Editor’s note
This week’s edition of Beat brings with it plenty of added sentiment. On one hand it comes via the departure of Furst Media stalwart and gun Mixdown editor, Nicholas Simonsen. He departs after two-and-a-half years in the chair and what a fresh, innovative perspective he brought to the beloved music magazine during his time. I’ve never known a more tenacious lover of music, and an opinionated one at that. Gearheads and the music inquisitive will miss you, Nick.
On the other hand, it is with great sadness that Beat #1684 grants the final KISS. Yes, the legendary rockstars that stand as arguably the most aesthetically disparate outfit to walk the planet, are stopping by Australia on their End of the Road World Tour. The tour has taken the acclaimed outfit around the world, through Canada, the US, Mexico and all through Europe. On their Australian run, they will visit Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne (for three dates), Sydney and Brisbane and say farewell to 46 years of domination.
On top of that, this fine city welcomes the beginning of the Melbourne International Arts Festival. Wild rockers The Flaming Lips lead the charge alongside a special appearance from jazz futurist Kamasi Washington. Then there’s an appearance from Joan As Police Woman and seminal magician Scott Silven. Outside of that, the arts are elevated through Rite of Spring, Token Armies, The End of Eddy all splaying their own colours of paint at the wall.
Time for the fun stuff.