This Week In Australian Music
Image: James Demetrie
There has been plenty to talk about in Australian music news this week, from counting down our top 100 classic songs to celebrating a milestone for a national icon and even more big-name tour announcements. Let’s get into it.
Perennial youth broadcaster triple j unveiled its highly contentious Hottest 100 of Australian Songs as voted by listeners. ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ by INXS topped the list followed by hip hop hymn ‘Nosebleed Section’ by Hilltop Hoods. Twin sister duo The Veronicas caused an upset among older voters with their 2007 pop hit ‘Untouched’ coming in at number three. It’s hardly an unsurprising outcome, considering the biggest voting demographic in the countdown were aged 18-29, reflecting the intergenerational shift in musical tastes.
More than 2.65 million votes were submitted, creating a countdown spanning various eras and genres. The final top 20 included ‘Scar’ by Missy Higgins, ‘Khe Sanh’ and ‘Flame Trees’ by Cold Chisel, ‘Thunderstruck’ by AC/DC, ‘These Days’ by Powderfinger, ‘Sweet Disposition’ by The Temper Trap and ‘You’re The Voice’ by John Farnham. As well as fun deep dive into Australian music history, it also proves the enduring longevity of the music our artists continue to produce.
As Aussie rock legends go, they don’t get much more iconic than Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes, who is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his debut solo album ‘Working Class Man’. Barnesy heads out on a mostly regional tour starting in November, playing the album from start to finish.
“I’m so excited to be celebrating ‘For The Working Class Man’ with some of my dearest friends and favourite artists,” Jimmy Barnes says.
“And I can think of no better way to mark this milestone than by performing these songs in some of the most beautiful and iconic outdoor venues across Australia.”
In other tour news, Welsh metal mainstays Bullet For My Valentine have announced their return to our shores, playing their biggest ever Australian tour in October. The tour celebrates the 20th anniversary of their debut album ‘The Posion’ and will also feature a horde of fan-favourites, joined by special guests While She Sleeps (UK) and The Devil Wears Prada (USA).
Crowded House have added a seven-date east-coast run this October-November in addition to their Red Hot Summer shows. The ARIA Hall of Fame legends responsible for hits like ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ and ‘Weather With You’ have swapped arenas for smaller, more atmospheric venues in what is promised to be some truly rare and intimate shows. The current line-up features Neil Finn, his two sons, Liam and Elroy, founding member Nock Seymour and Mitchell Froom.
Looking to next year, mark your calendars for the return of global superstar Ed Sheeran in February and March for some huge stadium shows. The Loop Tour sees the beloved singer returning to our shores with a brand-new live show following the release of his new album, ‘Play’ due out Friday 12 September.
Finally, family, bandmates, friends and fans gathered to pay their respects to heavy metal madman Ozzy Osbourne in a moving funeral procession and memorial in his hometown of Birmingham.
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