As well as Dave, the band will be Tony Durant, Howie Johnstone, Phil Bailey and Martin Cilia.
Also available will be three new DVDs: Live at the Raffles 86, Live at the Raffles 89, and Warner in the Wild.
CARNIVAL OF SUBURBIA
The ultimate celebration of suburban culture, creativity and passion...
Staged in 2 Venues over 10 Days
8th - 18th March 2012
The second annual installment of the Carnival of Suburbia runs across the whole ten days of the 2012 Oakleigh Music Festival.
Emerging out of the so-called cultural "wastelands" of Melbourne’s southern suburbs back in March 2011, Carnival of Suburbia rose like a flower in the desert to firmly establish itself as an iconic ten day annual event celebrating Melbourne’s suburban soul and culture. In a jam packed festival landscape Carnival of Suburbia was seen to be offering something different and suburbanites and citysiders alike flocked for tickets.
The festival has built on the phenomenal success of Oakleigh’s Caravan Music Club which has gone from strength to strength by showcasing quality national and international talent to music-starved local audiences. The greatly expanded festival program this year has resulted in a second venue being added, the Oakleigh Bowling Club, a short stroll down from the Caravan Club.
The opening event this year will be another installment of the smash hit from last year’s program, "JVG’s Stopping All Stations Except East Richmond". An ensemble show with RRR’s Jon von Goes, a posse of Melbourne romantics including David Bridie and Henry Wagons will be lead on a sentimental journey through the "burbs". The suburban content has been cranked up a notch this year with new shows featuring Dave Warner ("I’m Just A Suburban Boy"), Jane Clifton ("Everywhere I Hang My Hat Is Home") and Mic Conway & Robbie Long launching their new album "Street Of Dreams". Another festival highlight will be "Under Suburban Skies" featuring the music, poetry and meanderings of Dog Trumpet (Reg Mombassa & Peter O’Doherty), Dave Graney, Lisa Miller & Brian Nankervis.
Shows by celebrated local favourites Wagons , The Audreys and The Celibate Rifles will be complimented by the Melbourne premiere of "A Night At The Crossroads" - a fervent tribute to Mississippi Blues Legend Robert Johnson which features some of Sydney’s and Melbourne’s finest Blues musicians. The hugely successful Big Gospel Breakfast will also be back again this year featuring the South Of The River Gospel Choir and Bob Sedergreen.
Carnival Of Suburbia also features a contingent of extraordinary international talent including New York folk scene hero Judy Collins and founding member of both The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers , Chris Hillman, performing alongside renowned Californian banjo player/ guitarist Herb Pedersen. Also appearing is acclaimed US folk-poet songwriter Pieta Brown accompanied by The Sawdust Boys with very special guest Lucie Thorne.
This second annual Carnival of Suburbia emphatically cements Oakleigh’s place as a hub of live music performance south of the Yarra River. ..And we may still have a few tricks up our sleeve so stay tuned for further announcements!
"The suburbs are considered by many to be a barren wasteland devoid of culture, but in reality so much of the art hanging in trendy galleries and the music being played in hip inner urban venues is created in the garages and lounge rooms of suburbia so why not celebrate it in its place of origin. Carnival of Suburbia is about celebrating Melbourne suburban culture!" - Caravan Music Club Founder Peter Foley.
Caravan Music Club @ Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL
» 95-97 Drummond Street, Oakleigh
Thu 8th: JVG’s "Stopping All Stations Except East Richmond" featuring JVG Guitar Method, David Bridie, Henry Wagons, The Orbweavers, Ian Bland, Mic Conway, Ben Birchall, Jane Clifton, Gary Adams and many more
The hit of last year’s festival returns to open this year’s Carnival Of Suburbia program. Join 3RRR legend Jon von Goes and his ensemble of Melbourne romantics on a sentimental red rattler journey through the suburban heartland as he presents Stopping All Stations (except East Richmond). Special guests include David Bridie, Henry Wagons, Ian Bland, The Orbweavers and many more TBC.
Fri 9th: Wagons + The Nymphs + Dan Waters
Wagons are unanimously lauded as one of Australia’s great acts. Led by the rare charisma of frontman Henry Wagons they offer heavy doses of stomping outlaw country, irresistible crooning and classic pop. In both the live forum and on record, the band draw upon an uncommon range of influences given the current musical climate, including jump suit era Elvis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, the grit between the floorboards at the Ol’ Opry, the spit in 70’s trumpet sections and Cormac MacCarthy’s psychedelic Westerns. Their live show is a performance like no other, treading a line between a Vegas 70s showroom extravaganza and a bunch of fresh faced undertakers letting loose at a rained sodden rock festival.
