This will be a show to remember. Two of the most talked about bands of the past 12 months join forces for a night of seriously compelling indie pop. Combustible Brooklyn-via-Florida outfit The Drums have packed a lot into their two years: two excellent, mostly self-recorded albums and an EP, line-up changes, internal strife, a couple of world tours. Now a five-piece, The Drums deftly sidestepped the sophomore slump this year with Portamento, an intimate and largely autobiographical LP full of the band's trademark mix of gorgeous melodies, spry instrumentation and singer Jonathon Pierce's musings on heartbreak, redemption, loss and love. Joining The Drums will be young NYC-by-way-of-San Diego pop duo Cults, who burst onto the scene early last year with the irresistible 'Go Outside', a short, sharp burst of hazy bedroom pop steeped in classic girl-group harmonies and Spector-esque production. Little was known about the twosome of Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin, whose almost ungoogleable name and refusal to give interviews befitted their creepy moniker. A couple of months ago, the band decisively stepped out of the shadows, silencing the doubters with their great self-titled LP , a winsome and succinct half-hour set shot through with darker undercurrents that amply delivers on the band's early promise.

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Hot ticket alert. M83's new LP Hurry Up, We're Dreaming is a sure contender for the Album of The Year. It's an ambitious, sprawling, epic 22-track double album and it's outstanding. We were massive fans of French electronic dream-pop artist Anthony Gonzales' last album, Saturdays = Youth, but this is next level. Get it, put it on, turn it up and then grab tickets to one of the most anticipated gigs of the year.

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The world's most successful classical crossover group Il Divo arrive in Melbourne today to announce a national Australian tour for 2012.  The first show kicks off on Valentines Day at the Sydney Opera House on 14 February 2012. Tickets will go on sale from Thursday November 10 at 9am. Fans can look forward to experiencing the emotion, beauty and power of Il Divo's unique vocals and operatic arrangements as they take you on a journey that combines opera, pop and musical theatre. Il Divo will be in Australia this week to promote their new album, Wicked Game, and to join in on the Spring Carnival festivities giving fans a little taste of what to expect on their 2012 tour.  Il Divo will perform some very special TV performances whilst they are in Australia and take part in one-off live performances during Spring Carnival.

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Special guest Diesel.

With forty years of chart-topping singles and albums under his belt, The Frontier Touring Company are delighted to announce that Rod Stewart will be rocking his incredible 'The Hits’ tour on stages in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne as well as two special concerts at Hope Estate Winery in the Hunter Valley and Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges. Having a phenomenal 62hit singles in the UK, of which 31 reached the top 10, concert goers can expect to be treated to the likes of Tonight’s The Night, Maggie May, You Wear It Well, Stay With Me, The First Cut Is the Deepest, Sailing, Hot Legs, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy…theist of Rod Stewart’s chart-toppers goes on and on. And if past tours are anything to go by Rod will smash out hit after hit live with his trademark style and panache, treating fans to a massive trip down memory lane and one hell of a night out. In 1971 Rod secured his first major solo hit with Maggie May, the b-side to Reason To Believe. The single and album Every Picture Tells A Story subsequently hit number one in Australia, the US and UK. From there Rod didn't look back, compiling an impressive record of hit singles and albums across his career. Now into his fifth decade in the business, Rod has sold over 200 million records, CDs and downloads worldwide. Recently Rod entertained crowd of 65,000 at Hyde Park, with the Mirror UK writing; “Rod Stewart…stole the show…The crowd, young and old, sang along to hit after hit, as Rod took them on a musical journey through his career.” Notably Rod Stewart is the second ever artist to be confirmed to perform at Victoria’s famous Hanging Rock. Frontier proudly hosted Leonard Cohen as the stunning site’s first ever performer in 2010 and are delighted to announce Rod Stewart’s concert as part of the Hanging Rock concert series. Ticket numbers for this show will be limited so fans are urged to get in early. Joining Rod on tour throughout Australia is none other than Australia’s own hit maker Diesel, whose latest album Under The Influence (Liberation) was released recently to critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone summing things up quite simply with “Damn but this kid can play”. Don’t miss out on Rod Stewart performing all the hits you love, with special guest Diesel, in February 2012!

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CELTIC THUNDER TO TOUR DOWN UNDER. The international success story continues in Australia. Over the past twelve months, Australians have been quietly discovering what American audiences already know, that CELTIC THUNDER is a phenomenal international hit. With their DVD and CD "The Show" having just gone twice Platinum in Australia and their DVD "The Show" still in the Top 30 ARIA charts after a staggering 33 weeks, CELTIC THUNDER - Emmet Cahill, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, George Donaldson and Neil Byrne - are set to tour Australia for the very first time in February 2012. Celtic Thunder formed in 2008 and comprises of five diverse performers who are each a powerhouse in both their solo and ensemble songs. The group is backed by the dynamic Celtic Thunder Band and their shows are known for the use of dramatic effects of lighting and choreography as well as a stage set resembling an ancient stone pathway suggestive of those referenced in Celtic lore. They've now toured the US and Canada, coast to coast, four times with over 200 concert dates and 400,000 concert tickets sold, while their albums have sold well in excess of one million units. They are commencing their fifth tour of the US this September. "We are blown away by the reaction to Celtic Thunder in Australia. We had such a great welcome when we were out there in March for promo so we can't wait to get back, and bring The Show out on the road and meet our Aussie fans" said Celtic Thunder's Keith Harkin.

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HEADLINING Slide's inaugural cabaret festival is Australian film legend and cabaret star Tom Burlinson. Premiering his new show, don't miss this opportunity to get up close and personal with one of Australia's greatest loved stars in this intimate venue. Featuring 6 piece band. This is a highly anticipated event. Book early to avoid disappointment.

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He's a founding member of the legendary west coast hip hop crew Jurassic 5 and the hugely successful world/latin/beats posse Ozomatli. Cut Chemist also collaborated with DJ Shadow on two of the most in-demand remix CDs ever and is regarded by all as a virtuoso of decks, cuts and loops. Now the turntablist extraordinaire brings his envelope-pushing live show to Australia for his cut 'n' scratch audio-visual blowout; "Sound of the Police". This is Cut Chemist at the peak of his powers, a master craftsman, creating some of the wildest slabs of music you have ever heard right in front of your eyes using turntables, a mixer, a loop pedal and all original vinyl pressings. Accompanying Cut Chemist is long-time visual collaborator, Tom Fitzgerald, the virtual founding father of LA's Cinefamily and king of disintegrating digital video deconstructions; a guy who is able to manipulate, warp and destroy clips in ways that are hilarious, groovy, musical and psychedelicized like no other. The music chosen for this mix goes quite a bit deeper into the crate than his other contributions. Driven by his passion for Ethiopian, Colombian, Sudanese and Afro-Brazilian sounds respectively, this mix also features a few classic tunes you might recognize. Sound Of The Police by Cut Chemist puts it all in context to help the listener remember that hip hop culture is indeed rooted in Africa.

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Following an incredible performance at Supafest this year, Game (formerly known as The Game) is returning to Sydney to perform his own headline tour. Featuring brand new tracks from the newly released The R.E.D. Album plus all his original hits this night is a must-see for all hip hop fans. Game, who is considered to be a major driving force in reviving the West Coast hip hop scene is one of the youngest international hip hop artists with worldwide household name recognition. Game's most recent album, The R.E.D. Album, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top 200 album chart the week that it was released. R.E.D is said to stand for Game's "REDedication" to both rap and family.

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Infected Mushroom from Israel, return to Australia for a whirwind tour on way to Russia to showcase a new set featuring much new material from their 2012 album 'Army Of Mushrooms'. After storming performances in 2010 at Stereosonic, they return to smash out a 90 minute live set and a 60 mins DJ set fusing trance, psychedelia and rocktronics fused with dubstep and a bit of rock thrown in for good measure. Witness the massive!

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Grammy Award winning vocalist and songwriter Seal will tour Australia in February 2012. Seal's Australian fans will see him perform all of his hits as well as songs from his brand new album, Soul 2, released in Australia on Friday 11th November through Warner Music. Seal's powerful music transcends genre and has had a phenomenal effect on music lovers worldwide. From emotional, romantic love songs such as Prayer For the Dying, Don't Cry, and the Grammy Award-winning Kiss From A Rose; to dance and soul-infused pop hits like Killer and Crazy and moving renditions of classics on Soul and Soul 2; Seal's unique voice continues to capture the hearts of millions. Acclaimed by critics and fans worldwide for his tremendous and versatile talent as a vocalist, Seal's live shows are also known for their impressive production values.

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Songs For Nobodies, the wonderful play by Australia's renowned playwright Joanna Murray–Smith, directed by Simon Phillips, returns to the Sydney Opera House in February for an encore season. In this one-woman show, singer and actress, Bernadette Robinson plays five ordinary women and five iconic singers, Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Maria Callas. Each "nobody" recounts an intimate tale of how her life was transformed by an encounter with one of the icons. With phenomenal control of tone and accent, Robinson seamlessly brings to life each "nobody" and each legendary singer. Her voice shifts from the smoky blues of Billie Holiday to the thrilling soprano of Maria Callas, via Garland, Cline and Piaf, with consummate ease. Barry Humphries describes it as "a spellbinder".

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Fresh off their regional tour, BLUEJU!CE return to UNSW’s Roundhouse for their first headline Sydney show of 2012. Hot off the heels of their 2nd album “Head of the Hawk” featuring the hit song “Broken Leg” (#5 in the Triple J Hottest 100 for 2009), the new album Company is receiving heaps of airplay and industry acclaim, including a spot at #20 in this year’s Hottest 100 for Act Yr Age. Described as “too straight for funk, too groovy for indie rock and too sweaty for pop” BLUEJU!CE continue to craft a unique sound on the Australian music landscape. The band were one of the hits of this year’s Big Day Out festival, and now come home to one of their favourite venues as the headline act of this year’s UNSW Orientation Week.

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The redhead from Redhead is back with a brand new show! So new in fact, that she isn't quite sure what it is...yet. Join the star of THE LAST FIVE YEARS & REDHEAD for a night that celebrates the big voice and big talent we have come to love from one of Australia's most engaging performers. "... vocal power and attack in Schwartz's mighty Meadowlark was akin to being pulled on to an emotional rollercoaster, then hanging on for the sheer excitement, danger and thrill" - Sydney Morning Herald. "...a truly sparkling star" - The Independent Weekly. "Marika Aubrey is stupendously talented. She's a stunning singer, and extremely magnetic actor and award-winning Cabaret performer... Cathy and she can sure sell a song!" - Augusta Supple.

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After a gruelling touring schedule since the release of their seventh and stunning album CODES AND KEYS, Death Cab For Cutie finally set their sights on Australia for live shows in February 2012. The band last toured Australia in 2009, selling shows out well in advance, promoting their Grammy award nominated sixth album NARROW STAIRS and have surpassed all expectations on this new record with it’s sonic exploration and lyrical ambition. Death Cab for Cutie are one of the few bands who have been able to ignore the perils of fashion and popularity and stay completely focussed on writing great music on their own terms. Each album has shown progression and movement from the last but has been able to retain fierce loyalty and respect from fans who totally understand that they are the go-to band for powerful, melodic, complex and emotive indie pop/rock that is always sophisticated and so effortlessly cool. Death Cab For Cutie are Ben Gibbard, Chris Walla, Nick Harmer and Jason McGerr. LA TIMES The band's musical ambitions have grown right alongside their audience. The songs from Codes and Keys were their most experimental while staying effortlessly melodic. The new album CODES and KEYS is out now. The 'KEYS AND CODES REMIX EP' features seven new remixed tracks from the band’s critically acclaimed new album, "CODES AND KEYS", which debuted at #6 on the ARIA chart in Australia. Death Cab For Cutie have been revealing one new remix each week through the bands official website and SoundCloud page and have already announced remixes by Cut Copy, The 2 Bears as well as Yeasayer, with more to come in the lead up to the November 25 release.

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How Do You Do? Asks Mayer Hawthorne on his brand new album and in February 2012, he returns with his band to Australia to find out! No stranger to Australian shores, he's been a mainstay since January 2010, spreading the sunshine vibes of LA whilst maintaining the spirit of his hometown Detroit (arguably the birthplace of modern Soul Music) and this February How Do You Do? comes Down Under to make for some very special arrangements. Mayer Hawthorne, the crooner from Stones Throw records has just made the jump to Universal Music for his second album entitled 'How Do You Do?' His debut LP 'A Strange Arrangement' lit a fire across the world for its faithful interpretation of classic genres like Soul, Blues, Country, Doo-Wop and Rock n Roll. Earlier in 2011 he released a free EP of covers including works originally by Chromeo (who have also remixed current single 'A Long Time'), Isley Brothers, ELO and more. With his live band Mayer Hawthorne ignites stages with a cracking live show that has already swept Australian audiences off their feet twice including sold out performances at Prince of Wales, Manning Bar, The Basement and festivals like Playground Weekender and Days Like This. Recently performing his new single The Walk live in the last month on Late Night's Conan and Letterman shows, Mayer Hawthorne is confirming what the underground has known for years; this singer-producer can channel the best of soul, funk, disco and yacht rock in to an inimitable 2012 blend. How Do You Do? is a far greater amalgamation of his influences (like Brian Wilson, Michael Macdonald and Marvin Gaye) than found on his popular debut A Strange Arrangement, which was released in 2009 on Stones Throw Records and spawned the incredibly popular heart shaped vinyl single Just Ain't Gonna Work Out. Immediately familiar but with a fresh twist, Mayer Hawthorne and his gorgeous band light it up across Australia including joining Erykah Badu and Fat Freddy's Drop in what is easily Summer's greatest lineup over in Perth and making his Brisbane debut, whilst taking on a range of new venues in cities he is already cherished in.

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Anyone familiar with The Angels' music and their history knows they are not only one of Australia's greatest ever bands but one of its longest surviving. Since releasing their now legendary debut single Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again in May 1976, the band has gone on to enjoy an extraordinary career - through the release of a vast catalogue of recorded music and performing thousands of gigs over more than three decades. Their 2012 tour introduces new front man Dave Gleeson of the Screaming Jets, playing the songs we all know such as We gotta get out of this place and Will I ever see your face again? as well as their new single Waiting for the Sun. The Angels are sure to rock Revesby Workers'.

