In terribly sad news, original Ramones drummer Tommy Ramone, the last living original member of the Ramones, lost his battle with cancer on the 11th of July. He was just 65.
Soundwave rumours are flying thick and fast throughout the interwebs. Amongst the rumoured bands are Faith No More, Rise Against, Marilyn Manson, Disturbed, Slipknot, Linkin Park, Bayside, NOFX, Suicidal Tendencies, Powerman 5000, Smashing Pumpkins, Anthrax, Of Mice & Men, Slayer, Bad Religion, Anvil, Billy Talent, Enter Shikari, New Found Glory, Motörhead and Steel Panther. Most of these bands have toured with Soundwave at LEAST once – I’m not too jazzed just yet! One big change has been officially announced, though – the festival will run for TWO DAYS in each city, which potentially means twice as many bands. Hopefully this means more local bands will get a look-in. Stay tuned for more news as it comes to hand!
While I don’t normally cover hip hop artists or rappers (I mean, this IS a punk column, after all), I do have to give a shout-out to ANY Australian artist slaying overseas. Iggy Azalea is about to score her eighth straight week at number one in the US with her breakthrough single, ‘Fancy’. She’s also the first Australian artist to hit number one in that part of the world since Brissy boys Savage Garden did it over a decade ago. Nice!
Ballarat, here’s an exciting one for ya: The Savages are returning to the Karova Lounge on Friday, August 8 to launch their debut album! Joining them on the night will be The Shorts, Morning After Morning and newcomers Infernal Bliss! Be there, it’s gonna be amazing! Doors open 8.30 p.m. and $6 gets you in!
Recently saw a few episodes of The Voice and I’m telling ya, Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, etc.) is not wrong in his opinion of these abysmal talent programs. I use the word “talent” loosely, as it doesn’t take much to sing karaoke.
Have you got YOUR tickets to see Courtney Love on her upcoming tour yet? The new songs I’ve heard online lately have been pretty amazing – full of energy and passion. Here’s hoping they stand up live, but I’m pretty sure they will!
Feedback on the latest Pennywise offering, Yesterdays, has been less than kind. It’s not a bad record, especially when you consider the origins and context of the record. A brand new studio album of brand new songs wouldn’t go astray, though…
Hmmm… While shopping online recently, I discovered that CDs that retail for between $18.99 and $22.99 at JB Hi-Fi are going for as low as $7.99 in the US. It’s little wonder that people are heading online (and even flying overseas) to do their shopping these days. Even iTunes is dearer here – for the exact same digital downloads! Crazy! And while we’re at it, how are vinyl LPs retailing for as much as $46.99? Can somebody look into this, please?
Tom from Blink-182 has promised fans a brand new studio album, apologising for the time it’s taken them to get their ish together. No sweat, Tom. Take your time. Seriously. Read between the lines.
It seems the Hits & Pits festival is done and dusted after a string of bad luck and allegations of bands going unpaid on the last go-round. Death by Stereo in particular have been very vocal in their disgust at the Australian promoters. Sad to hear.
And just like that, we’re done for another issue! Stay cool, kids! It’s winter, so you won’t have to try too hard…
Written by Christopher Cruz