Sat 10th: The Celibate Rifles + Spencer P. Jones & The Escape Committee
Playing stripped-down, loud, and fast Ramones-inspired guitar rock, the Celibate Rifles were one of the earliest Australian punk bands to emerge during the post-Radio Birdman/Saints era. Taking their cues from these Aussie bands, along with the American hard rock of the Stooges, MC5, and Blue Oyster Cult, the Rifles were led by the twin-guitar attack of Kent Steedman and Dave Morris and the deadpan baritone of vocalist Damien Lovelock. They exploded out of the gates in 1982 with a series of records (released in Australia only) fueled by high-speed guitars, wah-wah-strangulated solos, and cartoonish, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Playing initially for crowds of hard rock-loving surfers, it didn't take long for the Rifles to develop a following.
Sun 11th: (Morning) Big Gospel Breakfast featuring South Of The River Choir w/ Bob Sedergreen
South of the River is a Melbourne based community choir celebrating diversity and harmony through a shared passion for singing. Under the direction of Annemarie Sharry for 10 years, the choir explores the music and rhythms of Africa, traditional African American gospel and original Australian compositions. At this year’s BIG GOSPEL BREAKFAST, South of The River Choir will feature it’s homegrown soloists, percussionists and instrumentalists as well as the extraordinary talent of special guest, pianist Bob Sedergreen!
Sun 11th: (Evening) The Audreys + special guests
The Audreys are one of Australia's highest profile alt country/roots band, with a trifecta of ARIA wins for all three of their albums. "Sometimes The Stars", "When the Flood Comes" and "Between Last Night and Us" won the ARIA for The Best Blues & Roots album in 2011, 2008 and 2006 respectively. "Between Last Night and Us" is also a Gold certified album. They are a critics favorite in Australia, with both albums appearing in the best album polls of those years, including "When The Flood Comes" making Rolling Stone's Top 50 albums of 2008 (#39).
Tue 13th: Jane Clifton presents "Anywhere I Hang My Hat Is Home"
Imagine you returned to every home you had lived in. What memories would they stir? What stories would they tell? And if you are Jane Clifton, what songs would they replay? In 2008 well-known Melbourne entertainer, writer and one-time soap star, Jane Clifton, went back to visit every house she ever lived in - all 32 of them - and wrote a book about the experience, published by Penguin on May 30th 2011. Each house held particular musical memories that have helped shape Jane into the performer she has become. Ella, Frankie, the MGM musicals, Cliff Richard and the Shadows, Streisand, the Doors, Beatles and Rolling Stones, Janis, Aretha and Grace Slick. Join Jane and her hot combo, MD on piano John McAll, Phillip Rex double bass and Sam Lemann guitar, on a musical and literary journey from the Rock of Gibraltar to the flood plain of the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne's west.
Wed 14th: Pieta Brown & The Sawdust Boys (USA) + Lucie Thorne
To celebrate the Australian release of her stunning new album Mercury, US folk poet-songwriter Pieta Brown is returning for an Australian tour in March with her trio and special guest and friend Lucie Thorne. Pieta Brown (US) and Lucie Thorne (AUS) are possibly two of the most intriguing, talented and quietly enduring songwriters of their generation and respective homelands - this will be one tour to remember!
Thu 15th: Judy Collins (USA) + Daniel Champagne
Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. Her impressive career has spanned more than 50 years and now 71, is still writing, performing, and nurturing fresh talent. She plays 80 to100 dates a year around the country. Judy Collins, a relentlessly creative spirit, is a modern day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.
Fri 16th: "A Night At The Crossroads" - A Tribute To Robert Johnson featuring Dom Turner, Jeff Lang, Ian Collard, Suzannah Espie, Johnny Cass, Jeremy Edwards and more.
An assembly of some of the finest blues musicians from Sydney and Melbourne pay homage to legendary Mississippi Delta bluesman Robert Johnson. Like it or not Robert Johnson's contribution to modern music is undeniably large. He has influenced almost every musician in modern music directly and indirectly. The myth that Robert made a deal at the crossroads was never denied or admitted but his mysterious death at the age of 27 was the start of club that took some of the biggest names in music. Robert Johnson lived fast and died young leaving a musical legacy that shaped the face of modern music. Johnson's songs have been covered by Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Cream to name but a few.
Sat 17th: Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen (USA) + Brent Parlane
Two of the most revered figures in the fields of American music that have come to be known as Americana, covering country, rock, folk, blues, bluegrass and everything in between, are headed for three weeks in Australia in March. Chris Hillman (founding member of both The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers) and Herb Pedersen (The Dillards, Desert Rose Band, etc) met and first played together in their teens in southern California, and both were noted bluegrass players before they hit their twenties. From there they each went on to be key players in the emergence of Country Rock, but never left their bluegrass and acoustic roots behind.
Oakleigh Bowling Club » 87 - 93 Drummond Street, Oakleigh
Fri 9th: Mic Conway & Robbie Long - Album Launch
In a circus of comedy, music and magic, Mic Conway (Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band) has joined forces with flat-picking guitar champion Robbie Long to present an hilarious array of idiosyncratic songs that will make your jaw drop, toes tap and sides split. Launching their debut album "Street of Dreams" - it's surreal vaudeville for crooning and swooning.