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Roxette have topped the charts three times in Australia with singles It Must Have Been Love, Joyride and The Look. Look Sharp went to number two on the Australian album charts in 1988. Joyride followed in 1991 also reaching number two. Roxette's next albums, Tourism and Crash! Boom! Bang!, both reached number 3 on the Australian album charts while their first greatest hits album Don't Bore Us, Get To The Chorus landed in the Australian top ten in 1995. Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle who make up Roxette, came out of Sweden in the late '80s. Their game was pop and their mission was to conquer the world. With 33 chart-busting singles and total record sales of 75 million, it seems safe to say "mission accomplished". Except for one thing - it ain't over yet! Biding their time during Marie Fredriksson's recovery from her brain tumour in 2002, the band has gradually staged a comeback that has climaxed with the release of their new album Charm School and their current world tour.  After an extremely successful start in Russia, Roxette went on to sell out concerts throughout Europe, South America and South Africa over the last year with more than one million tickets sold at 70 concerts. After such an overwhelming response in the rest of the world, Roxette have decided to extend the tour to include a very special show in Sydney. "The concerts have been amazing so far," says Per Gessle. "Marie and the band are in top shape and the response has been incredible. And the way the new album has been received is great. We feel very fortunate and look forward to a very exciting year!" Roxette's brand new album Charm School was released by EMI earlier this year and will support the tour with the release of a tailored Australian greatest hits package that will be released on August 5. Charm School went straight to number one on the German, Czech and Swiss album charts the week of its release and is heading for platinum status in Sweden. With a catalogue of mega hits including It Must Have Been Love, Joyride, Listen To Your Heart, How Do You Do, Sleeping In My Car, Dressed For Success and The Look, this is set to be one of THE live events of the 2012 calendar. Roxette last toured Australia in 1995 on their Crash! Boom! Bang! world tour. A year when we still didn't quite know what a "Spice Girl" was or what the World Wide Web was all about. And Facebook!? What was that? Mark Zuckerberg was just an 11-year-old kid possibly playing games on his Atari computer. (Thanks to Facebook there is now a "Bring Roxette to Australia" page!) Maybe you were too busy in 1995 watching Beverly Hills 90210, Friends, Seinfeld or The Nanny to see Roxette? Or maybe mum and dad just didn't let you go? So grab all your friends, listen to your heart and get yourself dressed for success and get ready to join the joyride with Roxette in 2012! Joining Roxette for this special show in Sydney is 1927. Their 1989 album ...Ish is one of the highest selling debut albums by an Australian band. 1927's hit singles If I Could, That's When I Think of You, You'll Never Know and Compulsory Hero still remain radio favourites more than 20 years after their release.

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Rarely do two such iconic acts who where so fundamental in shaping electronica music come together for two truly amazing Live sets Gusto international proudly present an amazing smorgasbord of sound and visuals to tantalize your every sense. The Orb and Bomb The Bass. The Orb ever since their early hits two decades ago with "Little Fluffy Clouds" and "Blue room" The Orb have been described incessantly as the rave generations Pink Floyd so it was perhaps inevitable that these two institutions would eventually combine with Roger Gilmour amazing Guitar collaboration on the Orb's 2010 album "Metallic Sphere" with a new album shortly to be released don't miss out on this only live Sydney show with amazing visuals to compliment their unique style. If that wasn't enough we have another visual and ear gasmic delight, with Bomb The Bass. The dusky atmosphere of BNB's 2008 album Future Chaos has given way to a more radiant sound, buoyed by waves of synthesizers and propelled by clean-lined grooves. Raising the tempo, Simenon takes inspiration from classic techno, while vocal contributions from Richard Davis, Kelley Polar, The Battle of Land and Sea, and Paul Conboy bring Bomb the Bass into newfound melodic focus. It's a brighter, more immediate sound than before; warmer, too, with the singers' voices positively glowing inside intricately woven electronic nests. But there's no lack of nuance. Every track is a delicate balance of intimate delivery and cosmic sonics, underscored by a faint sense of melancholy.

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Tom DeLonge needs no introduction. Forming Angels & Airwaves during Blink 182's hiatus, they have gone on to reach critical success leading an army of die-hard fans. Combining epic melodies and monstrous arena rock choruses Angels & Airwaves debut album 'We Don't Need to Whisper' had Kerrang! calling it "bold and brilliant...with some stunning moments of perfection...euphoric". Angels & Airwaves take the listener on a musical journey and this is nowhere more prevalent than their new albums 'Love: Parts One & Two' which sees the band at their ethereal best. Possessing an epic and electrifying live show; Angels & Airwaves play two exclusive Sidewaves in Sydney and Melbourne. Madina Lake has endured more in the past two years than most artists will experience in their entire career. There were moments of terror, trepidation and triumph and all those moments have been captured in the bands entrancing and enthralling final part of their immersive album trilogy "World War III". It is their most powerful and heartfelt album yet with Alternative Press declaring it a "record drenched in electronics, shot through with ass-shaking grooves and boasting towering refrains designed to be sung by thousands of voices."

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Bush, Stand & Cherri Bomb

The headline from a recent Billboard article says it all: “Like They Never Left.” Legendary British rockers BUSH, fronted by charismatic lead singer Gavin Rossdale, had more success in their first half dozen years of their career than most bands do in a lifetime. Forging a sound that would go on to characterize an entire decade releasing some of the most successful rock albums that redefined a generation. BUSH now return with their first album in over a decade ‘The Sea Of Memories’ which is drenched in the bands trademark intensity combined with Rossdale’s emotive vocals propelling the band to compelling new directions. With a new sharply driven focus BUSH will be performing 2 intimate shows on the back of their appearances at Soundwave 2012. Since their inception STAIND have found ways to make darkness beautiful, wrapping shards of melody into a distorted hum. Along the way the band forged a melodic musical maelstrom that served as a solace to legion of fans throughout the globe. Selling over 15 million albums and a host of number one singles throughout their storied career reshaped a genre they helped pioneer. Diving into bleaker recesses than ever before on their seventh self titled album, STAIND surface with their heaviest offering to date. A collection of chaotically melodic songs that “is a crushing tour de force” - Revolver Magazine. Touted as the next big thing in rock CHERRI BOMB have been making waves since their inception. Fresh from supporting Foo Fighters and playing major European festivals Sonisphere, Reading, Leeds all on the back of their debut EP ‘Stark’, (and still in their teens) CHERRI BOMB are destined for great things.

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With Special Guests: Jack's Mannequin & Relient K

Dashboard Confessional has cultivated the kind of connection with fans that most songwriters spend a lifetime pursuing. Since the release of their breakthrough debut album 'Swiss Army Romance' Chris Carrabba's fearless honesty has inspired fierce loyalty with his fans whilst inadvertently becoming the soundtrack to an entire generation. Returning with their 6th studio album 'Alter The Ending' their most confident and optimistic outing to date with billboard.com calling it "A perfectly blended concoction of acoustic melodies, graceful harmonies and powerful anthems". Chris Carrabba will be 2 performing solo shows on the back of his Soundwave Festival appearances. Forming from the ashes of seminal pop punk band Something Corporate, Jack's Mannequin have amassed a legion of fans around the globe winning their hearts with introspective and heart felt lyrics. Weaving intricate guitar parts through piano-laced rock, Jack's Mannequin have cemented themselves as crowd favourites with their inspiring live performances "Front man Andrew McMahon knew exactly how to get his fans to that feverish pitch that felt as if it could bring down the whole building." - Rocknroll Ghost. The ability to write unforgettable hooks has catapulted Relient K to the top of the pop rock realm. This is evident on the bands full length 'Forget And Not Slow Down' with Absolutepunk.net calling it "Instantly infectious" and Billboard declaring, "This may be the BEST album that Relient K has ever put out, period!"

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San Diego heroes, Switchfoot, are set to return to Australia next month for a string of appearances at the national Soundwave Festival, as well as a string of headlining shows in Brisbane on Friday 24th February at The Tivoli, and in Sydney on Monday 27th February at The Factory Theatre. Following the release of their 2003 album, 'The Beautiful Letdown' (a double-platinum album that straddled the line between sacred and secular rock music) Switchfoot hit the mainstream and produced two Top 20 hits with 'Dare To Move' and 'Meant To Live.' They have not stopped since. Releasing a string of albums since then, Switchfoot return to our shores in February following their latest offering, 'Vice Verses' which has sold over 125,000 copies and includes the latest single 'Dark Horses' currently Top 10 Alternative Rock Radio.With its play on words, Vice Verses, the title of Switchfoot's new album, coherently suggests the album's theme: everything has two sides. "Every blessing comes with a set of curses," singer-guitarist Jon Foreman sings on the title track, all the while wondering if "there's a meaning to it all." That theme runs through the album's 12 songs and is even reflected in the album's black and white cover. When Switchfoot released the Grammy Award winning Hello Hurricane in 2009, it symbolized a rebirth of sorts. After a good run with Columbia Records, the band self-financed the building of its own studio and the recording of the album and released it on lowercase people via Atlantic Records. If 2009's Hello Hurricane suggested a new chapter in the musical book that is Switchfoot, consider Vice Verses to be a sequel of sorts. Foreman says the album is "a brand new chapter, but would not exist without Hello Hurricane" and refers to it as a "surgical procedure where everything is clean-cut." Like Hello Hurricane, it was recorded at the band's own studio, where the comfort level is now much higher since the guys have been able to work out all of the space's kinks. The San Diego band first formed in 1996 when Foreman and his brother Tim put the group together. Butler says the band members were all friends from their days together at high school. At the time, the San Diego indie rock scene was thriving as bands such as Rocket from the Crypt and Drive Like Jehu had just started to gain national attention. In keeping true to its San Diego roots, the band annually hosts Switchfoot Bro-Am, an event that benefits the San Diego-based StandUp for Kids, a national non-profit helping homeless and at risk youth. The Bro-Am includes a surf contest, charity auction, and festival concert. The event has raised over $500,000 to date, and this year's event attracted 10,000 people. It's set to be a great show! Don't miss out...

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This is a celebration!!! Revered by their peers and fans alike New Jersey's post hardcore pioneers Thursday have announced their last ever headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne, a celebration of their influential career. Breaking out of the New Jersey DIY basement culture revival leading to a career spanning 13 years which saw the band release one of the genres most influential albums 'Full Collapse', which the band will perform in its entirety along with tracks from their extensive back catalogue. Thursday have built a fiercely loyal, dedicated and formidable fan base with their intense and unpretentious live shows. "One of the most passionate live performances you will have the pleasure of witnessing". - Alter The Press. Circa Survive have firmly cemented their place in the upper echelons of the rock world releasing 3 stellar albums. The bands spectacular live performances and Anthony Greens ethereal vocals leave all those present in awe. It's only fitting that Saves The Day see out the last shows with Thursday having played alongside the band for their first ever show in a New Jersey basement. Saves The Day return in support of their critically acclaimed new album 'Daybreak' with Hysteria magazine calling it "their most ambitious album to date" and Paramore's Hayley Williams enthusing "Even at 22, their music picks me up when I'm down and they remain relevant in a scene that's swim or you're sunk".

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There is a new wave of artists that are constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries. A Day To Remember are at the forefront of this uprising, redefining a genre that was desperately seeking creativity. 2011 has been a monstrous year for the Florida quintet. From topping billboard charts and being crowned MTV's breakthrough artist of 2011 to selling out arena's across the globe, propellingA Day To Remember to unprecedented heights. Their new album ' What separates me from you' showcases the band at their unrelenting best with alternative press proclaiming "Whether it's crafting a pop-punk anthem or delivering a sonic beatdown, A Day To Remember do it better than everyone, and for the rest of us, that's where the separation lies." - Alternative Press. The Used have been a main stay in a genre that has seen many of their contemporary's come and go. On their most recent outing their 4th full length 'Artwork' The Used once again push the boundaries of a genre they helped pioneer with Absolutpunk.net declaring, "The Used could possibly be the biggest post-hardcore band of the past decade, and if they aren't already, they will be with this record". Known for their notoriously adrenalized live sets, You Me At Six have cemented their growing reputation as one of the world's most electrifying bands and they "are going further up in the world every single day, the question is; is there really any stopping them?" - Change The Record. You Me At Six return in support of their critically acclaimed new album 'Sinners Never Sleep'.

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...Meet Myles Kennedy (Slash's frontman), Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips; the future of rock. Alter Bridge are fast becoming a rock juggernaut and are on the way to firmly placing themselves in the rock 'n' roll pantheon forever. With 2 brilliant albums already under their belt Alter Bridge has crafted one of the best rock records of recent time with AB III. In fact, it's a sprawling masterpiece that illuminates just how brilliant this band truly is, and it's going to make believers of the world. This double bill of debauchery could not be filled by anyone else except Steel Panther.

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In a career filled with millions of albums sales, sold out stadiums and a slew of awards, ('Best British Band', 'Best Single' and 'Best Album' trophies at the Kerrang! Awards) the Lostprophets have also managed to craft a space for themselves and created a sound that is essentially their own. There are no signs of the juggernaut slowing down as the Lostprophets prepare to unleash their 5th studio album in April 2012. Touted by Kerrang magazine has one of the hottest new bands on the planet, Kids In Glass Houses have surpassed all expectations and are firmly cementing their place at the top of the rock world. Rather than dine out on the safety of previously attained success, Kids In Glass Houses are leaning in to the future and daring to become something more. Their meteoric rise is set to continue with the release of their third album 'In Gold Blood' with BBC calling it 'a hook-laden collection of hum-along pop-rockers that's surely destined to peal at the top of the chart'

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Following the celebrated release of his new album 'Ashes & Fire', The Frontier Touring Company are delighted to announce that Ryan Adams will be performing a series of intimate one-man theatre shows. This will be Ryan's first ever solo tour, having toured here previously with backing band The Cardinals; and if the start of his US tour dates this month were any indication, fans are about to be rewarded in kind for their patience and unwavering loyalty. Ryan Adams' theatre shows offer fans the opportunity to experience 'Ashes & Fire' live in concert for the first time whilst savouring his back catalogue in a solo format.

