Happiness means different things to different people – delight, good cheer, glee. All the feelings at Forte when we heard Taking Back Sunday and The Used would be back in Australia co-headlining five highly-anticipated shows this August. And to make the news even sweeter, Taking Back Sunday’s guitarist John Nolan called in for a chat.
“We’re really excited to be bringing this tour to Australia – it’s been great in the States and I think it’s going to be great there, too.” John’s use of the word “great” may be a slight understatement – from New York to L.A. critics and fans alike have raved about the interest and intensity these shows created.
“We’ll both play headline sets; we wanted these shows to be a big thank you to everyone that has stuck with us through the years, so we plan to play songs from every album and really mix it up so every night is different.”
Taking Back Sunday has a solid repertoire to choose from. Since forming fifteen years ago as a “scrappy punk act” they’ve been a constant on the international hardcore-punk scene despite line-up changes, in-fighting and record label disputes. “Every band has their up and downs,” John concedes, before admitting 2014’s Happiness Is was an exercise in freedom.
“Happiness Is is our sixth studio album, and finally we felt comfortable, relaxed and confident about what we were doing. During the recording we learnt to let go, we let go of the idea that Taking Back Sunday has to sound a certain way. That felt really liberating!
“I am so proud of this record it’s hard to pick a favourite, but one of them is ‘It Takes More’. At the end the song takes an interesting twist and that’s thanks to our (longtime collaborator/friend) producer Mike Sapone. He was integral in the making of the album and we always have fun.
“We’re in a really good place as a band and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate that and the new record than going out on tour with our buddies The Used. We’re doing a bunch of festivals together this summer but we’ll also have some downtime, so we’ll be refreshed and ready to go come August!”
John says he’s looking forward to being shown around by a local – new Australian resident, The Used’s frontman and pal Bert McCracken. “I hope we get at least a little time off, though I did notice that we just kind of go back to back with every show. It’s going to be very intense. But I love Australia. In the past I’ve even taken trips at the end of the tour cycle, so I’ll definitely try to work something out so we can all have a day off.”
It’s clear Taking Back Sunday loves Australia, and it seems the feeling’s mutual. The Melbourne show sold-out completely, leaving promoters no choice but to add another. “Thank you so much Victoria, I can’t wait. See you at the show!”
When&Where: 170 Russell – August 25 & 26
Written by Natalie Rogers