Sat 10th: Dave Warner - "The Original Suburban Boy" + special guests
Dave Warner’s first band, Pus (72-74) may well have been Australia’s first punk band but with Warner based in Perth only a few locals and a handful of eastern-states explorers like Paul Madigan witnessed it. Songs like Suburban Boy, Hot Crotch, Campus Days and Throbbing Knob survived from Pus into Warner’s next era which he dubbed "suburban rock" and explored through his most well known band, Dave Warner’s From the Suburbs. At the pinnacle of Dave’s music career Bob Dylan described Dave as his favourite Australian song writer. Dave was the first inductee into the West Australian music industry’s Hall of Renown.
After releasing a number of albums including his most well known, the gold album, Mugs Game, Dave turned to his attention to other kinds of writing and performance.
Fri 16th: "Under Suburban Skies" featuring Dog Trumpet, Dave Graney, Lisa Miller, Mark Ferrie, Brian Nankervis
An affectionate, whimsical exploration of suburban life featuring the songs, poems and meanderings of Reg Mombassa & Peter O’Doherty from Dog Trumpet, Dave Graney, Lisa Miller, Mark Ferrie, Brian Nankervis and more.
Sat 17th: Emotionworks Cut Opera presents Bizet’s Carmen - "Carmen Descends into a Blues Nightmare"
Opera descends into a blues nightmare with blood, guts, sex, murder and intrigue - a night of opera, gospel, jazz and blues featuring the South of the River Gospel Choir and special guests.
Special Visual Art Event
The Caravan Dining Room
» 95-97 Drummond Street, Oakleigh
Wed 7th: Tony Sowersby - "The Art in Suburbia" (Runs until 18 Mar)
Carnival of Suburbia presents an exhibition of artworks by Tony Sowersby, opening on Wed 7th Mar at 6.30 pm. The Art in Suburbia features both old and new works by the visual artist Tony Sowersby. For decades, life in South-Eastern suburbs has been at the core of Sowersby’s work. These images are as nostalgic and ironic, historical and current, humorous and melancholy as any depictions of such a diverse community should be.
There is a
reading
of my screenplay Sister Sister – aka Dirty Girls/Brace –
at the Dungog
Film Festival this Sunday, 31 May, at 10.30 AM. The director
Andrew Lewis and myself will be there along with co-producer Philip
Bowman. Keep an eye on my blog for updates:
That's right,
Dave now has a Wordpress
blog, where he will be updating the world refularly with
his views on evrything from the lousy umpiring in the AFL to the
state of modern music. Spread the word,, and be sure to check
it out often.
A program
that recently aired on the ABC television network in Australia
has got Dave all riled up. And why? Because the documentary purporting
to be about the Perth original music scene in the 1970s and 80s
completely ignored Dave Warner's From The Suburbs ...
WARNER
AUCTIONS BOOK DEDICATION
FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY
Author Dave
Warner is auctioning the dedication to the third book in his popular
Charlotte and the Starlet series and donating the proceeds to
Bear Cottage, NSW's only children's hospice located in Sydney’s
Northern Beaches. The highest bidder will get the once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to dedicate this fun children’s book to someone special.
Dave says:
‘In my books, I try to transport kids to a fun and enjoyable place
for the duration of the book, but that is so little compared to
what is needed for these courageous kids in the real world. It
occurred to me that one thing I could do to make a real difference
for the kids and the amazing volunteers at Bear Cottage was to
raise some money for them. A book dedication does not break or
fade, it is there for all time. I thought maybe there is someone
out there who is so grateful for being able to share their life
with a person they love that they will buy this dedication and
at the same time help those at Bear Cottage. Even five hundred
dollars can help these kids. Perhaps there is a parent who will
gain some pleasure from knowing that even in fifty years’, time
their child can look back on this dedication and remember how
much their mum or dad loved them, and how that love made a better
world for those kids less fortunate.’
The auction
went live this morning and runs until 10am Monday 23 February
2009. The book will be in stores on 1 May 2009. The dedication
must be less than 25 words and must be suitable for inclusion
in a children’s book. The online auction has been fully endorsed
by Bear Cottage and the book publishers, Random House. Click this
link to go to the Ebay page
Dave would
love to raise the profile of this auction in order to raise more
money for Bear Cottage. To organise an interview please contact:
Yae Morton
Children’s Book Publicist
Random House Australia
Phone: 02 8923 9803
Email: ymorton@randomhouse.com.au
Mobile: 0409 888 866
About the
book
Charlotte and the Starlet is a hilarious series of books starring
a determined teenage girl from outback Australia and a Hollywood
diva who happens to be a talking horse. Perfect for girls 8 –
12 years old who love horses. When Thornton Downs academy is sued,
there is only one solution: Leila must return to her beloved Hollywood
and make a movie to save the academy. But Hollywood has its own
problems – snobby stars, rival film-makers, disgruntled employees,
and the lure of glamorous parties to tempt Leila. Who has kidnapped
Sarah-Jane, and why? Charlotte, Todd, Leila and Ms Strudworth
have to find out before the film is cancelled and the academy
is shut down.