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From a suburban Los Angeles garage to becoming a worldwide institution of rebellion, few bands boast a history like Bad Religion. 30 years on, the worlds still a mess and Bad Religion's fiery songs are more relevant and necessary than ever. On their 15th studio album 'The Dissent Of Man' Bad Relligion pushes the boundaries of music as much today as they did in their formative years as a genre defining punk rock band with absolutepunk proclaiming 'The Dissent Of Man' "The best album they've written in well over a decade, compelling, charming and whipsmart storytelling." Strung Out have firmly cemented themselves as punk rock legends, an influential career spanning more than 20 years spawning countless imitators but none have been able to emulate Strung Out's scorching blend of aggressive riffs and captivating melodies. Street Dogs are a band that adamantly and unapologetically has things to say. Rather than serving as the closing orations for a punk rock band they serve to put the world on notice that everything up until this point has been little but prologue, and that the story of the Street Dogs begins now. Inspired by the ferocity of their audiences and a desire to make rabble-rousing, in-your-face punk records punkmusic.com declares Street Dogs "ooze sincerity, singing from the heart with a fierce energy that needs to be heard and felt." With the seal of approval from punk rock royalty, Brett Gurewitz, it is little wonder that The Menzingers were invited to play with his band, Bad Religion. Gurewitz proclaims: "These guys play the kind of pure punk rock that I grew up with". The Philadelphia's punk rockers' blistering and dynamic live performances has seen them amass an arsenal of accolades, a contract with influential label Epitaph Records and a brand new album due out early 2012.

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Forget what you know about heavy metal. Masters of their craft, Machine Head have been redefining the genre for the better part of 15 years since their breakthrough classic 'Burn My Eyes' blazed a path for all to follow. In 2007 they created a masterpiece of modern metal, 'The Blackening' and delivered the knockout blow to the rest of the metal world. Critics and fans alike agreed that this was one of the purest, finest, most powerful expressions of modern heavy metal released. Four years since the epic success of "The Blackening", the Machine Head studio album "Unto The Locust" was released in June this year. It is simply their most innovative and ambitious offering to date displaying punishing brutality with Metal Hammer declaring 'the album is a storm of complex arrangements and riffs, compiled by musicians who have gained absolute command of their vision. It's breathtaking work." Machine Head will be playing two headline sidewaves in Melbourne & Sydney with a brutal lineup featuring some of metals finest. Adding to this bill of metal titans is Massachusetts finest, Shadows Fall. Combining honest integrity and violent brutality into one frightening package, they continue to push the boundaries with their mix of bone-splintering aggression and melodic nuance. Times Of Gracesees original Killswitch Engage front man Jesse leech team of up with current guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz. Their debut offering 'The Hymn Of A Broken Man' explores the depths of human misery with artful desperation, heavy aggression and gorgeous melody. Times Of Grace ignore genre parameters and forge its own beat. With imagery that engages the mind and soul, the pair has created a bold entity for the ages. Chimaira are proof the old adage what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. This is nowhere more evident than their monstrous new album 'The Age of Hell' a record fraught with adversity and triumph. It showcases Chimaira at their unrelenting and brutal best with Metal Underground declaring it a 'A modern American metal classic'.

Very rarely does an artist come along that defies the boundaries of convention and remains relevant in a storied career spanning over two decades selling in excess of 50 million albums. Marilyn Manson has successfully pioneered 'Shock Rock' whilst redefining alternative music, blazing a trail of controversy and originality. Marilyn Manson remains a complete spectacle delivering one of the most creative and entertaining live shows in the world today and something that should without question be on everyone's "List of things to see and do before you die" - Sounds Magazine. After selling millions of records and leading an army of rabid fans across the globe, Coal Chamber's career came to an abrupt halt with the band disbanding at the peak of their career in 2002. Fast-forward 10 years and for the first time in over a decade Coal Chamber will be reforming for Soundwave 2012 and 2 exclusive sideshows. "Coal Chamber is and always will be a very special part of my life, so these few shows are for those people and for us" enthuses charismatic front man Dez Fafara. Don't miss your chance to be apart of metal history. Forming whilst on hiatus with Murderdolls, Wednesday 13 has firmly cemented himself as the leader in Horrorpunk. With an unruly live show of fun and debauchery "Everyone leaves sweaty, smiley and enthused by what they just witnessed…they are everything that is right with rock music today" - caughtinthecrossfire.com. With a blend of intense melodic metal and a penchant for the macabre, Motionless In White is taking the metal world by storm. Their spectacular debut album 'Creatures' has fans and critics alike singing their praises with Caughtinthecrossfire.com declaring it "A beautifully crafted masterpiece that will not only serve as the perfect soundtrack to your Halloween, but to anything else as well".

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A heavy metal immortal, Zakk Wylde has ridden the rock and roll rollercoaster having played alongside Ozzy Osbourne for more than 2 decades conquering the world's biggest stages and releasing multi-platinum albums. Founding Black Label Society in 1999, the band has gone on to achieve phenomenal success commanding a legion of fiercely loyal fans. Black Label Society's 8th studio album 'Order of the Black' is a cacophony of heavy riffing, heartfelt ballads, thunderous metal and epic thrash which sees them "onto another grin inducing winner here and long may it continue." - Rock Sound. Brace yourself because HELLYEAH featuring metal's baddest group of outlaws, Vinnie Paul (Pantera), Chad Gray (Mudvayne), Greg Tribbet (Mudvayne) and Tom Maxwell (Nothingface) are bringing their 'let's-tear-the-world-a-new-ass' attitude and bonafide fist-pumping metal anthems for two special sidewaves. "Each person who was present felt it, in their soul and in their heart that metal lives." - antiMusic.com. For BLACK TIDE evolution is a big part of growing up. Returning with their dynamic sophomore album 'Post Mortem' showcasing the bands creative expansion with hard-hitting riffs, fist pumping choruses and the perfect dose of melody. "Equal parts muscle and melody, a slick distillation of every act between Iron Maiden and Avenged Sevenfold" - Revolver Magazine. HOLY GRAIL is heavy metal personified. Their latest offering 'Crisis in Utopia' possesses a seemingly infinite arsenal of mind blowing riffs, skyscraping vocal melodies and devastating drum dynamism. With fans and critics singing their praises with Thrasher Magazine declaring "HOLY GRAIL are the reason that heavy metal will never die" and Decibel Magazine calling them "The Most exciting prefix - free metal band to come out of L.A in the last two decades".

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FOUR YEAR STRONG have catapulted to the top of the pack as one of the premier pop punk acts in the world today. Returning with their latest studio album 'In Some Way, Shape, or Form' sees FOUR YEAR STRONG at their most ambitious and experimental best. The album explodes with incendiary confluence of rock, hardcore and punk. "It's moments like this that make us excited for whatever Four Year Strong will attempt next" – Alternative Press. Notorious for their blistering live performances and monstrous sing-alongs, don't miss FOUR YEAR STRONG play two sidewaves in Melbourne and Sydney with some of punk's finest. Forming from the ashes of the beloved seminal punk rock band The Movielife, I AM THE AVALANCHE have spread like wildfire throughout the punk community, fast becoming a cult favourite amongst fans and their peers alike. 'Avalanche United', the long awaited sophomore album showcases I AM THE AVALANCHE at their anthemic best with Out Burn Magazine declaring it 'A Glorious Punk Return' and Kerrang Magazine naming it in their top 100 albums of 2011. A band as lively and explosive as their name implies, FIREWORKS have taken the field and shaken it up with their latest offering 'Gospel'. Blunt Magazine called it "the most outside the box punk record of 2011" - 4.5 out of 5 and Absolute Punk proclaimed it "one of the best debut full-lengths in recent memory."

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George Michael show Dinner and Dance Night.

Phone: 8915 1899
Email: info@slide.com.au
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Aphex Twin, the mysterious ambient mastermind of 'Windowlicker' fame, who notoriously shuns the spotlight is playing two extremely special and rare sideshows as part of the Future Music Festival Tour. Not seen on Australian shores since 2004, his long awaited reappearance is highly anticipated and his live show needs to be seen to be believed. With limited performances at only the world's top festivals this is a once in a lifetime chance to see his live show in all its glory. Arguably the most influential electronic artist in the history of contemporary dance music, Aphex Twin (AKA Richard David James) has been twisting minds and taking dancefloors on epic 'braindance' journeys since the release of his debut EP 'Analogue Bubblebath' was back in 1991. Making use of a whopping 14 monikers during his career, as Aphex Twin he is best known and loved for his groundbreaking albums 'Selected Ambient Works 85-92', 'Selected Ambient Works Volume 2', '...I care Because You Do', 'Richard D. James Album' and 'Druqks'), and iconic tunes like 'Come To Daddy', and 'Windowlicker'. Renowned for trawling the sweetest sounds from a range of genres - including Ambient, Acid, Breakbeat, Techno and Noise, and mixing them up to set the world on fire, this veritable genius is a true master, in every sense of the word. Aphex Twin will be supported by Mark Pritchard on thesetwo very special dates.

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It's been twelve long years since Bonobo's debut Animal Magic pulled heartstrings across the globe and since then Simon Green has developed his emotive brand of electronica in to one of the world's most captivating live electronic bands. Now, for the very first time, he's bringing the whole six piece experience including vocalist Andreya Triana to Australia for select shows in March 2012. Recognising Green's immense talent, the impeccable Ninja Tune label snapped up Bonobo for the world, following up his debut with Dial M For Monkey, which enjoyed similar success and introduced many musical tourists to the producer, as tracks from it were picked by countless chill-out compilations. Three years later Days To Come was voted 'Album of the Year' by listeners of Gilles Peterson's Worldwide program on BBC Radio 1, it was also one of the biggest selling titles on the label in Australia for 2006. Finally Australian fans, who have been waiting over a decade for this live soul and folk-tronic experience, can enjoy the Bonobo live experience as Simon Green and band come to Australia to play two headline shows and two festival appearances. Regularly selling out large venues across the UK, it's now our turn to find out why. Do not miss this incredible tour.

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He was a welcome guest in your lounge room on Saturday nights for decades, dispensing wit, wisdom and warmth. Now the Sydney Opera House can welcome Australia’s favourite Yorkshireman, Michael Parkinson, up close and personal. Talk show host, cricket tragic, and film buff - ‘Parkie’ will share both his love for cinema and his reminiscences about the some of the famous stars he’s interviewed over the last 30 years. Sit back and relax as Sydney Symphony plays music from cinema classics such as Casablanca, The Magnificent Seven, Mission Impossible, Goldfinger and Ben Hur.

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Pop icon Belinda Carlisle experienced full-blown American success twice in the 1980s, first with the all-female rock band The Go-Go's and then, on an international level (which she always wanted), as a solo artist. As part of the Go-Go's, Carlisle sold more than seven million albums, and later went on to a successful solo career that spawned hits such as "Mad About You," "Summer Rain," "I Get Weak," "Leave a Light On" and "Heaven Is a Place on Earth", which topped the charts internationally, including in the United States and United Kingdom. Travel back to the 80's with Belinda Carlisle; live in concert at our Whitlam Theatre. Tickets are selling fast!

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Casablanca Events is thrilled to announce the biggest Salsa singer to hit Australia 'Maelo Ruiz'. Maelo is performing his greatest hits 'Quiero Volver', 'Si Supieras', 'Te va a doler' and 'Amiga' for the first time in Australia. Maelo's award winning music has earned him gold records in Colombia, Puerto Rico & fame across Latin America. Ruiz's first album entitled 'Solo' spent four weeks at number one on Latin American music charts. In 1995, the song titled 'Rumba de Oro' earned Ruiz the title of 'Best Salsero' in Ecuador and Peru. His second release 'Experiencia' won fans over in Mexico and south-west of the U.S.A. His third release was his self titled album 'Maelo Ruiz', increasing his fan base further- and won the hearts of salsa lovers all over Europe.

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RuPaul, the world's greatest drag supermodel is heading to Australia for the first time in over a decade to perform live at "Glamazon", a one night only dance party spectacular held in honour of the drag diva herself. Boasting an impressive line-up including girl group sensation The Margaritas, The Wild Spirit Aerialists plus 3 of Australia's most recognised DJ's: Jimmy Dee, Dan Murphy and Kitty Glitter, the night will culminate to an spectacular live performance by RuPaul. Glamazon presents a rare opportunity for Sydney fans to have an audience with their Queen in a night of glitz and glamour. Without a doubt the most anticipated event this coming Mardi Gras season. One night only, tickets limited.

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Referred to as the "best disco group ever", Chic featuring Nile Rodgers will be storming the stage this March following a 10 year absence from Australia. Nile's guitar playing has taken them to the top of the charts repeatedly and he's recognised as one of the world's best music producers.

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Future Entertainment are pleased to announce that Mercury Prize nominated grime king Tinie Tempah, and drum n bass and dubstep duo Chase and Status are set to play three special UK flavoured solo shows during the Future Music Festival tour! Completing this powerhouse bill is the one co-headliners Chase and Status describe as “The voice of our generation”, Zane Lowe. Excitement is growing for the return of Tinie Tempah who is now performing with a full live band and is set to deliver a fast and furious show. With his roots in London’s underground scene, UK rap superstar Tinie hit the ground running with his monster anthem and debut single ‘Wifey’ back in 2006. A cult hero with the UK rap fraternity, indie kids and grime rollers alike, this high octane MC has been kicking goals left right and centre. 2010 and 2011 have seen Tinie rise to global superstardom with his debut album Discovery producing the monster hits ‘Pass Out’, ‘Written In The Stars’, Swedish House Mafia collaboration ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’, ‘Invincible’ (Feat Kelly Rowland) and ‘Till I’m Gone’ featuring Brooklyn rapper Wiz Khalifa. He’s also featured with Chase & Status on their track ‘Hitz’. Tinie is set to go to go even larger in 2012 - particularly if his latest collaboration ‘Earthquake’ with fellow UK rapper Labrinth is anything to go by. Having already scooped the pool with Best Breakthrough Act and Best Single chimes at the iconic 2011 Brit Awards, Best UK Hip Hop/Grime Act, Best Newcomer and Best Video at the Mobo Awards and Best solo artist at the GQ awards... the sky’s the limit for this eloquent hero.

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The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has seen over 9,000 days of ukulele action and been playing for one 40th of a millennium. The oldest and the best, it unites fans across the globe in celebration of "one plucking thing after another" on "instruments bought for loose change." They have sixteen-handedly turned the world on to the ukulele. The Ukes appear on stage with one ukulele each, no gimmicks, no tricks, no vocal enhancers or overproduced wizardry, then proceed to tear the house down. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll never think about music in the same way again, once you've seen and heard the Ukulele Orchestra. For the first time in Australia. One night only! Don't miss them.

