The Black Keys Explode!

The Black Keys are one of those bands I've enjoyed for years and their new album just blew me away last year. For fans, it's been a long wait between shows though, as they kept cancelling their tours down under due to exhaustion and other commitments. Still, it was worth it for a cracker of an album.

Well they've finally committed to coming to Australia again, touring with another artist that made my top 20 album list of last year, Royal Headache. However, I guess everyone else is finally on the Black Keys bandwagon (after what, 10 years?) and they're going to be playing the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Yep. Not even kidding. 

October 26.

Prince

Purple Rain.
Little Red Corvette.
1999.
Cream.
Rasberry Beret.

I don't need to introduce him. So I'll let Dave Chappelle/Charlie Murphy introduce him

It's coming up within a month! A very quick lead period from announcement to gig. May 18 at the Entertainment Centre. Tickets go on sale Monday morning, and they are at regular Entertainment Centre prices ($99+).

Flight of the Conchords

I was an Australian in America at the height of the Conchords hype. Even though they were from New Zealand, everything I did ended up being associated with them. I ended up hating them for ages because of it.

But then thanks to some really clever comedic song writing, and lots of in jokes about this song, I got back into them:

But, it seems I'm one of the only ones around to not get caught up in the hysteria of this band. Because they've announced a tour... to the Entertainment Centre. A much bigger venue than I ever imagined!

July 7

Radiohead

Normally when a gig gets announced, I think of a few people to tell and tell them in conversation. But yesterday morning, about 8 am, I went into a mad texting overdrive to people who went into a mad texting overdrive and so on and so forth.

All for this:

Yes. Radiohead. They are making their long awaited and oft-rumoured tour to Australia. I doubt they'll play that song, which is one of my favourites.

For those that don't know, Radiohead has a policy of selling their own tickets. So within seconds of being announced, I was lucky enough to hold (virtually) the ticket (reciept). However, that sold out almost instantaneously as other people learnt of their policy.

Anyone that missed out, prepare to crash Ticketek's website on Thursday at 9 am. That's when it goes on sale

Radiohead, Entertainment Centre, November 9.

Creedence

If you've been a reader of mine for any time longer than a few months, you're probably aware of my rather angry approach to Byron Bay Blues Fest and how it considers Brisbane to be next door, so we don't get side shows.

That in itself makes this show announcement confusing. But there's so many aspects of it that confuses the heck out of me. But first, who is it?

Well, it's John Fogerty. Lead singer of a little band from a long time ago that was known as Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Years and years ago, Cosmos Factory by CCR was one of the first albums my dad every bought. To this day, it still sits on my shelf and gets played to death. CCR is just one of those bands with a unique sound (southern swamp rock) that you just know and recognize anywhere. And a lot of this is due to John Fogerty's voice. So unique, that he got sued for sounding too much like himself. I shit you not.

He won, but had to pay a tonne of royalties to play any CCR song. Which brings me to confusing point number 2: this tour is him playing a classic album in full. Some towns get Cosmos Factory, some towns get Green River. 

Brisbane, much to my disappointment, get Green River. But never fear, at the same time he'll play a lot of other CCR songs and even some of his classic solo hits, which he had a few of.

April 5th, Entertainment Centre.

The big problem for me, is that there are 3 other shows I'm desperate to see that day: Sublime (with Rome), Taking Back Sunday and the G3 guitar tour. CHRIST. Which one?!

Duran Duran

I don't know whether to blame my parents or not, but one of my favourite types of music is 80's based synth-pop. It just makes me happy. My second favourite of this era (behind the mighty Tears for Fears) would have to be Duran Duran.

Back in my younger days, this was even our drinking song/music video:

In the real version it's just gratuitous nudity everywhere.

A few years ago I had the wonder, nay, amazement, of seeing them play at V Festival. Surrounded by people 20 years my elder, we all got together and just danced. It was fun and they put on a great show as a band.

I get to live it all again at the Entertainment Centre, March 17th. Unfortunately this time it's almost festival prices, with $99 giving you the far back seats.