ISBN: 9781741663075
Publisher: Random House Australia
RRP: $15.95
Publication Date: 1 May 2009
Find out more
about the Charlotte and the Starlet books at Random
House and charlotteandthestarlet.com
Find out more about Bear Cottage at bearcottage.chw.edu.au ___________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE:
OCTOBER 2008
Thank you
to the numerous fans who contacted me after hearing Suburban Boy
on Channel 7’s Packed To The Rafters. Some of you didn’t realise
that I also wrote that episode. In fact, I’ve been involved on
the show from a pretty early time, well before it commenced production.
The show was created by Bevan Lee, Anthony Ellis and Jo Porter
and I was fortunate to be invited to join them, to plan much of
the original series arc with the gorgeous and highly-talented
JJJ broadcaster and writer Marieke Hardy. We buttered up again
to help plan the second series, too. I’m now in the process of
writing my third episode for this show which so many Australians
identify with. Although I was pleased to see Suburban Boy get
an outing on the show, it wasn’t my suggestion. That came from
the producers who thought the song would be perfect for the very
suburban Dave Rafter. Anyway, thank you all again for contacting
me and I hope you keep watching.
As you know,
I re-released Mugs Game this year to mark its 30th anniversary
and many of you have bought a copy which features a whole lot
of original demos from the 1970s that show genesis of the concept
of “suburban rock”. I hope you are enjoying the time trip back
to days before the internet, mobile phones and even VCRs.
Book-wise,
I’ve been working on the 3rd of my children’s books in the Charlotte
and the Starlet series and I’ve also been busy with a number of
feature films which are at various stages of development. Unfortunately
it’s a tough world for feature film at the moment and I can only
keep my fingers crossed that they see the light of day. It’s very
frustrating when you see films you’ve been working on for maybe
10 years have their idea, or similar ideas, finally seized upon
by Hollywood and made into huge hits, but that’s the lot of Australian
writers.
Take care
you suburbanites and draw comfort that 30 years after Mugs Game
the world has caught on, and now from Howard Arkley to Dave Rafter
it’s very cool to be a child of laminex and lino.
DAVE WARNER
___________________________________________________________________________________
A
VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
New Year's
Eve has been and gone, and it was a very fine time for those who
attended the Mulberry on Swan gig. Following red-hot sets from
The Stems and the Hoodoo Gurus we took the stage and clubbed out
an hour's worth of classic Warner. My personal highlight was Mug's
Game, where Derek and Sandra found themselves at a Pakistan
political rally with free front-row tickets and complimentary
bulky ceremonial vests which begn ticking loudly as an unnamed
political leader approached ... what happened next? Well, you
should have paid your money and come along to Mulberry to find
out. And a very special hello to Kate and Brian Ingram,
two of my most loyal fans who were there on the night.
Speaking of
Mug's Game, the gig marked
the first sales of the special 30th anniversary edition of the
Mug's Game album, which has been reissued as a double CD with
14 new bonus tracks. Make sure you get your copy before they run
out.
On the film
front, Brace (formerly Dirty Girls) will begin shooting
in Perth in March. This has been a long labour of love but this
low-budget indy project about teenage twin girls and their dysfunctional
relationship promises to be my most satisfying foray into the
medium. NB: We are still looking for investors to boost our budget
and make the film as cinematic as possible. Email
me for details.
To television,
where I have been working on a second series for Canal Road
— yet to debut on Channel 9. I have no idea when we will
see it on our screens, but I think you will find it different
to the usual Australian TV drama. I have also written for Packed
to the Rafters (Channel 7), a terrific drama/comedy wth great
humanity and funny as well. Here's an exclusive tip: my episode
features Suburban Boy in the soundtrack. We will let you
know when both shows will be going to air.
Unfortunately
I haven't had the time to do my next adult novel, but I have been
working assiduously through one, mapping and plotting. Owing to
the runaway success of my first effort in children's literature,
Charlotte and the Starlet, I am currently finishing off
the second adventure of cute outback girl Charlotte and sassy
Hollywood horse Leila. Titled A Friend in Need, this adventure
sees the girls separated with Leila sold to a carnival and Charlotte
forced to endure the rigours of a deportment academy. They reunite
moments before Leila is about to cop the chainsaw from some ruthless
illegal loggers.
Well that's
me. As for you, I hope you all have a fabulous and enjoyable 2008.