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It's no exaggeration to say that New Order are up there with The Beatles and The Velvet Underground as one of the most influential acts of all time. Future Entertainment are delighted to announce that the band are playing two very special sideshows at The Festival Hall, Melbourne (March 1) and The Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (March 7) as part of their Future Music Festival co-headlining tour. Their story is now mythology and familiar to anyone who has seen the movie 24 Hour Party People. Formed from the ashes of tragedy, New Order paid tribute to their previous incarnation, Joy Division, while redefining the musical landscape in the process and creating a sound the world had never heard before. Effortlessly melding rock and pop with electronic dance music, the lads (and one lady) from Manchester went on to become one of the biggest bands of all time, releasing hit after hit that consistently pushed the boundaries and spawned legions of lesser imitators. Having recently got back on the road after a very long break the accolades have been coming in thick and fast, the newly reformed band are still top of their game. Their December headlining slots in Europe and South America all instantly sold out and were met with rapturous approval. Set to co-headline the Future Music Festival tour, these one off side shows are a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the infamous band, who have not set foot in Australia for over decade, we plan on welcoming them with open arms!

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Everybody's favourite Norman, the one, the only Fatboy Slim is back to rock your socks off with a visual interactive show to get the party started. Touring as part of the Future Music Festival juggernaut the infamous DJ/Producer is back on our shores after an absence of three years with a totally new mind bending show. A literal legend in his own lifetime, Fatboy Slim has enjoyed the sort of music career and international stardom that many can only aspire to. A leading figure in carving out electronic music, he rose to notoriety in the midst of the UK's early 1980's hip hop and block party scene, and, well, never looked back! Officially adopting the moniker of 'Fatboy Slim' in late 1996, his catalogue of hits since boasts iconic tracks like 'Everybody needs a 303', 'The Rockafeller Skank', 'Praise You', and 'Weapon Of Choice'. In a musical odyssey that has spawned a string of chart-topping albums (including 'Better Living Through Chemistry', 'You've Come A Long Way, Baby', 'Halfway between The Gutter And The Stars' and 'Palookaville'), taken in 12+ production pseudonyms, and seen him rock 250,000 people at arguably the most famous gig in dance music history – his Brighton Beach epic – it's little wonder that many consider Fatboy Slim to be one of the greatest DJ/Producers of all time. These days, Cook's show involves not just playing his own patented brand of "party acid house", but a complex audio-visual production. "I'm technically a video jockey now. We write scripts for all the tunes, make films. In the past, I used to have to literally hold up the next record I was going to play to the guy who does my visuals, and he'd have to find the images to match it. And they were never synched. But now, because of the technology, no matter what speed I play at, even if I just chop quickly into it, the visuals are all synchronized. It's a show." AJAX Ajax is one of Australia's foremost DJs and has the accolades to prove it. The electro expert has been recognised as being amongst Australia's top 5 DJs in every inthemix 50 poll since 2005 (securing the number one spot in both 2006 and 2007), and was also 3D World's DJ of the year in 2004 and 2005, Busy P's Best DJ of 2007 (XLR8R), Digitalism's best DJ of 2007 (BIGSHOT) and Justice's One to Watch in 2008 (DJ MAGAZINE) – phew! A co-founder and member of Bang Gang, Ajax has wowed crowds throughout Europe, Japan and Australasia, supported acts such as Daft Punk, MSTRKRFT, Tiga and Mylo, and is especially renowned for his legendary festival sets.

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International pop sensation, Jessie J announces her first headline tour of Australia in March 2012! Jessie J's latest single, 'Domino', produced by Dr Luke, has taken the Australian airwaves by storm and was the #1 Most Added Track At Radio a week before its official service date! The singer who released her debut album 'Who You Are' in March 2011, featuring the hits, 'Price Tag', 'Nobody's Perfect', 'Do It Like A Dude' and 'Who You Are', returns to Australia after her much lauded May promo tour where she blew her fans and critics away showcasing her exceptional vocal abilities alongside her unquestionable song writing flair. Her impressive talent prompted Jonathon Moran from the Sunday Telegraph to gush, "There are quite a few perks to this job, but seeing British singer Jessie J up close and personal in such an intimate venue is certainly one of the highlights of the year so far." After bursting onto the scene in November 2010, the 22-year-old Jessie J has had a wildly successful 2011 with her smash single, 'Price Tag' reaching the top of the Australian Airplay Charts and #2 on the ARIA Singles Chart and selling in excess of four times Platinum copies. The single debuted at #1 in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand and it was even covered by Future Entertainment favourites', The Wombats on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge in May! The Guardian (UK) nicely sums up the Jessie J phenomenon by stating "People in this country love big strong voices that hit high notes and blast you with hurricane force, and Jessie J's is one of those. And she can do it live...it works unadorned, it doesn't need machines to make it sound 'good'...But she's more than just A Voice. She writes, too - not just doodles in her bedroom; we mean songs. Hit songs." With over 2 million Facebook fans, over 200 million video views online and almost 1 million Twitter followers, Jessie J is definitely an artist set to continue to rise to the top and Australian fans of all ages won't want to miss this opportunity to witness this superb pop star on her first Australian headline tour!

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Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. Her impressive career has spanned more than 50 years. In 1961, Judy Collins released her first album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, at the age of 22 and began a thirty-five year association with Jac Holzman and Elektra Records. She interpreted the songs of fellow artists - particularly the social poets of the time such as Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and Tom Paxton. Judy was instrumental in bringing other singer-songwriters to a wider audience including poet/musician Leonard Cohen – and musicians Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman. Judy Collins, now 71, is still writing, performing, and nurturing fresh talent. She plays 80 to100 dates a year around the country. Judy Collins, a relentlessly creative spirit, is a modern day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that light up the world and speaks to the heart.

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Die Antwoord are coming back to Australia with their crazy antics and Zef charm and wit. Ninja, Yo Landi Vi$$er and DJ Hi Tek are hitching a ride on the Future Music Festival juggernaut and are playing some special sideshows for your entertainment. Die Antwoord are a blistering trio of rap-ravers that know how to get a party started and take it into overdrive. Hailing from Cape Town in South Africa and fuelled by a passion for hip-hop, Zef and rare rave tunes, this dynamic trio is the genius behind singles like 'Beat Boy', 'Rich Bitch' and 'Wat Pomp'. Already veterans of festivals, they have recently started up their very own record label called, what else but Zef Recordz. This act is mad, bad and leave you wanting more. Last summer when they were in Australia they raised the roof, and have promised to up the ante for this tour incorporating more swagger, more costume changes and more phat beats to shake a stick at. Their follow up album to $o$ is TEN$ION and was recorded and produced in South Africa by DJ Hi-Tek with additional production by Ninja. TEN$ION is presented by ZEF Records, in association with Good Smile, and distributed globally by Downtown Records and COOP Music, Die Antwoord se rympies sal jou fokken kop skop.

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Taylor Swift, who is currently headlining sold-out stadiums and arenas on the North American leg of her blockbuster TAYLOR SWIFT SPEAK NOW WORLD TOUR 2011 has announced that in response to strong fan demand she will extend the tour into 2012 with capital city dates around Australia. The four-time GRAMMY winner's SPEAK NOW performance is a two-hour theatrical presentation, reminiscent of a Broadway experience. The show features elaborate costumes, dancers, aerialists, changing sets, and innovative choreography and instrumentation showcased on a multi-level stage. Taylor plays five different guitars in the show, plus two banjos, the ukulele and the piano, and changes costumes nine times over the course of the evening. During the concert she moves right around the venue, using different stages, thereby giving every audience member a great seat. Taylor's Speak Now tour has earned high praise from top critics around the world: "One of the genre's most ambitious acts has created one of the genre's most ambitious tours. Broadway-inspired…the two-hour production was an overwhelming experience." - Billboard. Taylor's 2011 Tour includes 98 shows in 17 countries spanning three continents, and her Speak Now album is the #1-selling album in all genres of music over the past twelve months.

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Come along with Elmo and the Sesame Street gang as they circle the globe in this all-singing, all-dancing stage show touring Australia in 2012. Come along with Elmo and the Sesame Street gang as they circle the globe in this all-singing, all-dancing stage show touring Australia in 2012. Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, Grover, Zoe, Cookie Monster and Elmo use the letters of the alphabet to navigate a voyage through imagination that sees the gang visiting China, Zambia, France, India and Australia! Elmo and his friends have fun learning how people sing and dance and say hello in different places, but things don't go to plan when Cookie Monster eats a letter of the alphabet. Can Abby Cadabby find the right spell to help? Along the way, audiences will also delight in hearing a sensational tale from The Count and will help some back-packing rubber-duckies find a place to stay with Bert and Ernie. Featuring a bunch of classic Sesame Street songs alongside catchy new tunes, SESAME STREET PRESENTS ELMO'S WORLD TOUR will delight Sesame Street fans of ALL ages.

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Conductor: Nicholas Milton. Cello: Julian Smiles. Graeme Koehne: Elevator Music (1997). Dvořák: Cello Concerto in B minor, op. 104. Elgar: Enigma Variations, op. 36.

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For more than a decade, singer/songwriter David Broza has been steadily gaining reputation throughout the world. A superstar in his homeland of Israel, he is a modern troubadour of urban folk-rock. Critics, moved by Broza's flamenco-tinged, folk-rock melodies, his keen talent for breathing musical life into sensual snippets of poetry, and his dark and sultry good looks, have been quick to label him as "a post-modern Leonard Cohen," the "Stevie Ray Vaughn" of folk rock, and even "the Mel Gibson of Rock n' roll." But while honored by the comparisons, Broza forges his own road through the music scene all over the world. The worldliness in Broza's songs sets them apart from many others in the genre, and sophisticated listeners will also recognize a diversity of cultural influences in his music. The son of an Israeli/British businessman and a folk singer, he was born in Haifa, Israel (where his grandfather founded an Arab-Israeli settlement), and was raised and educated in England and Spain. At age 21, he was a star, and by age 27 he was being mobbed by fans in the street as his recordings went triple platinum. At the height of all that popularity, Broza has started forming yet another base for himself in the United States, building a strong legion of fans, and maintaining a hectic touring schedule. David creates a unique style of multi-cultural musical blend, sung in poetic rhythms of three languages. Broza is a captivating, compelling performer who masters his guitar into submission. He is the creator of a classical suite, which has been performed with various orchestras all over the world. Most of all, Broza remains buoyed by the self-fulfillment of living his dream. "I'm just happy to be a singer/songwriter and to be making a living from it, " he notes. "You have to be in it for the fun or you might as well sell shoes."

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Lennard promotions present South Africa's Music Legend Johnny Clegg. Johnny Clegg's "human tour" pulsates with rhythms & harmonies unique in every way. His crossover music, a vibrant blend of western pop and African Zulu rhythms has exploded onto the international scene breaking the barriers in South Africa along the way. Johnny Clegg has sold over 5 million records, won a Grammy and wowed audiences across the world with his infectious sounds and audacious concerts. Clegg's history is as bold, colourful & dashing as the rainbow country he has called home for over 40 years.

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What more can be said about Gerry Marsden and The Pacemakers? Storming out of the iconic Liverpool night club The Cavern, along with his mates The Beatles in 1963, under the management of Brian Epstein the band achieved four No. 1 records in a row, something even The Beatles did not achieve. Gerry and The Pacemakers were a major part of what history now calls 'The 60's British Invasion' with songs like How do you do it, I like it, Ferry cross the Mersey and You'll never walk alone. These simple melodies were the soundtracks to a generation and are the reason why Gerry continues to be a popular drawcard for lovers of 60's music on stages worldwide today. Gerry for the first time in Australia in association with The Harbour Agency will be bringing his 'Back To The Cavern' show which features the support of a Beatles tribute show 'The Beatle Boys' performing hits from the early days of 1962-1966, followed by Gerry & The Pacemakers performing hits and songs from the era intermingled with personal stories and anecdotes from the early days in Liverpool. This is a concert event that seldom occurs where the worlds of the 'Real Thing' and 'Tribute' join to make a fun unique night for the fans.

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Throughout March and April Kate Miller-Heidke will be performing in some of Australia's finest intimate venues and theatres, including performances at the Sydney Opera House, the Famous Spiegeltent in Melbourne and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. For this series of revealing and playful shows Kate will be joined by her guitarist and collaborator Keir Nuttall, for a preview of what is to be expected on her upcoming album, as well as classic Kate Miller-Heidke material off her previous albums. Kate's 3rd studio album is due for release in early 2012.

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Get ready to rock Australia! McManus Entertainment in association with F1 Rocks is thrilled to announce the return of rock icon Lenny Kravitz to Australia in March 2012. Marking his first concert appearance in the country in 18 years, Lenny will be joined by Irish chart-toppers The Cranberries, and Aussie rockers Wolfmother. In addition to playing Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl during the Australian Grand Prix weekend, Lenny Kravitz, The Cranberries and Wolfmother will also be playing shows in Sydney, Wollongong, Brisbane and Perth. "Not only will rock fans around Australia get to enjoy these three great artists, highlights of Lenny's performance will be broadcast around the world via the F1 Rocks network to a huge international audience. It's been 18 years since Lenny Kravitz last toured Australia. Lenny is an international superstar and it's a pleasure to bring him back here. And it's perfect timing for those that are at the Grand Prix in Melbourne. Fans can conveniently walk over from the track to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and enjoy a great night of rock in Melbourne," says promoter Andrew McManus.

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Most recently seen on our shores in 2010 playing two sold out shows at Sydney's Vivid Festival, Japanese quartet Boris will be returning to Australia to visit the entire east coast in March, 2012. Boris, have long been celebrated for their ability to reinterpret a multitude of musical genres into a sound of their own, and revered for rattling concert-goers to the core, with their high-volume intensity and colossal crescendos. Formed in the early '90s as a four piece just-for-fun endeavour with the sonic template of influences like Melvins and Earth, Boris hit its stride when they released their 1996 debut as a trio Absolutego. The group quickly developed a reputation for ground-rattling heavy, melodic music and went on to release nearly 20 studio albums, as well as numerous collaborative albums, EPs and singles on various labels throughout the world. Their new album (aptly titled New Album) features a few new tracks and handful of revamped versions of songs from 2011's previous releases Attention Please and Heavy Rocks, the assault of which lead Pitchfork to muse that Boris were building "a legacy of expansive, new, heavy music where no form is too sacred to break". Hyper-charged and rearranged with the assistance of radical Japanese producer Shinobu Narita, New Album's sound is one that might best be described as 'extreme pop'. Due later this year, it serves as the perfect precursor to the band's upcoming Australian tour. Next year, Australian audiences will experience just how deftly Boris can tackle seemingly disparate musical elements and forge new sounds that may seem inconceivable to other artists. Don't miss one of Japan's most breathtaking and unique musical exports, this coming March.