Roxette

With the bottom apparently falling out of the live music industry, festivals being cancelled or barely selling, venues half full, it seems promoters are going back to their history books and pulling out the moves that got them started.

And by moves, I mean bands from the past.

The next one to be gracing our shores on a reminscing tour will be Roxette.

If you and your significant other is into 80s music, mix it up on Valentines day next year by rocking out with Roxette at the Entertainment Centre. February 14, 2011.

Rod Fucking Stewart

Like I need to fucking introduce Rod fucking Stewart. If you don't know who he is, ask your mum.

For those of you playing for extra points at home, he even wrote the song that was the theme for the British tv show the Office.

This man has been getting girls naked only using his voice for longer than you've been around. I swear it, you get him in a room and bam, underwear goes flying, as if by magic.

So come February 22nd 2012, lock up your daughters, mothers and sisters and keep them away from the Entertainment Centre

Cold Chisel

Is there anything more Australian than grabbing a tinnie of VB, winding down the windows of your Commodore and blaring some Chisel out the windows? Probably not.

It's been years (decades even) since these guys pioneered the Australian pub music scene and style and become the anthem to drunk bogans Australia (and Bali) wide. Last year they got together for a one-off for a V8 race, but now they're back for a fully fledged 28-date Australian tour.

Rather unsurprisingly, it's sponsored by Triple M.

For only $99.90 you and your dad can go see them at either the Gold Coast Convention Centre October 30 or November 1 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Def Leppard

I wonder how many people of my generation know of Def Leppard purely because of their reference in this song:

And yes, it's true. The drummer from Def Leppard only has one arm.

Unknown to most people, is the fact that this 80's glam/hair-rock band is also responsible for the worst karaoke perfomance known to man: me doing Pour Some Sugar on Me in 2002.

Come October 27, at the Entertainment Centre, you'll be able to embrace your denim vest and your British flag bandanas (holding back your bad perm maybe?) and rock out to Def Leppard. Supporting them are other classic rockers of that era: Heart and the authors of one of Australia's most widely recognized non-ACDC riffs, the Choirboys.

Loaf, the tour.

Younger readers will know him from this:

For those of us to remember the good old days of classic rock (back when it was just 'rock') you'd know this:

I'm really not going to say anything else. It's Meat Loaf. October 6 at the Entertainment Centre.

Pink Floyd's The Wall

Like a lot of people, I had a lot of fun times in first year university that were generally backed by Pink Floyd. Most days my roomate and I played Mario Tennis with the soundtrack replaced by Pink Floyd. However, one of the most memorable experiences came in the middle of a multi-day bender when somehow we started watching Pink Floyd's movie, the Wall, at about 3 am.

I'll tell you the story another day, probably not on the internet, but needless to say, it was a mindfuck. Even years on, re-watching it with a clear head and without everything else that was happening, it's... well... interesting. Confusing too. And it features Bob Geldoff not being a bleeding heart, which I didn't think was possible.

Despite my opinions of the movie, the Soundtrack is epic. The main song (Another Brick in the Wall) is basically a pop-song now that still gets played daily on commercial radio worldwide, and even gets remixed and sampled in dance music.

Anyone of my generation will never get the chance to see Pink Floyd perform it. What we can get though, and as early as next year, is Pink Floyd's bass player, co-vocalist and songwriter Roger Waters perfoming the album in more than a concert, it's a multi-media overwhelming of the senses. It features:

3D animations, explosions, a Stuka bomber that dives into the stage and a 230 feet long and 35 feet high wall, which is build brick by giant brick by stage hands during the spectacular, two-hour plus show.

Whoa. Just whoa.
February 1st at the Entertainment Centre. I imagine this will sell out quickly (and probably be a little expensive).

Avenged Sevenfold/Sevendust

Now this... this is an interesting tour. Avenged Sevenfold pulled out of Soundwave this year due to a little disagreement between the promoter and them, apparently regarding playing times. Sevendust, well they played Soundwave this year.