DAVE WARNER
PS:
I will be speaking at the Elizabeth Jolley Forum at Perth's
Curtin University on February 8, starting at 6pm. I hope some
of you can make it along.
_________________________________________________________________________
MUG'S
GAME REISSUED AS A DOUBLE CD
Yes, finally
we can announce THE
NEW MUG'S GAME CD is here. The double CD includes
the original 1978 MUG'S GAME album plus a second bonus
CD of 14 early recordings by Dave Warner. Most of these are demos
which Dave recorded in London in 1976. Tony Durant, who came out
to join the Suburbs in Australia, plays on many of these tracks.
They also include the Bicton Records release of Summer 78/Australian
Heat which Dave recorded in Perth with the original Suburbs line-up
prior to Tony's arrival.
Tracks on
the bonus demo CD include Bicton Breezes, Divine Service, Ulysses
and These Parts which were all part of the early Suburbs repertoire
played at venues like Alberts Tavern and the Civic Hotel. At $29
the double CD is fabulous value. The
good news doesn't end there. To mark the release of Mug's Game,
the price on Free Kicks, This is Your Planet and Surplus & Dearth
has been reduced to a low $17 each including postage.
And as for
gigs, stand by Perth fans. Dave and the Suburbs will be playing
New Year's Eve at Mulberry
on Swan in support of Hoodoo Gurus.
Tickets from Mulberry
on Swan. More information is available at On
The Swan.
________________________________________________________________
GREAT
AUSSIE CRIME NOVELS FOR UNDER $10!!!
I would rather
my crime novels sat in your bookshelves than in a box in my cupboard
so I'm dropping the prices on 5 of my novels to single digit figures.
Big Bad Blood is a dark and
complex thriller in the syle of James Elloy, Exxxpresso
is a fast paced romp through the wild West Australian Goldifelds
a la Elmore Leonard and the Murder In
The... series introduces Lizard Zirk, a prematurely
retired rock musician who sleuths through Agatha Christie like
whodunnits.
Go on an Aussie Crime Spreeand order up big at my BOOKS
page.
DAVE WARNER
________________________________________________________________
THE
BON SCOTT CELEBRATION CONCERT
What a fantastic
celebration the Bon Scott
concert turned out to be. Around 12,000 people braved the
vicious Perth heat to come hear some sledgehammer rock from the
likes of Angry Anderson, The Angels, Alan Lancaster,
The Volcanics and of course myself, ably abetted by The
Suburbs: Tony Durant and Howie Johnstone
from the original recording band plus Martin Cilia, Howard
Shawcross and Gandharva.
These days
it's hard to say many things bring a smile to the face but the
sight of mums, dads and kids in their matching Bon Scott or AC/DC
T-shirts certainly made me feel good. I felt proud to be a part
of the concert and proud to be part of rock and roll. I met up
with many Suburbs fans there, regulars like Kate and Keith,
Jerry and Eli but also made some new mates. One group of
fans had come all the way from Newman – some 1200km
for the gig. I reckon that very few of the people in the crowd
had ever heard my music and many had probably never even heard
of me, but the crowd gave us a fantastic reception and made it
easy on us as we rocked through the likes of Convict Streak,
African Summer and Suburban Boy.
It was about
40 degrees in the direct sun and I was fortunate the bloke
on the water gun was up front of the stage so I could get a hit.
Organisers Buz Bidstrup and
Marcus Ahern can take a bow.
The show ran smoothly, even ahead of time, and for us old rockers
it was a fabulous opportunity to get back and celebrate. One of
the highlights was the sponsors' dinner on the Friday night. We
watched an inspired set from Dave Tice and former AC/DC
bass player Mark Evans before doing our own set and then
catching The Party Boys play some full on rock. Personally
it was a great thrill to meet the likes of Alan Lancaster
of the original Status Quo
and to see Kevin Borich playing as good or even better
than ever, after coming back from a serious illness.
On the Saturday
The Screaming Jets were supersonic and though The
Angels missed the dynamics of Doc Neeson, they
were as rock solid as ever as they powered their way through a
set of some of the greatest Australian rock songs ever written.
Dave Evans, the original AC/DC frontman, flew in from Vegas
to join the Party Boys on stage in some classic AC/DC. Particularly
gratifying to me was being able to witness some great WA local
acts kick arse on the big stage. The Flairz and Kill
Devil Hills were terrific. I'm a fan. I wish you were all
there. And for those of you who weren't, there are some photos
below that were taken at the Friday night sponsors' dinner.
Dave Warner’s
From The Suburbs play their first gig without the late Johnny
Leopard at the Bon Scott Celebration Concer, Claremont Showgrounds,
Perth Western Australia on Sunday February 25.
Dave
will go onstage at 4.45pm for a set of approximately 30 minutes.
