Summer 2018/19 into Autumn 2019 gives up a stronger than usual array of rock shows for ILYOS readers. Check out some of our recommendations...
A Day On The Green - November 24-March 27.
Separate events with headliners John Farnham, Florence + The Machine, Nelly, John Butler Trio, Rodriguez, Bryan Ferry, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kylie Minogue and Bryan Adams. Already underway – they kicked off late November, A Day On The Green continues to roll right around the country until end of March. Get tickets.
Red Hot Summer – Jan 12-Feb 9
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jimmy Barnes, The Living End, Diesel, Richard Clapton, Chocolate Starfish. Selling like hotcakes, the time seems right now for Joan to confirm her place as rock’s reigning queen. Barnsey will no doubt enjoy the ride! Joan is also doing her own metro headliner – see below. Get tickets.
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - January 12-February 10
Her show at the Corner is maybe the hottest ticket in Melbourne this summer. Info here.
Red Hot Summer Series Two – Feb 16-March 16
Suzi Quatro, The Angels, Baby Animals, The Screaming Jets, Jon Stevens, Moving Pictures, Chocolate Starfish. More regional action, taking in SA, Victoria, ACT, NSW & QLD. A virtual repeat of RHS’s super successful 2018 line-up; our only regret is they don’t Suzi and her #1 disciple Joan Jett on the same bill for a summit meeting! Get tickets.
By The C – January 19-Feb 10
Icehouse, Sunnyboys, The Church, Do Re Mi, Mental As Anything - A GREAT time to be had for lovers of early 80s Aussie music in an around Newcastle, Wollongong, Coolangatta, Geelong and Adelaide. By The C is a new outdoor concert series looking to muscle in on A Day on the Green’s territory, and it looks like they’re off to a good start. Get tickets.
By The C – March 16-April 14
John Farnham edition! After a month’s breather, By The C picks up again with Farnsy and guests Ross Wilson, The Black Sorrows (all shows except Coolangatta), Daryl Braithwaite (Coolangatta only), Jon Stevens and Vanessa Amorossi. Coolangatta, Geelong, Perth and Wollongong get ready. Get tickets.
Sunnyboys – January 19-February 10
A hugely popular live draw since they reappeared in 2012, the Sunny's sound as they fresh as they did back in the early 80s, and are playing a couple of club shows in Sydney for those who don’t want to venture out by the sea. Get tickets.
Do Re Mi – January 19-March 1
Likewise, Do Re Mi are doing some sideshows around their By The C appearances. The band that gave us Deborah Conway and “Man Overboard” are playing their first shows since 1988. Get tickets.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – February 17-March 5
Set for their first headline Australian tour in twelve years, the Chili Peppers play arenas, stadiums and wineries from Hobart to Perth, through the second half of Feb and early March. Get tickets.
Toto – December 31-January 4
With “Africa” now an arch fave of too-cool for school indie kids, Toto’s first Australia tour in a while is centred around a headline appearance at Victoria & Tasmania’s hip Falls Festival over the new year, with sideshows in Melbourne and Sydney. Get tickets.
Rodriguez – February 2-March 1
As the poster says, Sugar Man is back, and he’s here for a while for A Day On The Green and Sideshows, and covering most of the country, including Darwin. Get tickets.
Bryan Ferry – February 21-March 3
With Roxy Music just announced as one of next year’s Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame inductees, there’s no better time to catch one of the most influential and enduring artists of the 70s. Indoor shows in Melbourne and Sydney, and A Day On The Green shows, with great openers I’m Talking, Died Pretty and The Models! Get tickets.
Eagles - February 26-March 14
Bringing their renowned Eagles World Tour to NZ and Oz arenas in Feb and March, playing all the hits we know and love. Get tickets.
Air Supply – April 23-30
Australia’s softest rock duo return with their top-notch band and a twenty-piece orchestra. Get tickets.
They Might Be Giants – February 21-March 3
The American alternative faves have always found a loving audience in Australia, and they return with a big show featuring two sets of hits and rarities. Melbourne and Sydney both get two shows - two totally different shows, showcasing material from different eras of the band's storied career. Get tickets.
Divinyls February 27-March 25
Already causing controversy, Divinyls co-founder Mark McEntree has put together a new line-up for a tour to celebrate the legacy that he and Chrissie created. Get tickets.
GANGgajang Suring Around The World - January 10-January 27
Their “Sounds of Then (This Is Australia)” gave us a nostalgic look at the Australian summer of our childhood back in ’85; now they’re back to give us a nostalgic at the 80s. Although they have recently released new music, so they won’t be resting on their laurels just yet! Get tickets.
Leo Sayer – Just A Boy at 70 – February 15-April 14
He now calls Australia home so maybe we take him for granted a tad, but this is big news and promises to be a significant event for one of the most enduring stars of the 70s. Get tickets.
J Mascis – March 1-16
The indie rock guitar God from Dinosaur Jr returns for club, pub and festival shows around the country with supports including Blackie from the Hard-ons and Mick Turner from the Dirty 3. Get tickets.
Happy Mondays - March 2-March 10
Manchester’s 24-Hour Party People – one of the most influential British bands of the last 30 years – return to play their classic 1990 album Pills’n’Thrills And Bellyaches in full, including a performance at Victoria’s Golden Plains Festival! Get tickets.
James Reyne’s Endless Summer – Jan 5-?
That Son of a Beach Reyne is set to enter his self-proclaimed “Vegas Years” with a yearlong run at Melbourne’s Crown Casino. He plays the first Saturday night of every month, starting on January 5. Get tickets.
