Blasts From The Past

Timeless, evergreen, eternal. These are the words that best describe a host of former greats who still amaze us and will be making their way downunder over the coming months. Many might have predicted them to urn out years ago, but here they, still going strong in the 21st century. They continue to astound their fans old and new. So which of these blasts from the past will you be seeing in 2010?

Peter Hook & Friends
Her Majesty’s Theatre - Thu Sep 28

30 years ago Joy Division released their landmark debut album Unknown Pleasures. Richly imbued with all the dark themes and tingly textures synonymous with the post-punk movement of the late ‘70s, it remains one of British music’s all-time classic albums. Now in 2010 Joy Division bassist Peter Hook has brought the album back to life and continues to spread its timeless messages all around the world. His tour hits Australia next month.

Simply Red
A Day On The Green
Leconfield Wines - Sun Oct 10

After 26 years performing under the Simply Red moniker, Mick Hucknall is finally ready to call it a day. But not before he sets his sights on Australia one last time. Simply Red’s farewell tour prompted an early kick off to the summer’s A Day On The Green festivities, testifying to the undying popularity of the band. Expect Hucknall to reel off the hits when he headlines the first Day On The Green in the 2010/2011 season.

Paul Weller
Entertainment Centre Theatre - Sun Oct 17

The former Jam and Style Council man is probably now as recognisable for his extensive solo material as he is for his work with his former bands. Weller’s musical feats have been unmatched by anyone over his 30-plus year career, trying his hand at a plethora of styles from punk, to funk, jazz, pop and house. His solo career has focussed on a deep soulful rock totem, with his throaty croon still bashing out the hits. Weller loves Australia and he’ll be back here yet again in a few months time.

The Seekers
Entertainment Centre - Tue Oct 19

The Seekers found themselves in the right place, at the right time, playing the right music back in 1963 when the British invasion opened a new front on Australian shores. The world’s newfound obsession for folk rock caught Australia up in its whirlwind good vibes and The Seekers were to carry the local torch into international waters. Although they officially broke up by the late ‘60s, The Seekers never really went anywhere with the Keith Potger-managed New Seekers continuing the tradition into the ‘70s before a partil reunion of original members took place in 1975. Since then The Seekers have never been far away and always on the minds of those who could remember them.

Pat Benatar/The Bangles
Entertainment Centre Theatre - Sun Oct 24

There aren’t many more iconically ‘80s artists than Pat Benatar and The Bangles. There aren’t many more songs as synonymous with the era as Love Is A Battlefield, Walk Like An Egyptian and Manic Monday. Pat Benatar and The Bangles simply ARE the ‘80s personified. And at a time when everything ‘80s is cool again, who better to come here and relive the good old days this October. Don’t forget your spandex tights!

Crowded House
A Day On The Green
Peter Lehmann Wines - Sat Nov 13

Ask anyone born on this side of the planet what the music manifestation of their geographic region is, and they will utter the words Crowded House. Although not strictly speaking Australian, Crowded House remain as one of the most recognisable band names in the country. And we’re sure the same sentiments are felt in New Zealand. Founding members Neil Finn and Nick Seymour continue to crack on under the Crowded House banner and will play a greatest hits, two-hour set at A Day On the Green this spring.

Metallica
Entertainment Centre Mon - Nov 15, Tue Nov 16

They surely need no introduction at this point. Few artists could boast to be the foremost purveyors of their genre like Metallica could. This was verified when heavy metal’s ‘Big Four’ - Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax - played together for the very first time earlier in the year. Fittingly, Metallica took headlining rights. They will be back in Australia towards the end of the year for a couple of sold-out dates in Adelaide. So if you haven’t got your tickets by now, too bad, you miss out.

Leonard Cohen
Entertainment Centre - Thu Nov 18

Even though he’s only still touring the recoup some of the losses he was fleeced out of by his dodgy accountant, we’re more than happy to oblige him. Leonard Cohen only visited Australia as early 18 months ago, but he obviously felt it was time to once again grace us with his presence. The composer of all-time classics like Hallelujah and Everybody Knows, the Canadian singer-songwriter-poet won’t be around forever so catch him while you can.

Three Dog Night/The Turtles
Thebarton Theatre - Fri Nov 19

They’ve both been around longer than many would realise and been involved in more musical projects than Josh Homme and Dave Grohl combined! The were bona fide stars during their time in the ‘60s and ‘70s and they continue to carry on well into the new millennium. Obviously age is no factor for these two legendary groups and their appearance together this November will be a special one indeed.

Blondie/The Pretenders
A Day On The Green
Peter Lehmann Wines - Sat Nov 27

Musical icons come and go, but it takes a genuine trailblazer to last in the minds of millions. Blondie and The Pretenders have not only stuck around for the long haul, they’re arguably as popular now as they were back in their heyday. Again it’s been the resurrected popularity of the ‘80s that’s caused their perpetual fame, but their music speaks for itself. When these two headline A Day On The Green in late November, it won’t just be silver-haired foxes reliving the glory days, expect a strong turn out from a new generation.

Guns N' Roses
Entertainment Centre - Tue Dec 7

We can still hardly believe that Axl Rose finally managed to get Chinese Democracy - the seventh Guns N' Roses - released some two years ago. Harder to believe still is that Guns N' Roses are actually still touring despite Rose being the last original member left to fly the banner. But tour they will, as the new-look Gunners head downunder for the V8 Supercar concert in Sydney as well as a couple of sideshow dates in Adelaide and Townsville.

Roxy Music
Entertainment Centre - Wed Feb 23

The Roxy Music who'll be making it out to Australia at the beginning of next year might look a bit different to the one this photo, but original members Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson will all be taking part. While we lament the absence of Brian Eno, we can rest assured we'll be treated to some pretty mind-altering musical trips from the British group in early '11.

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