The band is made up of Howie Johnstone (drums) Tony Durant (guitar)
Howard Shawcross (bass) Martin Cilia (guitar) and Phil Bailey
(keys) Howie Johnstone played on the Mugs Game, Free
Kicks and Correct Weight albums with Dave and Tony
Durant. Johnstone and Bailey also played on This Is My Planet
and Martin Cilia recorded Surplus and Dearth and a number
of other tracks with Dave. Howard Shawcross has toured many times
with Dave and among his many bands have been The Elks and Last
Chance Café. Other bands on the lineup include The Angels (minus
Doc) Rose Tattoo and The Party Boys. Kevin Borich will be appearing
with The Party Boys. For more details visit the
official website.
___________________________________________________________________________________
WARNER
VIDEOS — WEBMASTER
UPDATE::
I'd been talking
to Dave about posting some of the band's old videos at YouTube
to promote this site and for the enjoyment of fans who haven't
seen them in some time. But before doing so I thought I'd better
check YouTube first to see if anyone had beaten me to the punch
— and lo and behold, someone had. By the way, don't forget
Dave now has a DVD out, recorded
at a live Perth gig on Boxing Day 2004, and it also features ALL
of his music videos as a bonus. Anyway, here for your viewing
and listening pleasure are four classic Dave
Warner's From The Suburbs videos:
Hi
Gang
Hopefully
all you suburban soldiers are doing well as we enter the final
quarter of 2006. Here's the news from this end.
GIGS
I'm grateful to receive so many queries about whether we might
be doing any gigs in the near future. At this stage there is a
strong likelihood Tony Durant ("The New Boy") and I will
be doing an "unplugged" gig in November at the Skiff Club,
Kirribilli, Sydney — stay tuned. We have a repertoire of
about 30 Suburbs songs, some of them very old and personal
favourites. I'll throw in a few live performance poems and readings
from the novels.
I'm also planning
some larger band gigs with Tony and Martin Cilia. One of
the possibilities is in Perth on Sunday February 25
next year. Fremantle lawyer and footy fan Marcus Ahern is working
in conjunction with the mayor of Freo and also Dockers coach Chris
Connolly to get a statue of Bon Scott for Fremantle. Buzz
Bidstrup of The Angels is coordinating a fundraising concert
featuring old and new Aussie bands for the Claremont Showgrounds
on the Sunday. All going well, The Suburbs will be on the
bill. If there is any surplus money from the concert it is likely
to be donated to Support Act, the muso-based initiative
to help musicians in times of need…which as we get older become
more and more prevalent. Stay tuned to the website for updates
on these gigs. Remember, we are available for private gigs too.
RELEASES
I know many of you are trying to get hold of a Mugs Game or
Suburban Sprawl CD. Please be a little more patient. Unfortunately,
the Warner cottage industry requires more cash flow before I can
get the CDs done. I urge you to buy a Free Kicks CD, the
Live DVD or some books to keep the production line
rolling. If you like Mugs Game or Suburban Sprawl you
will love Free Kicks. Recorded live in 1978 when the band
was at its peak, it features Half Time At The Football,
Kangaroo Hop, Old Stock Road and other classics.
My favourite
recorded Suburbs tack is Suburban Rock from this album.
To me it was a powerful, original statement with the band playing
with unrelenting energy. The late Johnny Leopard's ball-tearing,
anarchic guitar work on this track is as emotionally powerful
as the very greatest: Link Wray, Hendrix, The Edge. Do yourself
a favour… I am also trying to get downloadable tracks,
ringtones and videos on the site, but the technology
is way beyond me so I rely on the generous free time of others
to get this stuff happening and it does take time. But it WILL
happen, so once again keep an eye on the site.
FILM Power Surge, now called Ravenswood, has been completed.
I have no idea about release dates but keep an eye out —
as soon as we hear anything, we'll post it here. Dirty Girls
is a feature project I have been working on for a number of
years. In August, my co-creatives and I were granted around 40%
of our production funding by Screenwest. We are enormously
grateful to them. We still need to raise the rest of the budget
but are working on it. It will be a great film, one I'll be extremely
proud to say I'm part of.
BOOKS
The COUNTDOWN book is out and about. See the review
by the wonderfully supportive Bruce Elder. If you know
any Countdown tragics it will make a good Christmas present for
them. Lots of good photos and a few good behind the scenes stories,
although I was disappointed some of the best ones didn't make
the final edit. My first foray into children's books, Charlotte
and the Starlet, is finished and is slotted for publication
next May by Random House. It tells the story of a young
outback girl trying to make an elite riding squad of city snobs.
Her only ally is her horse, the wise-cracking egocentric Leila
who makes Lindsay Lohan and co look like the kids from
Little House on the Prairie. A star of many Hollywood films,
Leila has wound up in Australia after a bungled nag-napping and
now she wants to get back to Sunset and Vine. It's a long way
from Half Time At The Football, but there's more than a few smirks
to be had for an adult reader believe me.