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In addition to playing with Lenny Kravitz on his national tour in March, McManus Entertainment is thrilled to announce Irish chart-toppers The Cranberries will perform one solo show in Australia at Sydney's Enmore Theatre on Thursday 22nd March. Tickets are on sale now. The Cranberries, fronted by Dolores O'Riordan, lit up the charts around the world for more than a decade with classics such as Linger, Dreams and Zombie. They have sold more than 30 million albums and have had two number one albums in Australia, No Need To Argue (1994) and To The Faithful Departed (1996). Other live favourites include Free To Decide, When You're Gone, Salvation, Ode To My Family and Ridiculous Thoughts. They've performed to millions of fans across the globe including several appearances for the Pope. They've graced the cover of Rolling Stone and performed on Letterman and Leno. After taking a few years out to raise their families, The Cranberries release a new album, Roses, on February 27, the quartet's first studio album since Wake Up and Smell the Coffee in 2001. The Cranberries are well known for their exceptional live performances. Dolores says "There's something about playing with The Cranberries, it's like putting on the pair of perfect shoes. It's a chemistry. It just fits." Popular Melbourne-based NZ reggae/roots/funk five-piece Bonjah will be the special guests. With over 500 Australian gigs under their belt and their second album, Go Go Chaos, hitting the charts last year, Bonjah will kick off the evening in fine style. Don't miss your only chance to see The Cranberries perform their only Australian solo show!

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Adam and the Ants scored 10 Top ten UK hits in the 80's including three number one's with their hits Ant Music, Goodie Two Shoes, Prince Charming and Stand And Deliver which saw Adam Ant win the Ivor Novella award, after it spent five weeks at number one. For almost two years, Adam and the Ants dominated the charts with their singles and albums earning them a Brit award for their 2nd album, Kings of the Wild Frontier, plus a Grammy nomination. Adam Ant will release his new album Adam Ant Is The Blueblack Hussar In Marrying The Gunners Daughter in June this year, on Adam's record label, Blueblack Hussar Records.

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The unmistakeable distorted riffs and funked-up percussive rhythms of Watussi signifies one of the most dynamic and unique groups to come out of the multicultural broth of Sydney's Bondi beach. Lead by Colombian born Oscar Jimenez with a sound that has been variously described as 'Afro-Colombian rock and roots' and 'Rage Against The Machine with horns'. Watussi are an eight-piece Afro-colombian Rock and Roots outfit that blend the musical heritage of native Colombian lead singer Oscar Jimenez with the unique energy of the Australian live music scene. With massive festival performances as well as sold out shows across the country, the band will be playing a special show at The Metro Theatre on Friday 23rd March to show you why they are one of this country's most talked about live acts.

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Coming soon to our shores, Max Pellicano stars in Follow That Dream - The Gospel According to Elvis; a rocking musical theatre production that had critics and fans alike dancing in the aisles during its first US run. Max plays Elvis post-partum, reflecting on an extraordinary life - from his humble begginings in Tupelo, Mississipi, to his excessive Las Vegas years. Along the way we meet those who helped shape him into the King, from his parents to Priscilla, from the Colonel to Sam Phillips at Sun Studios. Jam packed with the music we all know and love, the play ends with Elvis to the Max in concert style, in his ultimate homage to the titular character.

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Question: what do Axl Rose of Guns N'Roses, The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne, TV/radio presenter Chris Evans, The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde, Huey Morgan of Fun Lovin' Criminals, The Feeling's Dan Gillespie, Sophie Ellis Bextor and at least 30 million other people around the world have in common? Answer: They are all 10cc fans. The missing link between The Beatles and the Gorillaz, 10cc ruled the pop world at a time - the 1970s - when the charts were dominated by some of the most creative and colourful artistes in pop history. Unlike David Bowie, Queen, Elton John or Rod Stewart - all of whom they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with for a decade - 10cc worked not on image or celebrity-status, but on the art of making highly sophisticated rock masterworks into simple-sounding pop hits. From their breakthrough No 2 hit Donna in 1972, to their final No 1 - Dreadlock Holiday - in 1978, via such landmark releases as I'm Not In Love, their worldwide smash in 1975, 10cc stood for the kind of heightened pop sensibility achieved only by the very greatest music practitioners.

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Elbow are making a much anticipated and welcome return to Australia for some special shows. Fellow Brits and special guests, Bombay Bicycle Club, join Elbow on tour in what will be their first Australian shows. Elbow's return visit follows quickly after four mesmerising performances last July, including sold out shows in Melbourne and Sydney and a remarkable set at the Splendour in the Grass festival. Elbow have consistently delivered impeccable, brilliant live shows. The band's graceful, lush orchestral sounds - a gently sublime mix of the intricately elegant, poignant, and elative, rousing crescendos - serve up stunning renditions from their five-album repertoire. Up front, Guy Garvey fills the room with his angelic vocals, undeniable stage presence and natural charisma; his generous between-song banter building a strong rapport between band and audience. 2011 Elbow's 20-year anniversary and the release of their fifth studio album, 'Build A Rocket Boys'. 'Build A Rocket Boys' follows debut album 'Asleep in the Back', 'Cast of Thousands', 'Leaders of the Free World' and their fourth album, the 2008 Mercury Music Prize winning 'The Seldom Seen Kid'. North London's Bombay Bicycle Club, opening for Elbow on all shows, have released three albums in as many years. Winning a competition to perform at V Festival while still at school, the youthful band released their gold, debut album, 'I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose', in 2009. Wasting no time, a stripped-down, acoustic, second album 'Flaws', was released a year later making the UK top 10. 'A Different Kind of Fix' is Bombay Bicycle Club's latest offering, cited as their best record yet and a promise of more to come. The band have built a fiercely loyal UK fan-base to which they're about to add a whole lot more Australians. Immerse in the sounds of Elbow, with special guests Bombay Bicycle Club.

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Country music's reigning king and queen, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will tour Australia for the first time together next March. The Tim McGraw & Faith Hill / Australia 2012 tour will be the first time the country music superstars have toured together outside of North America, will be Hill's first time touring Australia and will include them performing separately and together. It will feature their massive hits including McGraw's Live Like You Were Dying, Everywhere, Real Good Man and Hill's Breathe, This Kiss and The Way You Love Me, as well as duets It's Your Love, Let's Make Love and I Need You. McGraw and Hill have been dominating the charts since the early 90s, and have produced 70 million record sales, 8 Grammys and 46 US number one singles between them. Hill, a multi-platinum crossover artist whose hits This Kiss and The Way You Love Me are recurrent playlist favourites on Australian radio, has performed at the famed Super Bowl twice, The Academy Awards and The Grammy Awards. She has graced the covers of, amongst other publications, People Magazine, Marie Claire and In Style. McGraw returns to Australia following his Southern Voice tour in 2010. Of any musical genre, McGraw was USA radio's most played artist of the past decade, receiving 7.8 million spins. McGraw is a musician and an actor with roles in Flicka (2006), The Blind Side (2009) and Country Strong (2010) alongside Gwyneth Paltrow. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are autonomously amazing, but together they're a partnership powerhouse, particularly when it comes to touring. Don't miss Tim McGraw and Faith Hill touring together for the first time in Australia.

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With co-headlining V Festival dates already scheduled for Duran Duran's triumphant return to Australia, the four original band members Simon Le Bon (vocals), John Taylor (bass), Roger Taylor (drums) and Nick Rhodes (keyboards) today announced special headlining shows in Sydney and Melbourne, in addition to the previously announced Adelaide show, to officially kick off their Red Carpet Massacre World Tour. Fusing pop music, art and fashion with their own inimitable style, DURAN DURAN have remained an unstoppable global force, consistently commanding the respect of others at the top of their game, as their latest album, "Red Carpet Massacre", attests. Featuring collaborations with top producers Timbaland and Nate "Danja" Hills, as well as the current king of pop, Justin Timberlake, "Red Carpet Massacre" proves DURAN DURAN are a force to be reckoned with and marks an all-time creative high in the band's illustrious career. Described as "a stroke of lighting captured on record... a triumph, a marvel, and a hell of a lot of fun" by US hipster publication Nylon Magazine, their latest work has delivered them rave reviews, with media outlets around the world declaring that they have truly ‘got their sexy back'.

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The goth-inspired Arkansas rock band Evanescence, with its Linkin Park-meets-Tori Amos sound backed by chugging guitars, easily made it to the top of the charts in 2003 with its Wind-Up Entertainment debut album, Fallen. Singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist/songwriter Ben Moody formed the band at the end of the '90s after meeting in their early teens during a "youth camp," Moody said in a statement. "I heard Amy playing Meat Loaf's 'I'd Do Anything for Love' at the piano. So I went over to meet her, and she started singing for me. I was pretty much blown away, so I suckered her into joining a band with me." As a duo, Evanescence didn't perform live, instead opting to release EPs and the full-length Origin. Lee told the BBC that Evanescence was mastering demos in Memphis, TN, when she and the band were discovered by producer Pete Matthews. He shopped the songs to record companies in New York, and Evanescence -- rounded out by bassist Will Boyd, guitarist John LeCompt, and drummer Rocky Gray -- eventually landed a contract with Wind-Up, the home of Creed. The soundtrack to the 2003 Ben Affleck action movie Daredevil brought success to Evanescence; the begging "Bring Me to Life," which appeared on the soundtrack along with the ballad "My Immortal," became a hit. (Paul McCoy, of labelmates 12 Stones, rapped on "Bring Me to Life," which originated as a piano ballad.) The songs proved to be a head start to Evanescence's future hit album Fallen, produced by Dave Fortman (Boy Sets Fire, Superjoint Ritual) and released in March 2003.

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Three guitar heroes! Three bands! The infamous G3 Jam - all packed into ONE hot show! Prepare to witness some of the most electrifyingly brilliant displays of guitar mastery ever seen when the most anticipated international live guitar event arrives in March 2012! G3 bring their combined guitar pyrotechnics to Australia in what will be dazzling two-and-a-half-hour-long shows of guitar wizardry and musical daring. G3 guitar gods Joe Satriani and Steve Vai will be joined on tour by the renowned Steve Lukather. Fans will be treated to individual sets by each guitarist with their own bands before joining Satriani and his band on stage for an all-star jam session. Since its inception and instant success in 1996, an incarnation of G3 has toured almost annually. Featuring three selected guitarists of this generation, G3 have performed sold out shows in the US, Europe, South America, Japan and here in Australia. Founded by Joe Satriani, G3 has featured many celebrated guitarists including: Steve Vai, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Yngwie Malmsteen, Robert Fripp, Adrian Legg and Eric Johnson. This year's line up threatens to over-shadow all of them.

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Brian Setzer Unleashes Thrilling Line-up for 'Rockabilly Riot' Australian Tour 2012. Featuring a special set with Slim Jim Phantom. Brian Setzer, rockabilly's most iconic ambassador, has unleashed a brand new line-up for his upcoming Australian tour. Dubbed 'Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot!' this new look is an all-out assault on the rockabilly norm, an overcharged and thrilling attack of American rock n' roll. Setzer's line-up includes: two (yes, two!) slappin' stand-up bassists each bringing some extra thump to the party; two drummers - one being none other than Stray Cat Slim Jim Phantom - and a classic boogie-woogie piano that plays so well with Setzer's rockin' riffs. The show will include all of Brian's hits and originals, favourite covers, and a special set with Slim Jim and Brian together playing the legendary Stray Cats hits including 'Rock This Town', 'Stray Cat Strut', 'Runaway Boys' and many more! The end of the show will be a never-before-seen all-out rockin' extravaganza!! After 43 years of honing his craft, Setzer is also releasing his first all-instrumental album 'Setzer Goes Instru-MENTAL!' (Surfdog Records). The album showcases Setzer's unique musical style that has made him one of the most legendary and credible artists in the industry today.

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Niche Productions & Live Nation announce the debut Australian tour of Yelawolf, the incredible Southern rap talent signed by Eminem to this Shady Records imprint who released his debut album 'Radioactive' in late 2011 after an electrifying run on the mixtape circuit. "I think its a perfect word to describe where I'm going," says the Alabama born rapper. "It's the fallout, the aftermath of everything I've been through and here's what's left. This radioactive material." With a life story that no book could contain, the artist born Michael Atha could have auditioned for the "most interesting man in the world" title. Geograpically, he was born in a state that rests between Mississippi and Georgia but mentally he was raised in a state of constant change. Bouncing around between Alabama and Tennessee as a child, Wolf's upbringing exposed him to the impoverished realities of both White America's trailer parks and Black America's ghettos. Though he's been releasing material since the early 2000's, Radioactive qualifies as Yelawolf's official "debut." Unlike his prior efforts that were recorded in basements and garages, only to be appreciated by his first core of loyal fans, this album was captured amidst rigorous touring, growing anticipation and now, expectation. If his ability to survive the last ten years are any indication, Wolf will rise to the occasion and beyond. "I see this album as my Southernplayalistic and I hope it does what "Hey Ya!" or "B.o.B" did for Outkast," says the artist who was featured on Big Boi's 2010 single "You Ain't No DJ" that was produced by Andre 3000. "The goal of making albums is seeing where else you can go. I made sure everything I made was at the core, true to what i was." Yelawolf blitzes through Australia late March for his debut shows from coast to coast. Don't miss your chance to see the future of rap, as endorsed by one of the greatest MCs of all time.

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George Michael triumphantly returns to Australia in April 2012. Symphonica, which is currently playing to incredible audiences on a huge 64 date European tour, will fulfil George's long-cherished artistic ambition of performing alongside a full orchestra. George will not only perform a carefully chosen selection of his own material spanning his remarkable, near 30-year career; but he will also cover some of his favourite songs from other artists. On Symphonica, the music has been re-worked and re-arranged by George for a 40-piece orchestra, which will accompany George and his band throughout the tour. This brand new symphonic production has given each song added layers and fresh nuance. It's unmistakeably George Michael, but not as we've ever known him. George Michael has always been a captivating live performer, possessing an exquisite soul voice. In early 2010, he thrilled and delighted Australian audiences when he played sold out stadium shows after an absence of around 22 years. With an unparalleled voice, a 40-piece orchestra and a tantalising promise to include songs never previously performed live, Symphonica is a magical experience awaiting singer and audience alike...