And yet, they're both coming out again! Soon!

I honestly can't be assed going into great detail, because as much as I loved Sevendust (as a 16 year old anyway) I just can't get into Avenged Sevenfold. And yes, I've seen them, and I thought it was just a lot of musical masturbation (aka, over the top solos that weren't that good).

But for equality sake, I thought I'd post the tour here. July 28, Brisbane Entertainment Centre. All-ages. Probably will cost a fortune too.

Elton John tour

Seriously, do I need to write something about this guy? I hope not, you should know who he is by now.

If you don't go to this gig with me, we're not friends. I'm sorry.

Elton John
November 30
Brisbane Entertainment Centre

I'm back, here's the news

After a great week spent rocking out in freezing cold Melbourne, I'm back with a musical todo list the size of Peter North's tackle. I went to shows, I drank a bit, ate some good food, met some friends, did some shopping and took pictures. I'll try and blog/share some of the shows information later on, but for now, here's the news that I missed:

Rise Against/Sick of it All/Break Even tour
Rise Against used to be one of my favourite punk-bands. Then they released the album Appeal to Reason. Sick of it All are one of the best NY hardcore bands ever. EVER. Yet they only ever come to Australia as opening bands for other internationals. And Break Even are swell dudes from Gero. Put them together, we have a great tour. I hope.

July 18, Entertainment Centre

I have a few problems with this tour. First, the price? $70. Second, the Entertainment Centre is a crap venue, especially for hardcore/punk. Third, I'd really only be going for Sick of it All, unless Rise Against's new album is a return to form.

Frank Turner
He was one quarter of number 5 in my 2010 best of gigs list, but now the hardcore-turned-acoustic Frank Turner is coming out for a solo tour. He'll be playing Thriller at Rosies on April 16. 18+ of course, and it may be worthwhile buying tickets in advance.

Frenzal Rhomb
They must be broke again, because it's been about a year since their last tour. May 6 at Coolangatta Hotel, May 7 at the HiFi. Both shows 18+ and will be full of drunken revelry and swear words.

Swans cancel
It was one of the highlights of my post-holiday 3-gig week, wrapping it all up in a noisy swath of post-punk bliss. But now it's been cancelled. The Swans gig for Friday at the HiFi is canned. It's the only show in Australia not happening and they've given no reason why. I guess I will never get to see them then.

The Wombats get another go
The Wombats are in the country for Groovin' the Moo, and they've already got one night slated for a Brisbane show. Apparently it's a popular thing, as they've announced a second, all-ages show on May 5 at the Tivoli.

News Post

I hate doing all the news in one blog post, but I've been snowed under this month and it's not picking up. And I am inherently lazy. So here's a bunch of news in bullet points.

• Kings of Leon tour is now officially postponed until November 8, but still at the Entertainment Centre. Tickets for the march tour can be used there.
• Fleet Foxes, the folk-rockers, has a free MP3 from their new album here for you: http://www.fleetfoxes.com/helplessness-blues.html
• British India also have a free MP3 for you: http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/listen/mp3s.htm
• Unkle were one of the bands on the Groovin' the Moo festival announcement that I got excited for. And now they're doing sideshows! May 3, HiFi. Now if only they had Ian Astbury come on that tour with them...
• Christian rockers (with a Jesus lookalike on keys) Emery are coming on another tour. They're a great live band, but unfortunately, much like the Chariot tour, the only Queensland date is at Easterfest in Toowoomba, April 23. BOO TO YOU.
• The Rics Big Backyard festival on March 26 has added a few more bands: Violent Soho, Velociraptor and Numbers Radio being the highlights.

Now good day to you.

News Update!