DAVE'S
PICKS
FILM If you haven't seen THE DEPARTED yet, go see it! These
past few years, television has eclipsed cinema for great writing,
directing and acting. The US has given us such fine farfe as The
West Wing, The Sopranos, Monk et al (not to
mention Six Feet Under, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage,
Dexter ... webmaster). Australia has provided Kath &
Kim, and the UK The Office, Extras and more.
Good commercial films have been as thin as a Ford New York model
on a hunger strike. But now Marty Scorcese rocks back with
this super crime offering. It's not easy to get a powerful take
on corrupt cops. We've seen or read it all before and what James
Elroy didn't wrestle into submission with his mighty LA quartet,
I finished off with Big Bad Blood. (If you haven't read
it, shame on you. Order it from the site, you won't regret it)
But this film about corrupt cops in Boston is a ripper. The story
has great depth of character in an exciting and suspenseful plot.
Taut direction and top performances make this a rare pleasure.
Jack Nicholson eats up the screen. I reckon one of his
best ever performances. Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio
are convincing and just don't hit a bum note. The camera operator,
one Andrew Rowlands, hails from my old city of Perth. Maybe
that's why the film is so good ... but don't tell Marty or Jack
I said that.
ALBUMS
I've reached that age where I don't buy new albums anymore. At
best I buy the CD reissues of my favourite old vinyl albums —
though I maintain a collection of well-worn vinyl also. Anyway,
if you've never heard of The Fugs or heard of them but
never heard them, go lay your hands on a Fugs classic like Golden
Filth or The Fugs First album or basically whatever you can.
The Fugs included a Beat poet, a writer and a crazy drummer Kenny
Weaver. They were punk before punk had a name, and a big influence
on my early band, Pus. The Fugs were the ultimate Garage
Band — primitive, poorly recorded thunks with caustic, funny,
scatological lyrics. For years I played their immortal Slum
Goddess in my set. I Couldn't Get High, Nothing,
I Feel Like Homemade Shit are other classic Fugs songs.
There is absolutely no way you can dance to these tunes unless
it's a kind of primal shuffle in the forest thing with your body
painted blue.
Until
next month, stay cool
Dave
Warner
________________________________________________________
COUNTING
DOWN THE BEST OF AUSSIE MUSIC
Mark
Holden, Australian Idol judge and music industry heavyweight will
join Rob Weekes — creator of legendary Australian music show
Countdown — Dylan Lewis (ABC’s Recovery)
and Julia Zamiro, host of SBS’s Rockwiz, to find out just
what makes music TV go bada bing bada boo!
From memorable shows to memorable moments such
as the Beatles, Molly Meldrum and Iggy Pop, John Farnham, Molly
Meldrum and Prince Charles, Kylie and Jason, Molly Meldrum and…well,
just about anyone! Part of the Australian
Centre for the Moving Image’s, TV50 exhibition, the panel
will relive all your favourite moments from shows like Bandstand,
Sing Sing Sing, Countdown, Rage, MTV and Australian
Idol. These shows have each exerted an enormous influence over
the record buying public, often with the power to make, or break,
aspiring popstars.
For the past 50 years, Australian television and
music have shared a unique relationship with many of television’s
early stars making the leap from radio. In
more recent years, many small screen stars have moved from fictional
suburbs such as Erinsborough (Neighbours), Summer Bay (Home &
Away) and Westside (E Street), the list includes Kylie Minogue,
Dannii Minogue, the Blakeley Twins, Stefan Dennis, Jason Donovan,
Craig McLachlan, Russell Crowe, Natalie Imbruglia, Stephanie McIntosh,
Delta Goodrem, Holly Valance, Bec Catrwright, Natalie Bassingthwaigthe,
Tammin Sursok, Bruce Samazan and Melissa Tkautz ... and it goes
on.
EVENT
DETAILS Thursday 28 September 28, 6.30pm
Counting Down Music TV
ACMI: Federation
Square
Flinders
Street, Melbourne
Full $15 Concession $10 For more information visit www.acmi.net.au
________________________________________________________
COUNTDOWN
BOOK OUT NOW!
Did
you know that:
•
For Robert Palmer’s Countdown appearance for Bad Case
of Loving You, director
Ted Emery choreographed seven Countdown dancers with guitars
miming the song.
Palmer objected, refusing to appear if the dancers weren’t
cut. Nobody was more surprised than Emery to find Robert Palmer’s
next clip Addicted to Love seemed to have more than a passing
resemblance to the ditched Countdown concept.
•
It wasn’t that Molly was nervous about interviewing Prince
Charles, more the fact that he wasn’t allowed to use the
autocue for the interview!
•
When Debbie Byrne performed He’s a Rebel she was in tears
as the female crowd booed and abused her.
