News

BLUESFEST IS CANCELLED FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW 0

Greg Phillips Mar 31, 2021 Blog

After consultations with NSW Health and the NSW Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard, sadly they have arrived at the decision that it is in the interests of the safety of everyone the festival be cancelled over the Easter period and re-scheduled to a later date.

The Minister for Health has signed a health order cancelling Bluesfest. Bluesfest was due to open the gates on Thursday April 1^st and close on Monday April 5^th, 2021. Australian Musician’s team was already in town, ready to cover the first day of the festival.

Bluesfest was scheduled to return after being cancelled in 2020 by a public health order and had worked diligently to present the event in 2021. We are heartbroken that COVID-19 has spread into our local community.

Organisers are getting the message out as quickly as possible so that those traveling to the event can make alternate arrangements.

It’s understandable that many of the artists, crew, stallholders and music fans have been angered by the NSW Government’s decision to shutdown Bluesfest the day before it was due to open. A large amount of people had already made the trek to Byron Bay.  Incredibly it only took two unknowingly infected people to attend a hens party in the area to bring a huge music event to its knees. Was the decision to shutdown too hasty? Could the decision have waited another day? These are some of the questions currently being asked. In the end public health was deemed more important than commercial considerations and public inconvenience.

As a result, it’s not only another kick in the guts to the Bluesfest organisers and all associated with the event but it’s a hit to the confidence of everyone in the music business. Will punters now be reluctant to a buy a ticket to any music festival in the foreseeable future? Will event organisers want to present a music festival when it’s near impossible to get insurance cover in a pandemic.

Without the security of JobKeeper assistance or any other government support that the industry has been calling for, festivals of all sizes are taking large gambles to operate in such an uncertain environment.
“We were devastated to hear of another festival, Bluesfest in Byron Bay, cancelling due to necessary health precautions from the latest COVID-19 outbreak. While the health risks are too great, the financial burden may become just as impossible for some festival operators.”  said Julia Robinson, General Manager of the Australian Festival Association.

In a recent independent report from Ernst & Young commissioned by the Live Entertainment Industry Forum, ticketed Festival output and employment fell by 86% in 2020 compared with the previous year.

“If we had been operating at higher capacities like the Sporting Industry by now, blows like this would be more manageable and less catastrophic for the entire ecosystem.

We have been calling for a Business Interruption Fund (essentially an insurance fund for affected creative businesses to access in case of emergency) for situations exactly like this. We also need to get our touring routes back up and running between states and internationally. We welcome the additional RISE funding but if that is the targeted industry support that we are getting, we need it flowing now before there’s no industry left to support.”

Bluesfest was to have been the first major festival to occur in Australia and possibly the world since the summer of 2019/20. It had a capacity of 16,500 people daily over its five days, with three performance stages, plus camping – operating at approximately 50 percent of normal capacity and production.

The Bluesfest team has worked day and night for a year to achieve the approved COVID-19 Safety Plan – the first of its kind in the music industry and have been told by the NSW Health that it exceeded other major sporting events in its depth and ability to protect the public.

Peter Noble, Bluesfest Director says “This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to make. We really wanted to be at the forefront of the return of live music at Pre-COVID-19 level.

We feel deeply for everybody affected, the fans, the artists, and the hard-working Bluesfest team. But in the end, the health of our community must come first.

We will be having discussions regarding Bluesfest postponement and will update everybody soon. However, this weekend we will be packing down the event that was cancelled within 24 hours of gates due to open.

Please do not come to the festival site.

To all ticket buyers and music fans, we are hoping that you will support the festival and hold tickets to the rescheduled event.

All patrons will be contacted by Moshtix directly once we have an update on how to proceed.

