We’ve had a hectic time this last 12 months. We’ve released our third album, done loads of gigs, travelled to Canberra, South Australia, Tasmania and all over Victoria, and made lots of new friends along the way. We’ve been stuck in floods, driven through fields, been very drunk, played to crowds of 10 and crowds of 1000, smoked too much, had tents flooded out, had banjo players marooned in Tasmania for weeks on end, and eaten far too much crap food. And it’s pretty much all been fantastic fun. And now it’s over. Sob.
Our show on the 28th May in Gunbower (Vic) was the last full band show for a while. We’ll be taking a well-earned break to (hopefully…) record another album, much of which is already written. CC Thornley will be off to the USA for a few months, but if all goes to plan we’ll be back on the road playing some festivals in October/November time. We’re also looking at the exciting possibility of recording a live DVD before the year is out. There will probably be a few little acoustic shows in the meantime, so keep your eye on the gig guide. We’ve also got a MASSIVE backlog of photos and video footage to work through, so we should now have time to actually start editing and posting some stuff.
But back to Gunbower. What a night! Something brilliant about playing shows to folk out in the country. You’re always treated wonderfully – free food, free beer, often free accommodation too, as was the case this weekend. Plus decent fees for your performances. We certainly earned our money this time – playing a one hour acoustic set, followed by two 75 minute full band sets! But the best thing about these shows is the audiences. They ALWAYS go crazy, always dance until they drop, and are so appreciative of the fact that you’ve bothered to drive so far to play a gig for them. It’s just so rewarding to play for these people. Long may it continue. Over the next year we’ll be doing our best to get out and play as many rural Victorian shows as we possibly can. And a special thanks to the lovely Krys and Kim from Cat in the Hat Management for making the night possible, and proving that – unbelievably – booking agents can be professional, generous and decent people.
A final word – CC, Hayley and I played an acoustic show at the Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville on the way back from Gunbower. Owner Ken is a fantastic bloke, he’s had us play there plenty of times this year already and it’s always an absolute pleasure. It’s hard work – we play for four hours a time – but there is no nicer location to do this. If you want a great meal in a pub overflowing with character and friendliness, you owe it to yourself to get out to Radio Springs.
Phil x
Radio Springs Hotel:
