The older and more cynical I get the more I seem to be preoccupied with crowd behavior at shows. I seem to be forever fucking furious about how the people around me are behaving, as opposed to what’s going down onstage. I’m going to safely assume this is due to my tolerance for other people in general reaching lifelong lows, and not the behavior of the general public changing dramatically, but I’ll be damned if I didn’t want to head-butt the couple next to me at Propagandhi last week. Their jigging on the spot was borderline acceptable. It was a pretty damn absurd way to react to that band, but who am I to judge someone’s physical outlet?
I restrain myself from letting rip at gigs all the time. I want to jiggle awkwardly and air punch uncontrollably, but I usually restrain myself, so more power to those who give zero fucks. But it was their mid-set selfies that challenged me. That unblinking, retina destroying light that pierced the darkness as they captured a totally awesome portrait of themselves having a ripping good time at a show. I’m gonna go ahead and admit that the kissing nearly did me in, too. I don’t think I’m the only one with an aversion to two people exchanging saliva so close to my own face. Just because I’m pressed up against your rank backpack in the midst of a sold out Corner Hotel show doesn’t mean I’m cool with having you lock lips passionately, directly in front of my face, while I’m trying to enjoy Back To The Motor League.
What about Propagandhi singing about ‘spreadable headcheese’ fills you with all consuming desire anyway? Go to the back of the room. Go straight to the back of the room. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.
Courtney Love, hey? Despite the fact that the only thing that’s really been keeping her in the headlines is her pretty average behaviour, Ms Love has announced a solo Australian tour. Following the release of a new single You Know My Name/Wedding Day last month, she’ll come to town to play Festival Hall on Saturday August 16. Tickets available from Monday June 16.
US pop rock duo Twenty One Pilots will headline a tour of Australia for the very first time this August. They were last here opening Paramore’s massive Aussie tour but now you can go catch them at 170 Russell on Friday August 8.
Toxicology reports from the Virginia State Medical Examiners Office have revealed that the cause of death of Gwar’s front man Dave Brockie was an accidental heroin overdone. A devastating legacy for one of the most loved vocalists around.
Spiderbait are touring. Yes. The original Aus rock trio will complete their first headlining tour in over ten years this August. See ‘em at the Corner Hotel on Friday August 29. This will sell out. Expect multiple shows to be announced as everyone clamours for their chance to see Calypso live.
A Jesus Christ Superstar musical which was set to star Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, Brandon Boyd of Incubus and Johnny Rotten of The Sex Pistols has been cancelled. No reason has been given for the canning of the ‘travelling arena tour’ but one might suggest their batshit casting had something to do with it.
There’s plenty of great new music heading our way this year. Anti-Flag have announced a greatest hits compilation titled A Document Of Dissent 1993-2013, which is scheduled for release on Tuesday July 22. Pennywise will release a rarities album of old material, freshly recorded on Friday July 11 (Epitaph). Ignite are hitting the studio again to record their new album with producer Cameron Webb. Expect this to be out by late 2014 but don’t expect a tour, as rumours suggest Zoli’s back problem and inability to perform subsists. Suicide Silence have released some audio snippets of their new album You Can’t Stop Me. This one comes out via Nuclear Blast on Friday July 11. Finally, Rise Against will release their new studio album The Black Market next month and make sure you pick up the debut release from Melbourne band Freak Wave this month. Out via Poison City Records.
