Archived News 2006


SEPTEMBER, 2006

Swanee performing at Countdown Spectacular Acer Arena

I've just finished the Countdown Spectacular Tour and thought I'd give you a personal review.

This was truly a F U N and memorable event, and I was glad to be a part of it. I got to catch up with my old pals from 20 odd years ago. Nothing has changed and only the hair has been dyed to protect the innocent (theirs not mine).

But seriously, if you missed this show then you missed a really special night, so much talent. Great people, wonderful staging and effects, gorgeous dancers, the house band from hell, what can I say.

John Paul Young opened the show followed by yours truly. You can see a full set list at the end of this article. Scott Carne, The Models of course Molly was up to his neck in it, such a great story teller. Grace Knight and Bernie from the Eurogliders, Brian Canhan, my mate Alex Smith, Billy Miller (what a guy), Steve Cummings, Jon English, The Choirboys, Cheetah, Dave Sterry (looking great and sounding amazing).

I could go on all night about this. Renee just blew them away; Leo Sayer charmed and sang his way into everyone's heart. Mondo Rock kicked serious ass, James Reyne (fantastic), Paul Norton and Wendy Stapelton just the best, Sherbet. The surprise was Hush, they fully nailed it with good honest entertaining rock just like it should be. This is unfair as I'm going to leave someone out I know.

It was a fantastic show each night, both to be in and to watch. It showed why they made it a one off TV kind of show. It should be redone by the ABC bands, that got to play and perform every week, no bad ass Americans (well very very few), just Aussies playing to Aussie kids.

I am so honoured to have worked with these wonderful musicians and singers, words just pale to insignificant meanderings, so please forgive me, I'm a bit stuck for words. I had a ball, and if you missed it what can I say. Cheers to everyone, I'll come back to this and do another write up when I can fathom the depth of talent that I got on planes and busses with. The crew:- P.A. Techs, Management, and Venues were the best I've ever come across.

The stories and lies told on our journey around this huge wide land of ours cannot be repeated in public � that was just the girls, but you know that old saying "what happens on tour stays on tour". The girls gave us heaps and we loved it. The Chantoozies should do a film and Joe Dolcie and Brian Mannix script write and direct it.

Shane Howard could write with the wonderful Jo Camelleri, Wilbur and Frankie J Holden take the piss out of everything that is underway. So many characters all performing at one (this is on the plane or bus) and on stage even better but not as raunchy. I've never laughed as much it was like a friggin' movie when all the hams and comic geniuses come out to play.

Thanks to Michael Gudinksi and all at Frontier Touring, Eric McCusker you are the "M A N".

Countdown Spectacular Set List

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Finale:

JULY, 2006

DEEP PURPLE DOUBLE TROUBLE TOUR

Well first off....Deep Purple. Great! Great! Great! We were treated like kings by the promoters and the crew, Howard Freeman Tour Manager, Colin Skulls Production Manager. All the lads were just terrific. The biggest shock was meeting Deep Purple they were the most down to earth bunch of guys. They came to our sound checks and just chilled with us like we were old pals. I remember sitting in the coffee lounge in Elizabeth listening to "Demons Eye" and "Speed King", never at that stage did I even dream I would be eating and touring with these men.

Steve Morse was just a mother fucker he was an inspiration in all areas. We had a ball. It's hard to let you guys know what it was like without sounding like a conceited bastard, let's just say it was a magic experience and the reason these guys are still great is, that they are so humble yet really learned their chops on the road over 30 years.

Me with Deep Purple Double Trouble Tour 2006

Me with Deep Purple July 2006

I think that goes with my argument you may have heard, about still being hungry for knowledge after all these years. I came off that tour inspired and began practicing with a different kind of passion. It is one that goes into the joy of being experienced, yet still very much a "student" of rock and roll, no music in general. The men in Purple taught me where I come from, getting on the road and playing every night is where we get the opportunity to show our passion for a love that never asks anything of us except that we continue to learn and pass on the knowledge we acquire. God I could go on for ever with little anecdotes and tales of joy and a freedom that comes from playing with the best but I think you who are reading this may just know the feeling.

Ian Gillan was just the perfect gentleman and showed great respect and love. He, they even respected the fact I previously had problems with the drink and substances and I didn't see one of them with a glass in their hands. They went into the dressing room then came back out to join us in the catering area at all times. The food was superb, just to rub it in :) Everything they had we had! Just like AC/DC they believe the support band deserves the best. Just one more testament to the type of people they were, and f....k could they play.