MICHAEL GUDINSKI FAREWELLED IN GRAND STYLE AT STATE MEMORIAL 0

Greg Phillips Mar 26, 2021 Blog

The Australian Music Association and Australian Musician Magazine were represented at the State Memorial for the late Michael Gudinski AM on Wednesday night, in what was a most fitting tribute to a man that has meant so much to the music and culture of Australia. He was remembered as an icon, a fearless entrepreneur, a visionary and someone who loved the artists that he nurtured, promoted and took chances on. Mostly he was remembered as a Dad by his children Matt and Kate, a loyal family man by all who spoke and a father-figure to Ed Sheeran who struggled to ride the emotional rollercoaster and sing a song he had especially written since Michael’s passing.

The quality of artist and performance was testament to a life’s work well done. Jimmy Barnes, Kylie Minogue, Paul Kelly, Mark Seymour and many others. So many people expressed their indebtedness to him for their careers, prosperity and well-being. Michael’s influence was felt far and wide as shown by the extensive list of international stars such as Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Billy Joel, Dave Grohl, Shirley Manson, Josh Homme and more, who lined up to express both their gratitude and condolences via video.

A lot of the guests referred to the fact that Michael loved musicians in the Mushroom family so much and worked tirelessly for them. He made people strive to be better and believe in themselves.

The Rabbi who spoke at the end, said if all the thousands who were here tonight, went and helped one other person to be better, we would honour the man ten-thousand fold, a man that himself had helped thousands along the way.

Vale Michel Gudinski. Irreplaceable in the music industry – there will never be another like him.

Photos courtesy: Mushroom Group

CHEAP TRICK’S RICK NIELSEN TALKS NEW ALBUM AND AUSTRALIAN TOUR 0

Greg Phillips Mar 17, 2021 Artists, Interviews

Much-loved and respected American rockers Cheap Trick will soon be on their way to Australia to headline the Under The Southern Stars lineup alongside Stone Temple Pilots, Bush, Rose Tattoo, and Electric Mary, beginning on April 30 in Wollongong. They also have a new album ‘In Another World’ coming out on April 9 (while they’ll be in the air en route to Australia).

Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips caught up with Cheap Trick’s guitar legend Rick Nielsen in a zoom interview to discuss the upcoming 2021 Under The Southern Stars Australian tour, the new ‘In Another World’  album, and we learned that Rick is heavily involved in a new album by Paul Revere and The Raiders (6os band) singer Mark Lindsay. Rick also shows us the correct way to play Surrender and tells us that John Lennon preferred Rick’s guitar contributions in the studio over Eric Clapton’s because Eric “choked up”!

Cheap Trick are back with another blistering single, “Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll,” in anticipation of the release of their 20^th studio album, In Another World, out via BMG on April 9. 

In Another World – which marks Cheap Trick’s first new LP since 2017’s double-header of We’re All Right! and Christmas Christmas, further showcases Cheap Trick at their most eclectic, touching on a myriad of distinct sounds and song approaches, from the swampy Chicago blues number, “Final Days” (featuring fiery harmonica from GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer and Wet Willie frontman Jimmy Hall) to a timely rendition of John Lennon’s still-relevant “Gimme Some Truth,” originally released for Record Store Day Black Friday 2019 and featuring the instantly recognisable guitar sound of erstwhile Sex Pistol Steve Jones. As irresistible and immediate as anything in their already awesome catalog, In Another World is Cheap Trick at their irrepressible best, infinitely entertaining and utterly unstoppable.

Founded in 1974, Cheap Trick are an indisputable American institution, beloved around the globe for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential, brand of pop rock ‘n’ roll. The band – Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), Tom Peterson (bass guitar) – are true pioneers with an unparalleled streak of certifiably classic tunes, from “He’s A Whore,” “California Man” and “Dream Police” to “Surrender,”  “I Want You To Want Me,” and the worldwide #1 hit single, “The Flame.” 2016 saw Cheap Trick inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a long overdue acknowledgement of a nearly five decade career that has earned them more than 40 international gold and platinum certifications, myriad awards and industry honors, featured appearances on over 20 movie soundtracks, and total record sales well in excess of 20 million.