The floods have come and gone, but I'm still stranded. I'm the last person on my street with no electricity (even the flooded houses have it!) and it looks like it may be another week until we get it back. As a result, I have almost zero internet access outside of work hours and can't do updates too much. This is why I'll bundle all of the news up into one post! And here's a funny comic to start with:

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

HAHA KINGS OF LEON
So Kings of Leon originally decided they were going to do a stadium tour. Now they've decided to make the shows "more intimate" by downgrading their venues to something smaller where the punters can get up close. And by more intimate, they mean the Entertainment Centre. Read between the lines and you can see it written on the walls "ticket sales were shit. U2/Bon Jovi we are not."

I used to be a huge Kings of Leon fan with their first dirty, innuendo filled, blues inspired albums. They were fresh and amazing. Then they decided to (I think they even did an interview stating that they would) sellout and make as much money as possible. And started writing shit songs.

March 8, Entertainment Centre

Good Vibes loses yet another one to the Grammys
With Cee-Lo already pulling out of the February 19th event to perform at the Grammys, another artist has decided that playing the Grammys is better for her career than a field full of drug-riddled dance music poseurs. Janelle Monae is doing the same thing.

Thank God It's Monday
Carlton Dry kicked off the free Thank God It's Monday gig series last month, with the Hungry Kids of Hungary playing a free Monday show for us. For their second round of gigs, this month, Carlto Dry has one-upped it, with Philadelphia Grand Jury playing a gig the 31st of January at the Normanby Hotel.... Wait... The Normanby?! Am I seeing this right? So confusing. Hopefully the stop the flow of Bundy/fights for this show.

It's sponsored by a beer company at a bar, so obviously its 18+.

Gary Numan
It's been over 30 years since Gary Numan blew us all away with his synth-pop masterpiece that was the Pleasure Principle, released in 1979. Abandoning nearly all guitars and writing it mainly on a Moog, it went number 1 in the UK and lead the way for the hugeness of New Wave. So in celebration, he's touring the album.

Tivoli. May 12

If you don't know the album, you'll at least know this song (even though it's the Fear Factory version with Gary Numan singing).

God God Dammit Dammit
I am late on this, but most of my friends are already going. Tonight a 12 piece funk-punk party band called God God Dammit Dammit are playing a free show at Fat Louies with Headaches and Ironhide. Get in on that and have a great time!

MySpace

Club 299 Redeems Itself
Although switching from indie/hardcore hangouts to top-40 bad pop/dance music club in an effort to be profitable, Club 299 is still dedicated to the music. I'd hope so, especially since the owner is formerly of Her Majesty's Basement, a great old music venue buried under Queen Street Mall. Every Wednesday now they will be showcasing some of Brisbane's best young and unknown bands. Entry is free to students and there are lots of giveaways to be had. So head in, what else do you do on Wednesday nights?

Santana Tour

I guarantee that Carlos Santana has motivated more people to play guitar than you will meet over the span of your entire life.

Considering it's been 41 years since he put out his first album, you can only imagine that his guitar playing has gotten to god-like status. Which it has. He has such a unique sound, bringing together jazz, Mexicana and that bright-sounding blues-inspired guitar which is his trademark. Over the course of his career he's played and recorded with some of the best (Chad Kroger not included) artists of modern music. Just check out the last 15 years of his career: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Santana#Return_to_commercial_success

Come March 24th, I'll be grabbing my dad and heading to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre to see Santana's chops live, fulfilling a little boyhood ambition of mine since poring over my Dad's bootleg casettes on the old hifi.

Disappointed EDIT: This is the exact same night as Doobie Brothers. That's some bad organising on Chugg Entertainment's part (isn't it always with them?). The two will be competing for the same crowd, a lot of who will only go to one or two gigs a year. This will be a tough choice for me.

Justin Bieber

You want to go see him? April 26th, at the Entertainment Centre.
Personally, I wouldn't. But then again I'm not a 12 year old girl.
Tickets go on sale on Thursday and I'm sure they'll go very, very, very quickly.

I feel dirty for posting this.

I don't know how I missed this...

I never caught an official announcement, but I saw this ad while looking at other websites:


We normally get passed over here in Brisbane for BDO sideshows, so Tool fans enjoy it while you can!

24th of January, Entertainment Centre.