Motor Ace Reunion Shows On the Way

The early 2000s were such a fertile time in Aussie music. As a young 20-something I had a limited income, so there were a bunch of great acts I didn’t see. It was also a pre-Spotify era. Kids, you don’t know how good you’ve got it, being able to listen to whatever album you want without investing money at your local Sanity or JB Hi-Fi. So at that time a few great Aussie acts invariably slipped through my net. Bands like Motor Ace. After hearing the band is touring the country again, I’m making up for lost time. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve listened to Five Star Laundry since I got that tour announcement. What a great album that is.

Motor Ace’s forthcoming Five Star Reunion national tour celebrates the band’s 20-year anniversary. It seems plenty of music fans are hungry for it, because shows are already close to selling out, despite the gigs being around six months away. Don’t delay in snapping yours up if you’re ready for another helping of this beloved Aussie rock band.

29 March 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide (18+)
30 March 2019 – Capitol, Perth (18+)
5 April 2019 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (18+)
6 April 2019 – The Triffid, Brisbane (18+)
12 April 2019 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (18+)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Philadelphia Grand Jury Ready for Recording Fundraiser Tour

It was a sad day for local music lovers when Philadelphia Grand Jury parted ways. Their single “Good News” was one of my favourite feel-good tracks for 2009. So I was thrilled to hear that Simon Berkfinger, Dan W Sweat, and MC Bad Genius have kissed and made up, and are ready to do it all again.

The Philly Jays are preparing to tour along the East Coast this month. If you’ve missed them, you’re going to want to get to these shows, not just to bask in the nostalgia but to give them the funds they need to record a follow-up to Hope is for Hopers. So dig deep folks and get yourself along to these reunion shows.

8 November 2014 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
12 November 2014 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (FREE)
13 November 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
14 November 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane https://www.facebook.com/philadelphiagrandjury

Frente! Reunite for Marvin Anniversary Shows

Things of Stone and Wood aren’t the only 90s ‘act preparing to tour around the country. Frente! are also back together to celebrate the 21st anniversary of their breakthrough album Marvin the Album.

To celebrate the anniversary, the album will also be rereleased as a deluxe two-CD set. As a reminder, this is the album that features the massive singles “Ordinary Angels, “Accidentally Kelly Street,” and that haunting cover of “Bizarre Love Triangle.”

Frente! promises to perform every song off the Australian release, plus the bonus tracks from the international version, as well as a few surprises, at the following shows.

22 & 23 May 2014 – Playhouse @ Arts Centre, Melbourne
24 May 2014 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
30 & 31 May 2014 – The Basement, Sydney
6 June 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 June 2014 – The Astor, Perth
27 June 2014 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore
28 June 2014 – Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane

Bachelor Girl Announce More Intimate Reunion Shows

Following the success of their recent reunion shows, Bachelor Girl have decided to play a few more dates. Tania Doko and James Roche will play intimate venues around New South Wales this July.

The duo will strip back their greatest hits, along with some of the new tracks from their album Loved & Lost: The Best of Bachelor Girl, for these up close and personal acoustic shows.

If you missed out last time, don’t make the same mistake next month. Tickets are available at the venues for the following shows.


26 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
28 July 2011 – The Vault, Windsor
29 July 2011 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
30 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
31 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

DIG Back in Action

Does anyone else out there remember 90s acid jazz band DIG? Hell, does anyone out there even remember the genre known as acid jazz? It’s been eight years since DIG wowed local crowds, but they’re preparing to do it all again with a string of New South Wales shows to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

This isn’t one of those lame reboots where the band limps on stage without key original members. The shows will feature the original DIG lineup: keys man and vocalist Scott Saunders, Rick Robertson on sax, Tim Rollinson on lead guitar, Alex Hewetson on bass, and Terepai Richmond on the drums. They’ll be joined on tour by a new guest vocalist Laura Stitt.

The reunion tour kicks off this week at my favorite venues, Lizotte’s. Following the three intimate shows the band will return to some of their favorite Sydney haunts. I wouldn’t feel too put out if you’re living in the other states, because this isn’t just a final hurrah. DIG has been in the studio writing and recording a brand new album, which I’m sure they’ll want to tour around once its done.

In the meantime, you can catch DIG at the following New South Wales venues.