Pre-orders for In Another World are available now https://cheaptrick.lnk.to/InAnotherWorld

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Cheap Trick will be in Australia this April and May! The band join Bush and the Stone Temple Pilots for Under The Southern Stars 

UNDER THE SOUTHERN STARS: APRIL – MAY 2021

Friday, April 30: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong NSW
Saturday, May 1: Camp Shortland Field, Newcastle NSW
Sunday, May 2: The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford NSW
Wednesday, May 5: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney NSW
Friday, May 7: Bonython Park, Adelaide SA
Saturday, May 8: Foreshore Reserve, Hastings VIC
Sunday, May 9: Showgrounds, Yarrawonga VIC
Wednesday, May 12: The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne VIC
Friday, May 14: Kings Beach Amphitheatre, Caloundra QLD
Saturday, May 15: Southport Sharks, Gold Coast QLD
Sunday, May 16: Riverstage, Brisbane QLD

WATCH: STEVE LUKATHER 2021 INTERVIEW 0

Greg Phillips  Artists, Interviews

Steve Lukather aka “Luke” and Toto singer Joseph Williams both released individual solo albums on February 26, 2021 via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group.  Both artists have made significant contributions to the other’s album.

Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips caught up with Luke via zoom to chat about his solo album ‘I Found The Sun Again’, gear, Toto and more.

About Steve Lukather: Over the course of five decades Steve Lukather has placed an indelible stamp on pop culture. Alongside his tenure as the only member of Toto to never take a hiatus from the band, he has performed on thousands of albums as a session musician. Amongst these musical contributions are some of the most successful, influential and enduring records of all-time including Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Additionally, he released a memoir titled The Gospel According To Luke which was a global best-seller. He continues to be Toto’s band leader, a member of Ringo’s All-Starr Band, and a solo artist performing with multiple ensembles which include Nerve Bundle and Toxic Monkey.

Toto has enjoyed a celebrated resurgence over the last several years tied to the band’s 40^th Anniversary, wherein over a thirty-month period they performed for millions of fans across North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.  The band’s repertoire has been streamed over a billion times, while album sales exceed 40 million copies. Simply, Toto is one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles, and 45 years in to a career enjoy a multi-generational fan base.

About the albums: Luke shares, “Never had so much fun recording in my life. Painless, fun and easy – and it just flowed.” The repertoire features five new original compositions, and three covers personally selected by Luke. Those are Traffic’s “Low Spark of High Heeled Boys,” Joe Walsh’s “Welcome To The Club,” and Robin Trower’s “Bridge of Sighs.”  Lukather offers in the liner notes, “ALL these tracks were cut LIVE – no clix – no fix – No rehearsal – one run thru – and record and the whole record was take 2. I did double a few guitar parts and ‘produced up’ a few tunes that are obvious but in the same time frame. I recorded the lead vocal right after we got the take same day. One song a day. Joe took it home and did some BG vocals but that’s it. I wanted to make as honest a record as I could in 2020 with 1970’s inspiration, and recording values, and techniques with a modern sound. Ken did that!” A portion of the proceeds from this album will be directed to The Ed Asner Family Center for Autism. For more information please visit https://www.edasnerfamilycenter.org/.

Williams shares, “’Never Saw You Coming’ is my first opportunity in ages to show my true sound.  Although my album is an eclectic collection of songs, this one tells you what you need to know to get a real sense of the whole. You can see where I’m going vocally for sure. It all starts with ‘Never Saw You Coming,’ plus I thought it was time we had a cool sexy song about death! Enjoy…”

Steve Lukather’s solo album titled I Found The Sun Again was co-produced by Ken Freeman, who also both engineered and mixed the new collection of repertoire.  The players feature many dignitaries that have been in Luke’s life for decades. Amongst those are drummer Gregg Bissonette, keyboardist Jeff Babko, and bassists Jorgen Carlsson and John Pierce. Life-long friend and Toto band-mate David Paich performs piano and organ across the album, while Joseph Williams sang on multiple tracks alongside writing string and horn arrangements and tracking keys on the aforementioned “Run To Me.”  Both Paich and Williams co-wrote that specific composition, while friend and band leader of the All-Starrs, Ringo Starr makes a special appearance on the recording and in the video.  Other co-writers include Stan Lynch, Jeff Babko, and of course Joseph Williams.