Luscious lurex,
sexy satin, glamorous glitter, flicks, flares and Yardley’s
Pot O’Gloss, Countdown was more than just a TV show. The
first shows went to air in 1974 and went on to provide the soundtrack
to the formative years of a generation until 1987. At six o’clock
on Sunday evenings a hush would settle across this wide brown
land as kids tuned in to Skyhooks, Blondie, Madonna, ABBA, Dragon
and JPY, to name just a few of the hundreds of music artists that
performed on Countdown. This wildly chaotic show was held together
by a bumbling yet endearing Molly Meldrum, who entertained fans
as much as the live music acts did.
Countdown:
The Wonder Years 1974-87 will take Australian music fans
through the glitter and tight pants of the seventies to the consumerism
and cross-dressing of the eighties. Grab your platforms, your
hair gel and get ready to rock.
COUNTDOWN:
THE WONDER YEARS is published by ABC Books, rrp $35. Also available
on ABC Audio – 2 x CDs – rrp $29.95. Available at
ABC Shops, ABC Centres, selected bookstores, online at abcshop.com.au
or phone order, in Australia, on 1300 360 111.
MONDAY
JULY 10:: I am doing a series of radio interviews
to promote the new Countbook book. I will be
talking live to Eion Cameron on ABC 720 in Perth at 8.50am (6.50am
WA time), Scott Levi for ABC Radio Central Coast (pre-record),
Tim Cox on ABC 936 in Tasmania live at 10.10am, Liz Pye on Radio
Curtin FM in Perth (pre-record), and Mike Prenzler on ABC Territory
Radio in the NT live at 11.30am.
MOVIE
NEWS:: The
film I wrote which was originally Power Surge, and was then retitled
Guests, and then retitled Fate, is now known as Ravenswood.
SATURDAY
MAY 6:: Dave, Martin Cilia and Tony Durant will
appear at the Manly West Carnival, Griffiths Street, MANLY performing
2 or 3 songs. Rob Hirst from Midnight Oil
is also
putting in an appearance.
FRIDAY JUNE 16::
Dave and Tony Durant will perform a show in Perth. Haydn Pickersgill
and An thony Bridge are likely to also appear.
Dave
recently had the pleasure of catching up with two of Australia’s
foremost songwriters, Rob Hirst
and Greg Macainsh.
Though Rob played drums in Midnight
Oil, he was also one of the songwriters. As well
as continuing to perform live with a number of outfits including
his country duo Hirst and Greene,
Rob has published a book — Willie’s
Bar And Grill — about touring North America
in the age of terror. Greg, who wrote almost all the Skyhooks’
songs, has recently completed a law degree and is keen to pursue
a life in law.
________________________________________________________
BICTON
BOY HITS LA's MEAN STREETS
It was 14 years
since I'd been to Los Angeles, home of most of our popular culture these
days, and I decided
I should go back again, suck in the fumes,
establish contacts with some managers or agents who might be able to get
more Warner on the screen or on the shelves, see the Swans play the Kangas.
I managed a couple of meetings, downed a few "tubes" of Fosters
while
checking out the US premiere of Look
Both Ways, had a ball. Just before he
died Johnny Leopard and I had
been talking of doing an LA trip and I couldn't help but think when I was
cruising Sunset how much fun it would
have been with him riding shotgun. Anyway, I did get to see INXS with
new frontman JD Fortune — the
review is here >>
I
was lucky to find myself at the House
of Blues on Sunset Boulevard along with a bunch of
other Aussies and quite a few Yanks celebrating G’Day
LA week. Many people had seen new INXS front
man JD Fortune on the
reality show that had brought the boys back into the spotlight. A lot
hadn’t. And what did I think of the new-look band? You'll have
to read my review to find out ...
READ REVIEW >>
THE
MESSIAH NEEDS SOME FINANCIAL APOSTLES
We're looking
for people or companies willing to support Dave
Warner Online through sponsorship or even advertising. For
more details, or to offer support, please email Dave or
the Webmaster.
::ARTIST
NEWS:: Rob Hirst and Paul Greene are performing in
Austin, Texas, this Sunday and Monday as part of the North American
Country showcase, so any Aussies in the area should get down there
and support them. And I'm sure you will all remember that Rob,
drummer and songwriter in Midnight Oil, came to Dave's aid in December
2004 when Dave was hit by a 4WD at Manly.
::MORE NEWS:: The
film I wrote which was originally Power Surge, and was then retitled Guests
has now been
retitled Fate and is due
for a release some
time later in the year. I caught a test screening and it's looking
pretty good
with a little more finessing to go. Will keep you updated. I'd love to
do a Suburbs gig in Sydney
this year, just need the time and space!
:SUBURBAN
BOYS FOR PRIVATE GIGS:: Tony Durant,
Martin Cilia and I may be available to do spots at fans' parties in a semi-acoustic
style. We have recently done some birthday parties, so drop me a line if
you are interested.
DAVE WARNER
——————————————————————— >> FOR
OLDER NEWS HEAD TO OUR NEWS ARCHIVE <<
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