7 April 2011 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
8 April 2011 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
10 April 2011 – Lizotte’s, Central Coast
16 April 2011 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
24 June 2011 – Notes, Newtown

Image source: Revolutions

Q & A with Avalon Drive’s Damion Page

Brisbane band Avalon Drive crushed fans when they split up in November 2008, but the time is right for a reunion. The lads will play one last show at the Hi-Fi Bar on February 5. I caught up with lead singer Damion Page to talk about the show, Avalon Drive’s heyday, and how the Queenslanders are giving back to their city after the recent floods.

You disbanded in 2008. Why was the time right now for one more show?
People change. I needed some time and a break to get back to basics with music. As much as it pained me back then to disband, I back my decision up 100%. I don’t think we should ever have to sacrifice our love for music for something you aren’t 100% happy with. Music is an extension of me and nothing felt right. Come 2011, everything is feeling great and we are pumped about everything that is happening.

How are you feeling at the prospect of playing together again?
Doesn’t feel like we ever stopped, the energy, ideas are all still alive. If anything we have more of an understanding of what we all need from playing music and embrace absolutely everything that’s put out there. Onstage is going to be electric, always has been.

You’re playing again in front of your hometown audience. How important were the people of Brisbane to your success?
My god how Brisbane backs their own bands. It’s simply amazing and still astounds me how alive Avalon Drive fans were and still are. It’s nuts. We are so fortunate and we are so grateful for it. We never ever truly got to thank everyone; this is our way of doing that. By bringing everyone into one room, singing the same songs. Without our Brisbane fans and friends behind us, it just wouldn’t have been the same.

I’m sure this show will be extra poignant considering everything Queensland is going through at the moment. Have you or any of the other members of the band been directly affected by the floods?
I think all of Australia has been affected. It’s certainly made me realize how fragile life can be and I think I can speak for most people out there when I say how important your friends and family are. We decided to give all our profits from this show to those affected by the floods and hope that Brisbane gets back to being beautiful Brisbane ASAP. A few members were caught in the midst of the drama but no story can compare to the tragedies some of our neighbours have faced with the loss of their loved ones. Too hard to put into words I’m sorry.

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Avalon Drive Reunite for Hometown Show

Brisbane band Avalon Drive broke some hearts when they parted ways in November 2008, so fans will be thrilled to see they’re getting back together for one show next year.

The Hi-Fi Bar in Brisbane is the place to be on February 5, when the band takes us on a trip down memory lane with songs from their debut self-titled album and more recent discs.

It promises to be a pretty special night with a number of mystery guests set to appear!

Tickets are on sale from the venue now. While the show’s not for many months, I wouldn’t wait around if you’re keen to go. You know this one’s going to sell out!

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Tumbleweed Make Reunion Official With New Album

Fans have been crossing their fingers for some time, but it seems Tumbleweed are making their reunion permanent.

The Wollongong grunge rockers reformed to play Homebake last year before performing shows around the country. But they were always noncommittal about what the future might hold.

It seems things are a lot more certain now, as they’re currently writing material for a brand new studio album. A double CD of all their early Waterfront recordings is also in the works.

Melbourne fans can catch Tumbleweed at The Hi-Fi Bar on June 25. No doubt we’ll see the band stopping by other cities in the not too distant future.

Image used with permission from Roderick Kempton

Cold Chisel Rumoured to Reform for Supercars

The rumour bill is buzzing that The Bee Gees may not be the only classic Aussie act reforming. Word is that Cold Chisel may be getting the band back together for a one-off show at Sydney’s V8 Supercars event.

Who cares that Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, and the boys haven’t had a new album since The Last Wave of Summer in ’98? I caught them on their Ringside reunion tour way back in 2003 and they still rocked just as hard as ever.

The V8 Supercars Championship Series will hit Homebush between December 4 and 6. Fans may want to reserve the dates, just in case.

Frente Back in Action for Fringe Festival

Frente exploded onto the music scene in the early 90s with impossibly infectious tunes like “Ordinary Angels” and “Acidentally Kelly Street.” Then after just two albums, it was over.

Or so we thought. Angie Hart and Simon Austin will reunite as Frente for the Adelaide Fringe Festival next month.

If you want to enjoy a trip down memory lane make sure you head to The Garden of Earthly Delights in Rundle Park on February 20 and 21. Who knows whether this will be your last chance to bop along to these songs?

For the rest of us who can’t get to the shows, here’s the colourful clip for “Accidentally Kelly Street.”