THE GOV - ADELAIDE

Now Adelaide last week, fantastic again, I love going back. I played the Gov Hindmarsh on Friday 9th June, with a great Adelaide band "Cosmic Storm", followed by "BB Steele" very hot. They have a new album out now called "Resurrection", make sure you get it and listen to a very good Aussie band! I was a bit nervous as the bands before were really good but we managed to kick arse and the crowd was super.

The next night Saturday 10th June, I played at The Last Stand Reunion in Elizabeth, Adelaide, South Australia where I grew up.

The support was Hard Time Killing Floor BEST blues band!! (I used to play drums with them) my mate Ronnie Peers and Dennis Palmer blew me away. Dennis the drummer was singing up a storm. Did lots of the old blues standards and a few obscure songs for the die hard blues fans.

Ronnie has to be one of the most underestimated guitar players in Australia. No kidding he's just a blast and still the same genuine sweet guy he always was. Just about everyone I knew from the old days was there. I could have spent all night just sitting down at a huge table and listening to the stories of some of the stuff we used to get up to.

To all my friends thank you for a memorable night. I even got up and did a song with the band that finished off the night "Let It Be" - The Beatles show (really good) I sang "You Can't Do That" for "Jinxy" but alas he was AWOL, ah well never mind:) Next time I'll spend the night there and maybe a BBQ the next day. Thanks again to Brian Pickering and the team.

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with the web site Sue will kick my arse!!! I've been working hard on the new album and we are nearly ready to mix. Soon you'll be able to get your pre-orders in at Liberation Blue.

Lastly, I just got a really nice Roland RD-300sx Piano and I can't leave it alone. It's like being a kid again, except this time I'm enjoying the music more and practicing really hard for a change.

It's been a while since my last update. I've had my hands full with selling my house on beautiful Mt Tamborine, My father being sick, and moving to Melbourne.

I got here last week, and unfortunately dad passed away the day I got here. I was on my way to the hospital full of anxiety and really scared. As I was going over the Westgate Bridge I felt it all dissipate. I had this weird feeling of calm come over me (he was gone)! God bless him I miss him terribly. But I am so glad he was my dad my mentor, my friend, and my hero.

On a brighter note I have been working already.Putting together a new band in Melbourne. I found some superb players ...Steve Romic on Dobro and Guitar. Ronnie Peers (who I played with when I was a kid) A Great blues guitar player, back then even Better now. We start rehearsals tomorrow.

My new album will be released on 14 April 2007 It's been such a long time I forgot all the feelings and nerves that come from having new product. Its very exciting. If you wish to pre order, go to the Liberation Music Online store, or you can get it now at JB HiFi Online - Go On!!

I will be touring with the new band and possibly some other acts who have just been released through the wonderful Liberation Record company (getting behind Australian product) I love it.

I'll keep this short as there is lots to do and talking is easy but playing for you guys is what I love best.

Go get the album "Have A Little Faith" and I'll see you at a local gig soon. We want to tour everywhere like in the old days.We used to go to every town, every radio station. I believe that's the way to get product to people and it makes me happiest!

I'd like to dedicate this album to my father Jim.He's been to more rock and roll gigs than most bands have these days. He supported Jimmy and I to the max!! Sadly missed but always in our hearts

MAY, 2006

CLIPSAL 500, NEW ALBUM & DOUBLE TROUBLE TOUR!

There's a great review of the Clipsal 500 written by Anita. Just expand the box below by clicking on the + sign to read it

Clipsal 500

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CLIPSAL 500 - ADELAIDE

Pure adrenaline engulfed the Adelaide circuit on race day. The roar of V8 engines revved up the massive record breaking crowd as Ford powered to victory. But the excitement didn't end there

A taste of what was to come in the after-race concert was previewed seconds before the battle of the beasts began when legendary Aussie rocker Swanee ascended the podium to sing the Australian National Anthem. His impeccable rendition was unaccompanied and timed to perfection. The climactic high-octane note was harmonized by a screaming jet that thundered overhead to mark the start of the race.

The supreme after-race concert packed a punch! It was a sensational blend of songs that spanned approximately three decades of iconic Australian rock. The show kicked off with Adelaide cover band The Lunchcutters followed by a set by popular Melbourne outfit Taxiride. During this time, the backstage area was teeming with fans and members of the media who were eager to catch a glimpse, photo and autograph of the headline acts.

