Melbourne felt especially, nay spectacularly, summery this weekend and dozens of slightly hungover carcasses dragged themselves to Edinburgh Gardens to enjoy some acoustic diddling of the Poison City variety. Fitzroy’s finest green patch was swarming with cider, puppies, a couple of youngins, and even some oldies. Now I’m presently not of the age where too many of my friends are procreating so the presence of kids doesn’t necessarily make my ovaries ache, but the presence of parents I am ALLLL for. I’m pretty sure I’ve started to see more and more ‘older’ people at shows these days. Perhaps that says more about the type of shows I’m going to than it suggest some momentous change in social norms, but I’d like to think more and more people are seeing the benefits in sharing music with their elders. Don’t roll your eyes at me just yet, but speaking from personal experience, there are few things in life more special than sharing some musical taste in common with your folks and inviting them to experience it in a live setting. Escorting my mum to the Arty to see Chuck Ragan last year was one Disney patent away from being the most rewarding experience of my twenties. And just the other week at Fucked Up I spotted an old mate, ear buds firmly in ear and a thoroughly grey head of hair enjoying a Tuesday night gig at the East. His son appeared to be keeping a close eye on proceedings by stepping in and redirecting feisty crowd surfing folk should they ever come in the vicinity of his dad’s noggin, and it was just so painfully darling I just about cried.
Swedish hardcore band Anchor, not to be confused with Melbourne’s Anchors, are extending their hectic touring schedule to Australia this year. They’ll play a string of all ages shows across the country (Brave Swedes, enduring an Australian summer), which will roll by the Break The Ice Festival on February 10 (AA) and The Nash in Geelong on February 11(18+).
If you needed further incentive to purchase tickets to the Hatebreed/Biohazard/Cro-Mags sidewave, you might be interested to know that Swedes Raised Fist have joined the bill. That’s a fuckload of tough guys in one room. Lock in Wednesday February 29 at The Hi-Fi. Tickets on sale now.
In case your calendar wasn’t completely choccas, we’ve got some more sidewaves announcements for you. Angels & Airwaves (pictured), Madina Lake and Framing Hanley will play on Thursday March 1 at The Forum. The Devin Townsend Project, Mushuggah and Dredg will hit The Forum the night prior on Wednesday February 29.
Finally, it was revealed last week that Dragonforce will not be participating in Soundwave 2012 as scheduled due to recording conflicts (they’ve said they can “100% assure our Aussie fans that we will be touring there at some point in 2012”), but fear not Dragonforce fans, SWITCHFOOT will replace them with their sweet Christian rock.
Quality Melbourne prog acts Twelve Foot Ninja, Jericco and Circles will tour together this March, stopping by The Evelyn on March 24, Mac’s Hotel in Melton on March 29, Ferntree Gully Hotel on March 30 and Frankston’s Pelly Bar on March 31. Tickets are available now.
Poison City Records announced last week that a string of PCR acts have banded together to record a tribute to Blueline Medic, to be released on limited edition vinyl on April 21. The Nation Blue, A Death In The Family, Arrows, The GIfthorse, Jamie Hay & The Smith Street Band, Harmony, Jen Buxton, Paper Arms, Darren Gibson and Grim Fandago all lent their talents to the cause.
The Blood Sweat and Beers crew have announced that Bomb The Music Industry are headed out way for a tour with The Smith Street Band, but the press release seems to suggest BTMI will appear in the form of their songwriter and producer Jeff Rosenstock. Not sure whether the rest of their rotating lineup will be in tow, but you can lock in a rollicking good time at The Tote on March 9 and Brunswick’s Disgraceland on March 10 (AA).
The Getaway Plan have announced a run of regional dates with Gatherer and local supports. The Reckoning Tour will touch down at The Village Green Hotel in Mulgrave on March 15, Ferntree Gully Hotel on March 16 and Pier Live in Frankston on March 17. Tickets are available now.