Joseph Williams’ Denizen Tenant was self-produced outside of the compositions “Black Dahlia” and “No Lessons” which were arranged and produced by Jay Gruska and mixed by Dave Way. The musicians and singers who made contributions in the studio reads like a who’s who of players that have been in the artist’s life over the past four decades. Amongst these contributors are band-mates from Toto David Paich and Steve Lukather. Simon Phillips, Leland Sklar, Lenny Castro, Nathan East, all of whom enjoyed tenures in Toto are also featured players on the album. Additional contributions include performances by Oscar Bugarin, Jay Gruska, Mike Landau, Barbara Gruska, Steve Overton, Dylan Ronan, Hannah Ruick, Steve Tavaloni, Weston Wilson, Ray Williams, and Mark T. Williams.  The album was produced and mixed at Digbyroad Studios, Sherman Oaks, CA.

Denizen Tenant features a dozen new recordings. Amongst these are a cover of The Beatles “If I Fell,” which Williams cites as the one specific song that taught him about the power of harmonies and vocal arrangements. On Peter Gabriel’s “Don’t Give Up,” a very special guest performance is featured in his daughter Hannah laying down a vocal track. Across the recorded repertoire, there is a consistent presence of performances by guitarists Steve Lukather and Mike Landau alongside percussionist Lenny Castro.  Williams reflects, “Mike Landau has been playing on my music since I was a teenager and he just knows what to do. His parts always inspire me. They help move me to the next step in the writing process. Steve Lukather is like this as well.” In reference to Lenny, he offers, “He knows exactly what is needed and he will give me so many choices. I always get what I want. Like Mike Landau I’ve been working with Lenny since I was a kid.” The record is a part of the continual, on-going collaboration of the triumvirate of Lukather/Paich/Williams. Williams co-wrote “Liberty Man” with Paich, while the keyboardist performed Hammond B3 on “Black Dahlia,” and shares, “I love writing with Dave. On this tune, like many others, we spent hours talking about history, religion, music, literature, movies etc. Always leading us like excited kids to a subject or concept for the song. Then we start throwing out phrases, collecting and discarding ideas. Shaping and reshaping melodies along the way.”  There are so many contributors with deep connections and history with the artist, all of whom have a significant footprint on Denizen Tenant. For a complete overview, click here: https://joeswill.com/liner-notes/.

The recordings are available individually on both CD and LP, alongside on all streaming services globally. A limited-edition deluxe edition is available with the two titles bundled together. Luke and Williams hope these albums present an enjoyable experience when listened to on shuffle.

For a complete discography, and more information click here: http://www.stevelukather.com/

KISS RESCHEDULE AUSTRALIAN DATES FOR 2021 0

WATCH: STEVE VAI TALKS ZAPPA DOCUMENTARY 0

Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips caught up with guitar great Steve Vai to chat about the new Zappa documentary (showing now), Steve’s time in Frank’s band, transcribing Zappa’s music and much more

Umbrella Entertainments proudly presents ZAPPA, the first all-access documentary on the life and times of iconoclastic musician Frank Zappa. Directed by Alex Winter (Bill of Bill & Ted, acclaimed maker of The Panama Papers, Deep Web and more), and produced by Winter and Glen Zipper (George Harrison: Living In the Material World, What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali and more), Zappa presents an intimate portrait of a late 20th Century iconoclast; a man whose prolific and brilliant work changed music and the music industry for ever, and whose cultural impact is far-reaching and enduring. With exclusive interviews and eye-popping unseen live and behind-the-scenes footage,  Zappa will open your mind to the creativity and fearlessness of a man whose “worldview, art and politics were”, in Winter’s words, “far ahead of their time, and profoundly relevant in our challenging times.”

https://www.thezappamovie.com/

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