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We're thrilled to have one of the most requested and talked about acts of 2008 back at Bluesfest with his all star band The Combo this Easter. The legendary rock guitarist, piano player, singer and songwriter John Hiatt will be bringing his seminal, highly acclaimed new album Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns with him. This latest album highlights what John Hiatt does best as reviewed by Rolling Stone's Jody Rosen. "Character sketches of sketchy characters, set to sturdy roots rock, delivered in his craggy country-soulman's voice. Hiatt'S craftsmanship is as sharp as ever." Hiatt hit the ground running as an 18 - year old songwriter in Nashville for artists like the Neville Brothers and Bonnie Raitt. His own highly respected solo career began in 1974 and over the next decade ran through a number of different styles from rock 'n' roll to new wave pop before he finally settled on a rootsy fusion of rock 'n' roll, country, blues and folk with his 1987 breakthrough album Bring the Family. Following this album's success, Hiatt became a reliable hit songwriter for other artists, while he developed a strong cult following. Those of us who understand there's no difference (that mattered) in the music of Elvis, Ray Charles, Slim Harpo and Johnny Cash knew immediately upon hearing John Hiatt's first numbers 31 years ago that he was a kindred spirit. That's not to say only the rock and roll generation can appreciate Hiatt's cleverness, idiomatic versatility, distinctive gruff and endearing voice, or slashing guitar skills. But when everyone from Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Rodney Crowell and Willie Nelson to Buddy Guy, Flaco Jimenez and Ry Cooder have covered his tunes, it's quite clear that those who appreciate great songwriting and savor a keen wit, narrative flair and refusal to pen a sloppy or sappy line, eagerly embrace John Hiatt'S tunes. And we're certain you will too.

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Come to a concert experience where Southern rock and psychedelic surrealism happily co-exist, come to the world of My Morning Jacket. The stellar live band from Louisville, Kentucky will hit Australia next April for two very special shows in Sydney and Melbourne as well as playing Byron Bay's Bluesfest. Performing songs from their vast array of tunes including this years acclaimed "Circuital", the five piece machine lead by the enigmatic Jim James, is sure to make it one April to remember. Last here in 2009 where the band hit the Big Day Out circuit, killed it at their own headline shows and supported some guy called Neil Young around the country, new and old fans alike will rejoice to the sounds of James, Blackenship, Hallahan, Broemel and Koster and their legendary live outings. My Morning Jacket formed in the most organic fashion imaginable: friends who'd known each other since childhood making music in a shack located on a farm in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Their fame grew by word of mouth. Early albums such as "The Tennessee Fire", "At Dawn" and "It Still Moves" – recorded on the farm, Jim James's vocals bathed in the glorious natural reverb of the disused grain silo in which he recorded them – seduced critics and fans with their ethereal psychedelia and exultant rock crescendos. These early albums arguably coined the cosmic Americana currently purveyed by Fleet Foxes and a generation of similarly starry-eyed indie rockers. Locally with the Spunk released "greatest hits" EP, "Sweatbees" garnered from the first two records and early eps alerted those in the know in Australia to the magic on hand with the Jacket. In 2005's the band released "Z", largely abandoning their trademark sounds, along with the studio on the farm and its magical grain silo. Jim James put down the guitar, writing much of the new album on keyboards and a bizarre 80s synthesiser called the Omnichord. Recorded in a mansion with Stone Roses producer John Leckie, "Z" dialled back the classic rock aura of the Jacket's earlier albums, drawing magic from soulful reveries, spectral fairground themes, and even that eternal critical bete noir, rock-reggae. Do not miss a minute of My Morning Jacket.

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There are great guitarists... superstar guitarists... legendary guitarists... and then there is Buddy Guy. An all-time favourite and an absolute legend! And if this wasn't enough he will be joined by guitar virtuoso Jonny Lang for two very special shows in Melbourne & Sydney. "Buddy Guy was for me... what Elvis was for others", said Eric Clapton... and he wasn't alone in following his 'mentor'. "Buddy Guy plays from a place that I've never heard anyone play" - Stevie Ray Vaughan. Every major guitar player without exception gives a nod to Buddy Guy... who for 50 years has blazed his trail of energetic blues and blues rock, releasing over 60 albums,' mingling the most deepest of blues with a creative, unpredictable and radical gumbo of the blues, rock, soul and free jazz that morph's at every performance. And there have been many performances. As one of five children raised on a plantation near the small town of Lettsworth, located some 140 miles northwest of New Orleans, he used to be kicked out for making a racket on his first makeshift "guitar"-a two-string contraption attached to a piece of wood and secured with his mother's hairpins. Thankfully for us all... Buddy kept his faith ... eventually moving to Chicago, meeting and being influenced by Muddy Waters, and later becoming session and backing guitarist for Muddy, Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and others. "When I was 21," says Buddy Guy, "some of my older friends, who are no longer with us, they'd say, 'You're still a baby.' And then they said the same thing when I was 31, then 41, and I thought, 'Man, when do I get old?' I've been hearing that ever since I first went to Chicago-'You're still wet behind the ears.' So when do I get dry?" Buddy Guy has received 6 Grammy Awards, 23 W.C. Handy Blues Awards (the most any artist has received), the Billboard Magazine Century Award for distinguished artistic achievement, and the Presidential National Medal of Arts. He is ranked in the TOP 30 of Rolling Stones 'Greatest Guitarists of All Time'; and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. His last couple of albums have seen him trading licks with Carlos Santana, John Mayer, Robert Randolph, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks - and on his latest album – Living Proof - guests are Carlos Santana (again!!) and a special appearance by BB King. The first single from the Living Proof album is '74 Years Young'... a complete biographical look at Buddy's Life and times...Asked what exactly it is that he considers himself Living Proof of, Buddy Guy doesn't mention his talent or his influence, but focuses instead on his perseverance. "Do you know how many guys I started out with who just threw up both hands and quit?" he says. "My first wife said to me, 'It's me or the guitar,' and I picked up my guitar and left. We still laugh about that. But I'm still picking away at it, I don't know nothing else." What keeps him going... driving him along... is best left for Buddy to explain: "Blues players don't stop, they just drop. It's like my mother used to say about religion-I'm too far gone to turn around!" Jimi Hendrix once said: "Heaven is lying at Buddy Guy's feet while listening to him play guitar" Sydney / Melbourne..... welcome to heaven ...... Buddy Guy is here ! Catch him alongside Jonny Lang this Easter.

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In the words of Crosby, Stills & Nash - it's been a long time coming - but the wait ends now! McManus Entertainment is thrilled to announce that music legends Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) - David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash - will tour Australia in March and April 2012. Since forming in 1969, the world's first "supergroup" have delivered countless hits, with their timeless harmonies and melodic folk-rock becoming a cornerstone of today's rock 'n roll. In 2012 CSN will take to the road once again, as they have done on a recurring basis ever since their very first gig together before half a million people at Woodstock more than four decades ago. Hailed as 'the voice of a generation', fans can look forward to yet another epic performance as they play songs from their amazing catalogue of hits, including Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, Marrakesh Express, Wooden Ships, Teach Your Children, Carry On, Our House, Long Time Gone, as well as the classic anthems of the Woodstock generation - Helpless and Woodstock. The California sun-drenched embrace of their harmonies and musical variety has cemented their reputation as true music legends, but don't just take our word for it. In 1969, after seeing one of their shows, rock immortal Jimi Hendrix declared, "I've seen Crosby, Stills and Nash burnin' ass... they're groovy, Western-sky music," - and according to Rolling Stone, Jimi "knew what he was talking about." These three consummate singer-songwriters have more than lived up to this reputation, with their masterpiece debut LP Crosby, Stills & Nash jumping straight to the top of the charts and Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list. That same year, they were honoured with the GRAMMY® award for Best New Artist and the following year 1970's Déjà vu also made the prestigious "500 Greatest" list. CSN have since captured the hearts and minds of an entire era, becoming inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, as well as the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2007. CSN have been performing music together for more than four decades and have weathered changing times and various configurations, while simultaneously captivating the world with their peerless three-part harmony vocals, inspired songwriting, musical virtuosity and social activism. Don't miss your chance to experience these iconic singer/songwriters perform live in 2012.

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Young guitar-wielding, globetrotting Americana exponent Justin Townes Earle may well be one of the hardest working troubadours on the world stage today, but he sure has built up a mutual love affair with Australia and our people. We love the hell out of him, and, well, his impending tour this April will be his fifth visit to our shores since he first wowed punters and critics alike on his first foray at the tail-end of 2008, so the feeling is obviously reciprocated. Just ask the man himself, he recently offered of Australia: "It's my favourite place to tour on earth without question. It's very intriguing, and the women are very beautiful, tall and sensual. It's awesome. It reminds me of Dr Seuss and I like that." Strange but fair. For those yet to experience the live sensation that is Justin Townes Earle, you're sure in for a treat. The lanky, tattooed man and his music drip with charisma and authenticity, seeming to channel the spirit of long-forgotten country and blues icons such as Lightnin' Hopkins and Buck Owens, but filtering them through a modern sensibility that broadens his appeal to all and sundry, not just purveyors of the old school. Hell, celebrated country outlaw Steve Earle is his dad and he's named after his legendary godfather Townes Van Zandt, you can't get much better lineage than that in this business. The young Earle's credentials were further strengthened this October when he took out Song Of The Year at the prestigious 2011 Americana Music Association Awards in Nashville for Harlem River Blues, the title track of this critically-acclaimed third album (itself nominated for Album Of The Year at the same ceremony). To make matters even more enticing Earle is currently locked away in a studio working on a follow-up to Harlem River Blues, and as is his wont he'll no doubt unfurl some of these soon-to-be classics in the making when he hits Australia for the East Coast Blues And Roots Festival in Byron Bay, the burgeoning Boogie festival in rural Victoria, plus headlining shows in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and Perth. He's just getting better and better, and it seems like the sky's the limit for this amazing singer and songwriter, so put yourself in the presence of greatness and find out for yourself why the whole world is rapidly falling for the enigma that is Justin Townes Earle. JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE touring for LOVE POLICE through APRIL 2012.

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The guitar driven, blues prodigy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, is coming to Australia. There are few artists whose names are synonymous with one instrument and how it's played in service to an entire genre. This is one such artist. Kenny Wayne was given his first guitar at 3 years old, was playing by 7 after meeting Stevie Ray Vaughan and sharing the stage with New Orleans legend Bryan Lee at 13. Utter the phrase "young blues guitarist" within earshot of anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the modern musical vanguard and the first name they are most likely to respond with will be Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Kenny Wayne Shepherd'S new album How I Go serves as a strong reminder of the chops that caused Guitar World to place him right behind B.B. King and Eric Clapton on their list of blues guitarists, and it's the strongest indication yet of his gifted songwriting talent. Having toured for nearly 20 years, Kenny Wayne says "I get up on stage every night to play my heart out and to try to turn people on their ear, man. I want to bring light into people's lives with my music. If I can make people feel good for an hour and a half to two hours and forget about whatever might be stressing them out, then I'm doing my job." So let's forget the world for a while and relish in Kenny Wayne Shepherd'S unique blues infused rock hitting Sydney this Easter.

This coming April, Chugg Entertainment and Bluesfest Touring are please to confirm that the east coast of Australia will transform into a boogie wonderland when soul and R&B heroes, Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) return to Australia. Whilst EWF blazed the trail during the disco movement, it is impossible to limit their genre-bending musical vision to just this one word. With a foundation in funk, they also incorporated jazz, smooth soul, gospel, pop, rock & roll, psychedelia, blues, folk, African music and eventually a dip into disco. More than just versatility for its own sake, EWF's eclecticism was part of a broader concept informed by a cosmic, mystical spirituality and an uplifting positivity the likes of which hadn't been seen since the early days of Sly & the Family Stone. Tying it all together was the accomplished song writing of Maurice White, whose intricate, unpredictable arrangements and firm grasp of hooks and structure made EWF one of the tightest bands in funk when they wanted to be. Beginning as a song writing team named The Salty Peppers in Chicago, Illinois in 1969 by brothers Verdine and Maurice White, the band quickly evolved; Maurice's astrological sign, Sagittarius, has a primary elemental quality of Fire and seasonal qualities of Earth and Air. Based on this, and following a move to Los Angeles, he changed the band's name to Earth, Wind & Fire and added guitars, reeds, a horn section, piano and more vocals, completing the then ten-man line up. Through several line ups changes over the decades and a string of hits and accolades, the band has won six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, as well as being inducted into both the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame. Rolling Stone has described them as "innovative, precise yet sensual, calculated yet galvanizing," and has also declared that they "changed the sound of black pop." Furthering their industry praise, less than two weeks ago EWF were honoured with a tribute at the Soul Train Awards in Atlanta, alongside late rapper Heavy D and Gladys Knight. Their welcome return to Australian shores is certain to be a great party - don't miss out.

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Yes, you read correct. The "Teacha" is embarking on a month long boat cruise from the United States to school Aussie's on the true origins of the urban-street culture known in the world today as "Hip Hop". It was KRS-One who first argued that "rap is something we do; Hip Hop is something we live". Appearing on the rap scene in 1986 as part of Boogie Down Productions, with the late DJ Scott La Rock, KRS made it clear that he was "the Teacha" with the release of his first hit single "South Bronx". KRS, an acronym for "Knowledge Reigning Supreme", is not only Hip Hop's first true philosopher, as an emcee/rapper, he is considered the best live Hip Hop emcee of all time. With abilities covering rap, reggae, spoken word, and even classical music, KRS-One reminds you as to why you fell in love with Hip Hop. With twenty published albums to his credit, KRS-One has literally written the most rhymes in Hip Hop's history. From establishing Hip Hop as an international culture at the United Nations (2001), KRS-One has single-handedly held the history and original arts of Hip Hop together now for over two decades. In addition to lecturing at over 500 universities in the United States and publishing three ground-breaking books; KRS-One has also established the Stop The Violence Movement, influenced the creation of the "West-Coast All-Star"' anti-gang anthem "We're All In The Same Gang", warned the Hip Hop community against giving up their humanity for technological advancement (H. E. A. L.—Human Education Against Lies), and has established the Temple of Hip Hop for the spiritual exploration of Hip Hop's culture. Always a refreshing break from mainstream rap content, KRS-One delivers an intense street-poet performance that leaves any audience rethinking their approach to Hip Hop and its culture. KRS-One is a must see concert and a mandatory lecture for anyone really interested in the true essence of Hip Hop and how to successfully live the culture. Australia, classes and concerts are now in session.

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Article by Enmore Theatre.

With a live review such as this... how excited are we that multi-instrumentalist Yann Tiersen is returning to our shores!! The answer is ...VERY!!! Classical composer, virtuoso performer, street entertainer, rock musician - Genius!!?? You'll have to see him to believe the vast scope that this French avant-garde performer has mastered. Yann Tiersen has been honing his musical aesthetic since he could stand on two legs. Born in 1970 in Brittany, France, he started learning piano at the age of four, violin at the age of six and receiving classical training at musical academies in Rennes, Nantes and Boulogne. Then, at the age of 13, he chose to alter his destiny, breaking his violin into pieces, buying a guitar and forming a rock band. When his band broke up a few years later, instead of hunting for some new musicians, he bought a cheap mixing desk, an eight-track reel, and started recording music solo with a synth, sampler and drum machine, poring over the grooves of old records on the hunt for loops and orchestral strings to plunder. "One day I thought, instead of spending days on research and listening to tons of records to find the nearest sound of what I have in mind, why don't I fix this fucking violin and use it?" Through that summer of 1993, Yann Tiersen stayed in his apartment, recording music alone with guitar, violin and accordion, guided not by the classical canon, but by intuition and his vision of "a musical anarchy" and re-emerged from his flat with 40 tracks which then fed into the bulk of his first two albums. The success of these albums launched into a run of beautiful film scores including the highly acclaimed film Amelie, Good Bye Lenin! & Tabarly. Skyline is the seventh studio album by Yann Tiersen and follows on from its darker sister, Dust Lane with Its ambitious new territory which gained endless praise for Yann and his most brilliant accompanying musicians. This classically trained multi-instrumentalist will shock even his most fanatical fans with his live performance. Transfixing even the most unenthused amongst the crowd with an accordion solo, a feat thought by most to be impossible, turning it into the subtlest and most seductive of instruments. Then switching it up and playing the accordion and piano simultaneously and delightfully.

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Article by Metro Theatre.

Featuring founding Sublime members, drummer Bud Gaugh and bass player Eric Wilson along with new frontman, singer/guitarist Rome - Sublime with Rome will reintroduce themselves and Sublime’s classic hits to fans across Australia on their 2012 Australian tour. One of the most notable and successful ska-punk bands of all time, Sublime has sold over 17 million albums worldwide with songs like What I Got, Doin' Time and Date Rape all in constant radio rotation across the globe. To this day, the group’s multi-platinum landmark debut album "40oz. to Freedom," lo-fi follow up “Robbin’ the Hood,” and multi-platinum self-titled major label debut (a virtual greatest hits set in itself) are all widely regarded as music collection staples. Formed in Long Beach in 1988, Sublime’s final performance was in the spring of 1996 after the death of original singer Bradley Nowell. In 2008 Rome, a 21-year-old northern California native, was introduced to Gaugh and Wilson. Last year, a handful of jam sessions led to an impromptu show at a small club in Nevada flooring a packed-house crowd. The trio later performed a one-off at the Smokeout Festival last fall and was a surprise special guest at the infamous KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas show, before officially dubbing themselves Sublime with Rome. “Sublime has so many fans and attracts new fans every year who were never able to see Sublime perform live after Bradley passed away,” said Troy Nowell-Holmes, Bradley Holmes' widow. “One of the inspirations for forming ‘Sublime with Rome’ was to bring Brad’s spirit in his music back to the fans and to give the new fans a glimpse of what it was like to see Sublime live.” As a special treat for Australian Sublime fans the band will be joined nationally by very special guest Mat McHugh from The Beautiful Girls.

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New Found Glory are continuing their dominance in a genre they pioneered well over a decade ago, providing a breath of fresh air in a scene starved of creativity. Paying homage to the bands that inspired them to pick up their instruments New Found Glory'S new studio album 'Radiosurgery' showcases a band at the top of their game and "proves beyond any doubt that New Found Glory are as fired up now in 2011 as they were when they first emerged in 1997" - Kerrang! New Found Glory has never sounded more incredible, and as their legion of Australian fans can attest to they have taken the genre by the throat and are arguably 'the greatest pop punk band in history' - Brett Gurewitz. Taking Back Sunday are truly in a league of their own. A band that defies categorization and not content with past successes Taking Back Sunday have firmly cemented themselves in the upper echelons of the rock world releasing classic album after classic album in an influential career. Taking Back Sunday'S new self-titled album featuring their original lineup, is undeniably their most varied and innovative record to date marking a new era for the quintet. "This is Taking Back Sunday's best effort yet, powerful, well –crafted, simply an incredible album" - Killyourstereo.com. This Time Next Year are bringing in–your–face honesty and sincerity back to pop punk. Their hard-hitting sophomore album 'Drop Out Of Life' has been making waves worldwide with Alter The Press calling it "a throwback to the turn-of-the-millennium pop-punk...Just balls out, sing it loud tunes". As part of a killer co-headline tour, New Found Glory and Taking Back Sunday are set to deliver their explosive performances to Australian audiences this April.

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From the beginning, 30 years ago, the band has been led by one of a kind vocalist / harmonica player, Kim Wilson. The group's distinctive and powerful sound mixes Texas blues and southern rock with harmonica laced swamp blues and R&B. Because of their peerless musicianship and unique vocals, they have a huge worldwide fan base and have always been favorites of top musicians, leading to world tours with The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. Hits include: "TUFF ENUFF" & "WRAP IT UP" were Top 10 hits and many of their songs have been used in movies and commercials.

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Article by Factory Theatre.

In 1981, Britain was in a state of crisis; unemployment was rife and the racially diverse inner cities were revolting against systematic ghettoisation at the hands of a Tory government. It was into this arena that The Specials released their doom-laden single, Ghost Town. A song that resonated so acutely with the youth of the day that it became THE anthem of urban decay and a future lost under Thatcher's rule. Thirty years later, with Thatcher on her deathbed and the inner cites of England once more ablaze, The Specials' music has never sounded more vital. Forming in Coventry, on the outskirts of Birmingham, these ska revivalists took their danceable rocksteady beats with the energy and attitude of the punk era of the late 1970s in which they began, and combined them with an informed political and social stance. It was this genius juxtaposition of feverish ska rhythms and downtrodden melancholic melodies and lyrics that told a story of a generation who had been deemed surplus to requirements by their government. Three decades on, in April 2009, when The Specials kicked off their sold out 30th Anniversary tour in the UK, nobody could have realised just how incredible these live shows would be, and the utterly amazing reaction of fans around the world. The audiences were packed with music lovers who had waited since 1981 to revisit this stunning band alongside Specials 'virgins' who had never had the chance to see them live. When the curtains dropped and Terry Hall, Lynyal Golding, Neville Staple, Roddy Byers, Horace Panter and John Bradbury exploded on stage to 'Do The Dog,' dancehalls across the country erupted with with young and old stomping as if their lives depended on it. 2011 sees a new show from the band, but expect all the classics we know and love.

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Article by Enmore Theatre.

From a mysterious research facility in California to the stages of theatres and festivals across the globe, Zappa Plays Zappa is prepared once again to respectfully expose Australian fans to Frank Zappa’s extraordinary achievements in music!

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Article by Metro Theatre.

This is Roots - This is Rock - This is Reggae !! - THIS IS Ziggy Marley. The five-time Grammy Award-winning musician, actor, artist, activist and humanitarian, Ziggy Marley returns to Australia after a five year absence. He'll be featuring songs from his latest album, Wild and Free as well as all the favourites from his 3 other solo albums and those of the Melody Makers. Ziggy Marley, the son of the legendary Bob Marley is, to many, the embodiment of his father. It is almost eerie to see the similarity, and with his Roots-Rock-Reggae style, Ziggy is the Keeper of the Flame. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Ziggy Marley joined with his sisters Sharon and Cedella and brother Stephen to become Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers, allowing him to craft his own soulful sound which blends blues, R&B, hip-hop and roots reggae. After two decades as the driving creative force behind The Melody Makers, Ziggy Marley's first solo tour came in Summer 2002. The following year saw the release of his debut solo album, Dragonfly, followed by 2006's Grammy Award-winning Love Is My Religion, Recently, Ziggy Marley won his fifth Grammy Award, in the category “Best Musical Album for Children," for Family Time, a 2009 collection of reggae-inflected, family-oriented songs, featuring family and friends including; Rita Marley, Cedella Marley, Judah Marley, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Laurie Berkner, Elizabeth Mitchell and Jamie Lee Curtis. Ziggy Marley also continues to head Tuff Gong Worldwide, in honor of his father's own music label Tuff Gong Records, and is Involved with a breadth of charities. Ziggy Marley leads his own charity, URGE (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization that benefits efforts in Jamaica, Ethiopia and other developing nations. The charity's missions range from building new schools to operating health clinics to supporting charities like Mary's Child, a center for abused and neglected girls. Ziggy Marley is one special person - a very special performer - and one we are glad to say WELCOME BACK TO OZ and BLUESFEST!

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Article by Metro Theatre.

Singer-songwriter, actor, author, political activist, producer - Steve Earle is one of life's great troubadours!!! Steve Earle hasn't wandered this way for a number of years.... In fact ... it's been three albums & and three Grammy Awards since we saw him last. He will be touring around Australia and you can catch him in Melbourne, Adelaide, Newcastle, Sydney or Byron Bay for Bluesfest. A protégé of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, Steve Earle quickly became a master storyteller in his own right, with his songs being recorded by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, Travis Tritt, The Pretenders, Joan Baez and countless others. 1986 saw the release of his debut record, Guitar Town, which shot to number one on the country charts and immediately established the term "New Country." What followed was an extremely exciting and varied array of releases including the biting hard rock of Copperhead Road (1988), the minimalist beauty of Train A Comin' (1995), the politically charge masterpiece, Jerusalem (2002) and the three Grammy Award Winning albums The Revolution Starts...Now (2004), Washington Square Serenade (2007) and Townes (2009). Steve Earle's long anticipated debut novel of the same name, I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive, was published earlier this year. The novel imagines the troubled life of Doc Ebersole as he is haunted by the ghost of his former patient and friend, Hank Williams. The title of both Steve Earle's new album and debut novel is taken from the Hank Williams song by the same name; the last single released during his lifetime in 1952. To go with this new album Steve Earle has embarked on a seemingly endless tour (thankfully for us) ...and we are proud to announce these Australian shows for 2012.

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Shane MacGowan, Jem Finer, Spider Stacy, James Fearnley, Darryl Hunt, Andrew Ranken, Philip Chevron, Terry Woods. The Pogues, or Pogue Mahone (kiss my arse in Gaelic) as they were then known, came kicking and screaming into the world in 1982 and have been an indelible high watermark on the fickle tide of popular music for the last 30 years. The Pogues command an army of die-hard fans the world over, captivated by the power and conviction of one of the last true punk rock bands. After the seminal album Red Roses for Me, followed by Rum Sodomy & the Lash, critical accolades began to appear for charismatic front man MacGowan. If I Should Fall from Grace with God and Peace and Love, brought the band commercial success, but cracks appeared, resulting in MacGowan being cast adrift after the recording of Hell's Ditch. The Pogues reconvened in 2001 with their front man refreshed, yet as wild as ever, and this April will bring their own brand of fiery, literate, celtic rock to Australia.

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Roger Daltrey, the iconic lead singer of The Who, will perform The Who's legendary rock opera Tommy from start to finish. (The Who never actually played the complete Tommy). Employing striking visuals to accompany the music, every show will be an unforgettable concert experience for lifelong fans and newcomers alike, who will be treated not only to the full majesty of Tommy, but also to a variety of Who Classics and more. Tommy is not only one of the most acclaimed and defining works of the rock era, it is an enduring album that resonates on radio to this day where it has found multi-generational appeal. Inducted into The Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, the 20 million-selling double album also spawned a successful 1975 film of the same name - with Daltrey playing the title role - which re-underlined its place in the cultural firmament. Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee Daltrey is pulling out all the stops with a full backing band that will bring the rock opera's wide-ranging sounds and textures to life vibrantly on stage every evening. Joining Daltrey will be Frank Simes (guitar), Scott Deavours (drums), Jon Button(Bass), Loren Gold (Keyboards) and also on guitar will be Simon Townshend, younger brother of The Who's guitarist Pete Townshend. Commenting on the tour, Pete Townshend says 'Great to see Roger performing Tommy with his band in 2012. I will be there in spirit and Roger has my complete and most loving support. Roger is touring his unique concert version of Tommy using his faithful presentation of the original work as the backbone for a set of wider material. It is wonderful to hear the way Roger and his new band re-interpret the old Who songs.' Throughout this tour, songs such as "Pinball Wizard", "The Acid Queen", "I'm Free", "See Me, Feel Me" and "We're Not Gonna Take It" promise to transport attendees into the world of this classic album with shuddering intensity and poetic power. A 1989 tour by The Who saw them reprise Tommy live. The upcoming Daltrey tour will differ in that all of the album's songs will be played (with the exception of Underture). When Daltrey and his band performed Tommy in March 2011 at a sell out concert at London's Royal Albert Hall, The Independent called the show "a faithful reading... The stand-outs, 'I'm Free', and 'See Me, Feel Me' and the anthemic climax of 'We're Not Gonna Take It' are rousing." Of his US tour dates the Boston Globe said"... it was...heartening to hear Daltrey... sing his history with grizzled power and heart-on-sleeve sincerity." Roger describes the show and visuals as 'A Tommy Show for today's audience from a different perspective.' "Tommy, an album that tells a story about a 'deaf, dumb, and blind boy' who becomes the leader of a messianic movement, will always be seen as a turning point for the band," adds Daltrey. "Within it, I found the new voice of The Who and the band found its stride in making that music, adjusting it, using all that knowledge that we had from jazz and the blues into making it work in a rock way." Don't miss this spectacular special event.

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Article by Enmore Theatre.

