his swampier take on “Flame Trees” was really special. A battle of the sexes sing-off made “Saturday Night” even more fun. Mossy declared it a draw, but I was sure we ladies out-sung the men in the crowd.

While this was largely a night of nostalgia, Ian Moss reminded us that his best music isn’t behind him. The second half of the night opened with a video of footage captured during recent recording sessions in Nashville. He played us a few songs that will feature on a new album, Nashville Sessions, due out later this year. The songs were beautiful, as good as anything he’s released in the past.
Ian Moss is an artist that continues to create wonderful music without forgetting the songs the people want to hear. His shows are a celebration of his musical legacy, and also a reminder that there’s plenty more to come. His 10th Anniversary Six Strings Classics Tour continues at the following venues. If he’s yet to visit your city, make sure you snap up one of the remaining tickets.

2 April 2016 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
16 April 2016 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Ballarat
22 April 2016 – Orange Civic Theatre, Orange
23 April 2016 – Dubbo Regional Theatre, Subbo
29 April 2016 – Horsham Town Hall, Horsham
30 April 2016 – Ararat Performing Arts Centre, Ararat
6 May 2016 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore
7 May 2016 – Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie
13 May 2016 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
14 May 2016 – Chaffey Theatre, Renmark
20 May 2016 – Esso BHP Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale
21 May 2016 – West Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Warragul
27 May 2016 – Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
28 May 2016 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
2 June 2016 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
4 June 2016 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
5 June 2016 – Bunbury Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
10 June 2016 – Middleback Theatre, Whyalla
11 June 2016 – Northern Festival Theatre, Port Pirie
15 June 2016 – Armitage Centre, Toowoomba
16 June 2016 – Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich
18 June 2016 – Redcliffe Cultural Centre, Redcliffe
19 June 2016 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
21 June 2016 – The Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
22 June 2016 – Gladstone Entertainment & Convention Centre, Gladstone
24 June 2016 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg
25 June 2016 – The Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
26 August 2016 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta
27 August 2016 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
16 September 2016 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
17 September 2016 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga

Ian Moss Celebrates “Six Strings Anniversary” With Acoustic Tour

It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since Ian Moss recorded his Six Strings album, a brilliant bluesy acoustic album with cuts from his Cold Chisel days and solo work, as well as some choice covers. We’re all used to seeing Mossy plugged in and rocking out, but that album and the accompanying tour showed us all a new side to this true Aussie legend.

To celebrate the album’s anniversary, Ian will tour some of Australia’s most intimate venues in stripped back mode.

“Doing these shows remind me time and time again that it’s all about how you play. I’m amazed at how much colour and variation and emotion I’ve been able to get with just voice, guitar and a foot tapping on the floor,” he explained. “Less is more.”

If you’ve never seen Mossy playing acoustically, you shouldn’t miss these shows. And if you have, well you know for sure you shouldn’t miss these shows!

26 February 2016 – The Palms At Crown, Melbourne
27 February 2016 – Theatre Royal, Hobart
4 March 2016 – Street Theatre, Canberra
5 March 2016 – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong
11 March 2016 – The Events Centre – Playhouse, Caloundra
12 March 2016 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
18 March 2016 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
19 March 2016 – Astor Theatre, Perth
24 March 2016 – Laycock Street Theatre, North Gosford
26 March 2016 – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
2 April 2016 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Ian Moss, The Rubens, & More Star in New Kingswood Clip

Kingswood have enlisted a host of stars for their epic video to promote “Micro Wars.” More of a short film than a film clip, the 10-minute extravaganza features Ian Moss, The Rubens, Tkay Maidza, Freddy Crabs from Sticky Fingers, Thomas Champion of The Preatures, Jake Stone from Bluejuice, Aussie actress Liana Cornell, and of course the guys from Kingswood themselves. The band’s overachieving guitarist Alex Laska also served as co-director with Jason Von Drayco.

I don’t want to give too much about the video away, so just settle yourself in and enjoy this wonderful blend of cinema and Aussie rock.

Kingswood will tour around the country next year. Here are all the places you can see them play:

22 January 2015 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
23 January 2015 – Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich
24 January 2015 – Oz Fest @ Miami Tavern, Gold Coast
25 January 2015 – Oz Fest @ Waterfront Hotel, Sunshine Coast
6 February 2015 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights
7 February 2015 – Village Green, Mulgrave
22 February 2015 – Paddy’s Albury, Albury
27 February 2015 – Hellenic Hall, Hobart
28 February 2015 – Mordialloc Food Wine & Music Festival, Mordialloc (ALL AGES; FREE)
12 March 2015 – Black Swan Hotel, Bendigo
13 March 2015 – The Forum, Melbourne
14 March 2015 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
20 March 2015 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
21 March 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
26 March 2015 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
27 March 2015 – The Capitol, Perth
28 March 2015 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
29 March 2015 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle