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Seven albums, 13 ARIA nominations, over half a million records sold and a back catalogue that’s etched into Aussie rock history. They’re one of our best-loved and most enduring bands – Grinspoon.
With well over 1,000 shows, six consecutive Top 10 album debuts and multi-platinum sales across an amazing 18 year career, it’s fair to say Grinspoon have earned time off. And so the band wish to announce that they’re taking a long-term, indefinite break – founding members Phil Jamieson, Pat Davern, Joe Hansen and Kristian Hopes going on hiatus to pursue individual projects for the forseeable future. www.grinspoon.com.au
Australia’s Number One Party Musical ‘Grease’ arrives at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne on January 2, 2014 after electrifying sell-out seasons in Brisbane and Sydney. Due to huge demand, new tickets will go on sale on December 2 for performances from March 1-16, 2014.
The high-energy, smash hit musical has taken Australia by storm and includes such unforgettable songs as You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and many more.
Leading the all-star cast in the iconic roles of Danny and Sandy are born entertainer Rob Mills and rising star Gretel Scarlett.
Bert Newton returns to his radio roots to play the role of slick veteran disc jockey Vince Fontaine, while Todd McKenney dusts off his dancing shoes to star as Teen Angel. The role of All-American, rock-star student at Rydell High, Johnny Casino, is played by Anthony Callea, and television and stage veteran Val Lehman returns to musical theatre to play Rydell High’s tough school principal Miss Lynch.
Producer John Frost said, “Rarely have I seen audience reaction like the one we get every night for Grease, with everyone in the aisles dancing and singing along. Grease truly is the Number One Party Musical. Book fast Melbourne to see Rob, Gretel, Todd, Bert and the gang on stage.”
Her Majesty’s Theatre from January 2. Nightly shows with matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets 1300 795 012. www.greaseistheword.com.au
Cleese
One of the most influential and important comedians in entertainment history, John Cleese is a founding member of Monty Python and responsible for some of the most iconic films and television comedies ever made, including The Life of Brian, Meaning of Life and Fawlty Towers. John also starred in such major Hollywood hits as A Fish Called Wanda and Fierce Creatures.
John will head into Melbourne, March 18 & 19, appearing at the Comedy Theatre.
John will regale fans with stories and exclusive clips from his illustrious 40 year career. It’s an opportunity to get up close and personal with a true living legend.
Cleese, a force behind some of the most ground-breaking comedy of the 20th Century will perform shows in Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney only.
His last national tour in 2012 was a total sell out and this encore tour will be prior to the recently announced Monty Python reunion in London in July.
His distinctive English accent has been put to good use on several animated children’s films, voicing King Harold in Shrek 2, Shrek The Third, and Shrek Forever After and Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone; and of course the ever memorable television series Fawlty Towers.
Few comedy troupes have reached the same fame of Monty Python, and a large part of that success was due to John Cleese and his impeccable timing and sense of humour.
Cleese has mastered everything from dry wit to slapstick humour, making his type of humour one that everyone can enjoy. He is the master comedian and admired and respected by everyone.
www.johncleese.com www.abpresents.com.au
Singer/songwriter Aleyce Simmonds is amongst the finalists in the Female Artist of the Year category of the 2014 CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia. The announcement, made at Sydney’s Hard Rock Cafe last month, follows news that ‘Believe’ the title track and first single from Aleyce’s second full-length album, hits the Australian Country Tracks Top 30 and CMC Top 50 countdown.
“I feel like I’m caught in a whirlwind”, says Simmonds. “It has been a crazy year recording and releasing an album whilst touring so constantly. This nomination means a real lot to me. I can’t wait to stand still long enough to breathe and take it all in!”
Aleyce will appear at the Peninsula Music Festival, Morning Star Estate, Sunday January 12th.
www.aleyce.com
CHRISTMAS DVD
Shock Entertainment has released a special Jamie Oliver 6 DVD box set for Christmas. Jamie Oliver is the person many home-cooks turn to for advice on how to prepare the most important meal of the year, Christmas dinner.
These 6 titles include special guest appearances from Gennaro Contaldo, Jamie’s Mum and even his two daughters Poppy and Daisy! So settle down and let Jamie get you in the mood for the best Christmas ever with this ultimate collection of his festive DVD’s packed full of tips for a stress-free Christmas.
Titles include Jamie's Christmas, Jamie's Family Christmas, Jamie Cooks Christmas, Jamie's Best Ever Christmas, Jamie's Christmas with Bells on and Jamie at Home: Christmas Special. Available at ABC Shops, JB and Big W. www.shock.com.au
MADDER LAKE
Sandman Records have combined Madder Lakes’ two classic 70’s albums Stillpoint and Butterfly Farm into a deluxe two CD set, with a 24 page booklet containing many rare photos and full recreations of both gatefold sleeves. All of their singles are included along with some rare live tracks. There are also 11 bonus tracks.
Released in 1973, Stillpoint remains one of the most innovative and enduring progressive albums of the period. The two hit singles released from the album: Goodbye Lollipop and 12-lb Toothbrush were balanced by the longer, psychedelic blues of album track "Salmon Song" and "Listen to the Morning Sunshine".
Recorded in just six days, Stillpoint highlights Madder Lake’s distinctive sound which was mostly due to the combination of Fettes unique (often effects laden) vocals, Mason’s understated blues-tinged guitar playing, the sparse yet effective use of McKinnon’s keyboards and the agile drive of the rhythm section. The follow-up, Butterfly Farm, was to be Madder Lake's last album of the 70’s - an all too brief run for one of our best bands of the Seventies. This set features one of my favourite Madder Lake songs live, Down the River (live Sunbury 1973).
Make a great Christmas gift. www.viavision.com.au
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Aztec Live at Sunbury – Billy Thorpe & Aztecs
2. Black Coffee – Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes
3. Michael Buble Christmas – Michael Buble
4. The Bluegrass Album – Alan Jackson (Sony)
5. Brad Butcher – Brad Butcher (Haaf)
6. The Man I Am – Randy Travis (Warner)
7. More Arse Than Class – Aztecs (Aztec)
8. Classic Christmas Album – Elvis Presley (Sony)
9. Grrr! – Greatest Hits 1962-2012 - The Rolling Stones
1o. Monster Planet – Steve Maxwell Von Braund (Aztec)
Album of the Week
Stillpoint-Butterfly Farm – Madder Lake (Sandman)