Seasick Steve is back!! – With a new album - and even perhaps a new direction and he's heading our way. As well as a special Bluesfest appearance Seasick Steve will be taking on Sydney in April 2012. His new album; You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks showcases not only Seasick Steve'S signature array of classic blues styles - but also previously unheard styles of Steve's; from Appalachian mountains and down home Kentucky Bluegrass to Nashville country gospel via Greenwich Village coffee house folk balladry. Given the aural evidence of his back catalogue, classifying Steve as a blues artist is pretty understandable, but it does do him a slight disservice. His material, like his life, is drawn from a long rich history of experience and a broad palette of influences. "I got so many damned songs, it's like a big old train and only part of them get into the station," Steve affirms. "The rest of them are just waiting for the next station." There are no fancy frills in his records, no light shows on stage, no backing tapes, no auto-tune, no whistles OR bells... just some get-down, go-for-it, foot-stomping, real... live... music.

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Article by Metro Theatre.

After the success of his 2010 'Unknown Pleasures' 30th Anniversary Tour, Joy Division bassist, Peter Hook, will return to Australia in 2012 with his band The Light, to play the classic album Closer, in full, sequentially and in track order, with shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. The tour is a celebration of the legacy of the music of Joy Division who have become one of the most revered bands in musical history and their influence remains strong with many bands and fans world. Peter Hook is a founding member of two of the most significant bands in popular musical history - Joy Division and New Order - and a legend in his own right. His 2010 Australian 'Unknown Pleasures' Tour was a huge success with sell-out shows at Melbourne's Palais Theatre, and the Enmore in Sydney. Hooky and the music of Joy Division was received with open arms by grateful fans who, 30 years on, still hold this phenomenal contribution to musical history close to their hearts. A stunning beautiful and emotive work, Closer remains as relevant now as it was on its release. Don't miss your chance to witness this epic Joy Division experience, live!

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Article by Enmore Theatre.

Urban-pop, smash hit R&B sensation and ruler of Australia's radio waves, Jason Derulo will play his first Australian arenas shows when he returns here in April 2012 as part of his most extensive world tour yet. Tickets will go on sale at 9am, Friday December 9. This September, 21-year-old Miami-raised Derulo unleashed his highly anticipated sophomore, 12-track album ‘Future History' (Warner Music), featuring the Top 5, double-platinum hits ‘Don't Wanna Go Home' and ‘It Girl', and the up and coming smash hit single ‘Breathing'. "I'm excited to perform this album all over the world," says Derulo. Jason Derulo's rapid rise to fame began with the release of his explosive, self-titled debut album. The album, currently edging towards one million sales worldwide, is home to some of the most infectious and biggest hits of 2010 - ‘What If', the platinum ‘Ridin' Solo', the double platinum ‘Whatcha Say' and the double platinum ARIA #1 smash ‘In My Head'. Building on his chart success and leaving no doubt as to his enviable abundance of musical talent, in 2010 Derulo toured, charmed and conquered with hugely successful, totally sold-out shows during his eight-date, first-ever national tour. Thrilling his Aussie audiences, Derulo proved himself a five-star performer with a powerful voice, effortlessly switching from ballads to high-energy pop, while busting out all the dance moves. In 2012 fans can expect an even bigger live show boasting an even more elaborate production that showcases Derulo's killer moves and an abundance of hit songs, new and older.

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Article by Ticketmaster.

When August Burns Red unleashed their 2009 breakout album, Constellations, they became a band that could no longer be ignored. They debuted in the Top 25, co-headlined the AP Tour, headlined Warped Tour and connected fiercely with a colossal legion of fans. Suddenly the Pennsylvania-based metalcore giants have found themselves in some rather unexpected places. From the cover of Alternative Press to Fox's American Dad, from the sands of Dubai to Japan to South America. Having briefly stopped by in 2010 to say G'Day to Aussie fans as part of the No Sleep Til tour, August Burns Red are now set to grace our shores once more in support of their fourth full-length album Leveler. Revolver Magazine concluded that the release set the standard for their entire scene in 2011, so it's only fitting then, that the band brings some of the genre's finest live bands along for the ride on their mammoth Australian tour. In 2011, Arizona's Blessthefall were described by Kerrang Magazine as "one of the world's most explosive live bands". After spending most of 2011 sequestered in Florida recording their new release, and leaving throngs of fans suspended in anticipation, Blessthefall finally arose from the studio armed with Awakening - their third full-length and most confident effort to date. Now the five-piece are primed to bring their vicious breakdowns and huge choruses down under. Finally, Sydney's Northlane will cap off this brutal bill. Having spent 2011 recording, releasing and touring their ten track debut Discoveries, these upstarts will be basking in the unique glory of having their debut album received with unwavering adoration from fans and critics alike. Don't miss this electrifying triple bill of metal mayhem this April.

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Article by Metro Theatre.

There is no denying its been a massive few months for Six60. 2 platinum singles. 1 double platinum single. A double platinum album that hasn't been out of the Top 10 since it debuted No 1 back in October. A completely sold out summer tour that saw them play to over 15,000 people in just 7 dates. Crazy!! And now Six60 are about to embark on their first 'world tour'. First up is New Zealand hitting a few towns they didn't get to during their summer tour. Then back over to Australia for their fourth headline tour to celebrate their Australian album release. Next stop is the UK where they have already sold out two London shows! Then Europe and finally America...

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Article by Metro Theatre.

Come along as the Hoodoo Gurus invite some of their favourite acts and key influences for a one-of-a-kind tour that celebrates 30 years since the release of Leilani (le Hoodoo Gurus iconic debut 7") and a career that has spawned 34 brilliant singles (I Want You Back, Bittersweet, What's My Scene, Generation Gap, The Right Time et al), over a dozen albums (includes Electric Soup, a singles collection that peaked #3 on the mainstream charts) and a record of being one of Australia's most consistent and powerful live acts. Invitees include the legendary garage-rock pioneers The Sonics, brothers-in-spirit, Redd Kross, the moody & compelling Died Pretty, Japanese all-girl legends The 5.6.7.8's plus a hand-picked selection of local celebrities: Royal Headache, The Lovetones and Hard-Ons among them. But that's not all! In a personal celebration of this milestone, the Hoodoo Gurus have announced they will perform Stoneage Romeos (their landmark debut album) in its entirety. How excitement! Stoneage Romeos features regularly in Australia's top 100 albums lists and in 2005 was the subject of its own tribute album 'Stoneage Cameos' featuring covers from The Living End, You Am I, Even and a host of profile contemporary acts of the day. But that's still not all... To coincide with the tour Sony Records will release Gold Watch a Greatest Hits collection covering the bands entire 30-year-career and will also include Use-By-Date a brand new track recorded especially for this release. Gold Watch will be released on March 16th while Use-By-Date is available now via iTunes. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind celebration: Dig it Up! The Hoodoo Gurus Invitational.

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Article by Enmore Theatre.

Violin/Director: Sophie Rowell. Mendelssohn: Sinfonia No. 3 in E minor. Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music), K. 525. Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5: Aria. Schoenberg: Transfigured Night, op. 4.

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After releasing All Eternals Deck to critical acclaim last year The Mountain Goats will be bringing their unique brand of American indie storytelling to Australian audiences once again playing six dates in May 2012. All Eternals Deck is an eclectic mix of inspirations ranging from century old painting to 70s cult films, singer songwriter John Darnielle explaining that the tracks "cluster around themes of hidden things and the dread that hidden things inspire." Recorded across four different studios each with different a producer, All Eternals Deck demonstrates how different seasons, moods, producers and locations play out into song and confirms that John Darnielle is one of the most innovative and creative songwriters of this generation.

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Article by Metro Theatre.

A concert to celebrate Dusty Springfield's musical achievements, highlighting her hit songs and the impact they had around the world during the era of Black & White Soul. Dusty: the Original Pop Diva, The Musical', is one of the most successful Australian musical theatre productions and now revived in Concert format starring two of Australia's leading theatre and pop vocalists, Monique Montez and Deni Hines. The show is a 2 hour spectacular by two of Australia's leading theatre and pop vocalists, performing together and solo, backed by an amazing band in authentic 60's costumes.

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Fanning the flames of a fire started just under two years ago, Florence + The Machine are set to ignite stages across the country when they return to Australia in May 2012 for a national arena tour. The tour kicks off in Perth at Burswood Dome on Thursday 17th May, then to Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Sunday 20th May, then a performance at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday 22nd May. It's then onwards north to play the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Thursday 24th May, followed by Brisbane's Riverstage on Saturday 26th May, and then crossing the Tasman to finish things up in New Zealand with a show at Auckland's Vector Arena on Monday 28th May. Following on from the multi-million selling, multi-award winning, global smash of a debut album ‘Lungs,' Florence + The Machine first landed on Australian shores in January 2010 on the Laneway Festival bill; playing to stunned audiences over the course of the festival as well as her own headline club shows. Barely six months later, her ascension to stardom took a further leap when she returned to wow audiences on the main stage at Splendour In The Grass and sell out multiple theatre shows from Perth to Brisbane. So overwhelming was the demand that shows sold out in record timing and her stay in Australia was extended to allow additional shows not previously planned.

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Naturally 7 infuse hip-hop, beatboxing, jazz, gospel, Motown and R&B in an astounding style called ‘Vocal Play'. Lending their phenomenal musical talents to some of pops greatest hits and originals, they pump out not just the melodies and harmonies, but the drums, guitars, horns and beats - with nothing but the human voice. From singing as an A Cappella gospel group in New York's Bronx in the late 90's, Naturally 7 cover a huge variety of music including the iconic hits of the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, and the Phil Collins' classic "Feel It (In the Air Tonight)". Recent releases include "Soul Bossa Nostra" (recorded with star rapper Ludacris for Quincy Jones) and the singles "Keep the Customer Satisfied" and "Life Goes On", based on the George Michael WHAM! hit "Everything She Wants". Following their sell-out Vocal Play - Australia Tour in March 2011, electrifying performances at the Hollywood Bowl, and earning standing ovations as special guests on Michael Bublé's ‘Crazy Love' World Tour, Naturally 7 are back with their new show. The All Natural - Tour performs in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne and will include material from their new album, hits from their seven studio albums and new arrangements of iconic pop songs.

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With the continued and insatiable fan demand, the unstoppable phenomenon that is NKOTBSB will officially bring their show down under! In May, New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys will come to Australia for four shows only, stopping in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. "If our fans want us down under, we'll go down under," said New Kids' Donnie Wahlberg. "Our international fans have been flying to see us stateside for years, so now we are bringing the show to them. Get ready Australia, we are coming to you!" The Australian leg will bring the historic NKOTBSB tour for a limited four show run, giving fans across the globe chances to catch their favorite groups on one stage. NKOTBSB first shocked and delighted fans when they took the stage together for a medley at the sold out NKOTB Radio City Music Hall show. The two groups wowed audiences again in their first joint televised performance at the American Music Awards almost a year ago in November 2010 and have toured consistently through 2011 since coming together. With over 200 million albums sold between both bands, and smash hit after smash hit, these two pop sensations have dominated the music scene for over three decades. Aiming to please, these guys are giving concert goers and diehard fans everywhere the ultimate "night out" experience.

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Conductor: Warwick Potter. Guitar: Slava Grigoryan. Arriaga: Los Esclavos Felices (The Happy Slaves): Overture. Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez. 2012 WSO/2MBS Young Composer Award (World Premiere). Beethoven: Symphony No. 1 in C major, op. 21.

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The Frontier Touring Company is proud to announce that Oscar® and Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter MELISSA ETHERIDGE is returning to New Zealand and Australia for a very special July 2012 live tour. Fans will experience an intimate evening of over two hours of powerful performances from Melissa’s extensive catalogue of hits when she returns for her first Australian appearances since 1996. The tour will kick off in New Zealand in July 2012 and will continue on to Australia taking in QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and WA. On September 27, 2011 the Grammy Award-winning singer officially reached global star status after she received the honour of having her own star placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This comes on top of her remarkable 2007 Academy Award for her song “I Need To Wake Up,” written for the Al Gore documentary on global warming, An Inconvenient Truth. The singer’s honest and confessional song writing style paired with her bluesy rock-infused vocals has seen her rise to the top of the musical spectrum since the her 1988 debut album Melissa Etheridge, which is certified triple platinum in Australia and double platinum in New Zealand. Fan favourites such as ‘Bring Me Some Water’, ‘No Souvenirs’ and ‘Ain't It Heavy’, for which she won her first Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal, are amongst many of the songs that make Etheridge one of rock music’s most exciting performers. Etheridge’s 1993 album Yes I Am contained the massive hits ‘I’m the Only One’ and ‘Come to My Window’, a scorching song of desire that delivered her second Best Female Rock Grammy. Since then, Melissa has continued to tour constantly and has released a total of ten studio albums, and has recently launched the daily Melissa Etheridge Radio Show for broadcast throughout the world. Fans can rejoice at the news that the one and only Melissa Etheridge is returning to our shores for a series of electric and inspirational shows. Don’t miss a chance to see the legendary performer live in your city.

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The Harbour Agency and the producers of the phenomenally successful 'Rock Show' - Sound One - proudly present Jon English, back bigger and better in 2012! Jon English has been working tirelessly to unearth, refine and rediscover a whole lot more from the great rock'n'roll archives to bring you... 'Rock Revolution'! Experience more of your favourite classics, remember the songs you thought you'd forgotten, and breathe a sign of relief when you hear the one you believed was gone forever. You won't want to miss this great evening of 60's and 70's rock'n'roll, so get out your diary, phone your friends and get ready for a rollicking good time... fabulous music, lots of laughter, and multi-talented musicians all wrapped up into one unforgettable theatrical concert!

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The music and the magic that defined a generation! A tribute to the greatest band the world has ever known and the most timeless artist of the rock n' roll era as they come together to create a music fantasy that is more fact than fiction. Over two hours of unforgettable hits that shaped an era and left all who lived it on a high. If you remember the 60's you weren't there but when you join Australian music legend Marty Rhone and the remarkable Beatle Boys you will experience an evening you will never forget.

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Conductor: Nicholas Milton. Verdi: Requiem.

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Experience some of the world's most beautiful voices in the Vienna Boys' Choir 2012 National Tour with a special premiere work by Elena Kats-Chernin.

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Conductor: Nicholas Milton. Piano: Ian Munro. Dukas: The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major. Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique.

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Conductor: Sarah Penicka-Smith. Handel: Messiah.

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