After a brief vocal warm-up, James Reyne took to the stage, followed by Mark Seymour, both of whom performed crowd pleasing hits such as Reckless, Holy Grail, Throw Your Arms Around Me (a personal favourite) and April Sun in Cuba. Both of the singers were in excellent voice and in total command of the stage, which energized the thousands of excited fans who had packed the Adelaide park lands.

A two hour extravaganza ensued, featuring Jimmy Barnes, Swanee, Diesel, David Campbell and the Barnes Family; comprising of Barnes' daughters Mahalia, EJ and Elly May, who are all incredibly gifted songwriters and vocalists in their own right. Mention must also be made of the musicians who are consistently a class act Bassist Dario, Guitarists Davey and Danny, Drummer Warren and keyboardist Clayton. It's always inspirational to witness musicians who are passionate about their art and obviously love what they do.

Jimmy Barnes' set was a seamless mix of old and new, with the new material holding its own against the classics. The very catchy Sit On My Knee, for example, earned a spot early in the set amongst timeless pieces like Die To Be With You Tonight. Barnes' powerhouse performance lived up to the legendary status that his successful albums have earned him both from the Cold Chisel days and his solo career.

Highlights of the night included numbers performed by special guests. David Campbell's emotive tone, tremendous vocal control and strong stage presence were, in a word, mesmerising. His talent allows him to effortlessly and successfully change genres such as "Shou to Out Of Time, which he performed with Barnes. His energy rivalled that of the V8's!

Swanee's Hold Your Head Up, the beautiful Lady What's Your Name and his enduring hit If I Were A Carpenter, left fans wanting more and, no doubt, eagerly awaiting the release of his comeback album and tour. Swanee uses raw emotion and the power of soul to appeal to his audiences. This showcase certainly didn't disappoint.

Diesel lived up to his reputation of being a consummate musician as he joined Barnes in a couple of duets. His electric performance generated an appropriately enthusiastic response from the appreciative crowd.

Mahalia is truly a soul diva whose dynamic vocals shone during Gonna Take Some Time that she sang with Jimmy Barnes and is testament to her outstanding song writing ability. Her siblings EJ and Elly May also came into their own during their duets with Barnes as well as providing tight backing vocals throughout the evening.

The concert ended with the Aussie anthems Khe Sahn and Working Class Man. Concert goers were left smiling, riding high on the adrenaline from the day.

Review by =Anita=

Mark Seymour, Anita, John Swan, James Reyne Clipsal 500.

Mark Seymour, Anita, John Swan backstage at Clipsal 500

I have nearly finished my new album. It's being recorded in Nashville with Mark Moffatt at the helm. Mark Moffatt is one of the most experienced and successful producers ever to emerge from Australia. He's an accomplished musician (guitar, pedal, steel) engineer and writer. He produced one of my first albums "Into the Night" in the 70's. A fantastic guy and really gets down to it

I've got all sorts of musicians playing on the album from Crosby Stills and Nash to Dolly Parton's band members, some of the best musicians in their field. One guy who has blown me away is a Dobro player by the name of Randy Kohrs. He's a young guy based in Nashville who is one of the hottest players over there which suits me down to the ground. These musicians play with all the big guns over there and they have graciously played on my new album. The female vocalist used on this album is just unbelievable. In fact the track "Faith" is about believing so it sort of fits.

I've done a few of the older songs on the album as it's a Liberation Blue Album and that's the format. All the guys and gals are doing it Mossy, Jon Stevens, James Reyne, Mark Seymour, Jenny Morris, Dragon, Mentals just to name a few. I am truly grateful to get the opportunity to do this. Thank you to all at Liberation Records. We are working a release date as we speak.

I'm just about to start the "Double Trouble" tour with Status Quo and Deep Purple. I LOVE Purple. Jim and I sort of cut our teeth on it. I can't wait to meet Steve Morse he's a mother of guitarist. Jim tells me he's a great guy. I've met the others. Ian Gillan is a really together man. I expected this outrageous rock and roll moster but he was a real gentleman a very articulate chap.

I'm using my Queensland band for Sunday night's show on 7 May, at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. It should be really interesting as we've had only one rehearsal, well they had one rehearsal as I've been busy in the studio on beautiful Mt Tambornie recording my vocals for the album. My Sydney band will be with me for the Sydney, Newcastle & Wollongong shows. So come along and enjoy the shows, details of all the shows can be found on the tours page. They are fantastic guys and great musicians.

Wish me luck as we go. I'm off to kick arse!! Can't wait to see Mr Feeman and Scullsey again. We may have a few guests on the way round. I love Australian audiences it will be so cool! You just have to love what you do.



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