More than 40 years after their formation, legends of Australian indie Sunnyboys are calling it quits with one final tour of Australia in January and February 2023.
Ten years on from their glorious live return following a 21-year hiatus Sunnyboys announce The Last Dance; a final summer tour and the last ever live shows. No animosity, no musical differences, just the satisfaction of a job well done and knowing that it’s time.
As legends of the early 1980s, the high-energy band from Sydney that needs no introduction are returning to do what they do best for one last time – play live. Locally they’ll perform at the Northcote Theatre in Melbourne on January 28 2023.
Sunnyboys 2023 Tour Dates
- January 13 – Twin Towns, Gold Coast
- January 14 – Twin Towns, Gold Coast
- January 20 – Dee Why RSL, Sydney
- January 21 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
- January 25 – The Gov, Adelaide
- January 28 – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
- February 10 – NightQuarter, Sunshine Coast
- February 11 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
- February 18 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
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“Of the hundreds of bands, and thousand of people that we knew at the time, we’re one of the few that can stand up and say “We were really good at what we did, and we’re really proud of what we did” and we’re lucky enough to still be able to get up and say to people ‘We’re really proud to be able to present this to you now,” says Richard Burgman / Sunnyboys guitarist.
Formed by Bil Bilson, Richard Burgman and brothers Jeremy and Peter Oxley and named after the triangular shaped icy pole, The Sunnyboys exploded onto the scene in 1980 with tremendous popularity. Playing five nights a week just two months after their formation, the band’s high energy and lyrics full of youthful relatability resonated with audiences across the country. Hits such as “Love to Rule”, “The Seeker”, “What You Need” and “Alone With You” all appeared on the band’s self-titled EP – an album that has been certified Platinum.
In the ten-year period since their return Sunnyboys arguably achieved as much if not more as their original life-span.
They co-headlined a sold-out A Day On The Green (with Hoodoo Gurus and Violent Femmes), set a venue record at Coolangatta Hotel (previously held by Noiseworks) sold-out multiple nights across Sydney’s Enmore and Factory Theatres, Brisbane’s The Tivoli, Melbourne’s Corner Hotel, with further sold-out further shows at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Melbourne’s The Forum and Croxton Hotel, Perth Festival, Cairns, Thirroul, Torquay, Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Dee Why; re-released all three studio albums, released a live DVD and a live album, recorded and released four new tracks, sold countless t-shirts, beanies, caps, hoodies and badges and watched their eponymous debut reach double platinum sales. A remarkable achievement for a band still largely ignored by the mainstream.
The tour will run in conjunction with the release of Sunnyboys ’81-’84 a double vinyl band curated best-of featuring all the hits, the equally-as-good b-sides, fan faves, rarities and live material – many appearing on vinyl for the first time – and all drawn from their years as Mushroom Records recording artists. Sunnyboys ’81-’84 will be released in a limited edition of blue vinyl and is released on Nov 11th.
Catch Sunnyboys for their final time when they come to Northcote Theatre on January 28. Tickets go on sale on September 29, grab them by heading here.
