DARK RESPONSE It's fair to say the announcement this week that US emo legends My Chemical Romance would be headlining Download in March has divided fans of the heavy music festival.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
My Chemical Romance were leaders of the 2000s emo punk scene and their 2006 concept album The Black Parade is often cited as the high point of the genre. Last week the New Jersey band announced their reformation and in December they'll perform their first show since 2012.
That reunion has since extended to Download festivals in Melbourne (March 20) and Sydney (March 21), but it wasn't met favourably by everyone. Hundreds of metal fans posted their anger on social media that an emo band would headline a traditionally metal festival.
If you don't like My Chemical Romance, there were plenty of other acts in the first announcement including Deftones, Jimmy Eat World, Ministry, Hands Like Houses, In Hearts Wake and Clutch. Pre-sale tickets are available from Friday.
THIRD SWIG Natalie Henry is returning to the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January armed with a new video and single. Water Over Wine is the third track taken from her debut solo album Apple & Pride released this year. Henry is also taking her Woman Enough tour with Catherine Britt and Melody Moko to Singleton's Criterion Hotel on December 14 before kicking off their Tamworth run on January 18.
RED HOT One of the funniest videos to pass over our desk this week was the debut from Newcastle glam rock extraordinaires Hot Flush. Leg Warmers is a rocking tribute to the '80s fashion accessory complete with teased hair and synchronised dance moves.
It was directed by NBN cameraman and musician Erling Grnhaug and was filmed around Newcastle at King Edward Park, Hunter Street and Nobby's Beach. Hot Flush are the all-female "stadium rock" band featuring Jojo, Lozzie, Preezie and Suzie. They're gonna get pulses racing.
HAMO PARTY Music fans planning their New Year's Eve haven't had many options just yet. However, the Hamilton Station Hotel stepped up this week to announce that punk legends The Hard-Ons would headline a free show also featuring Sydney's Ess-Em and Newcastle bands Hack The Mainframe, The Grounds and Earl & The Torpedoes.
HEAVY LOAD The Cambridge Hotel beefed up its gig offerings this week by announcing shows from Kentucky hardcore punks Knocked Loose and Sydney metalcore band Northlane on consecutive nights. Knocked Loose bring their Different Shade Of Blue tour to Newcastle on January 17, while Northlane arrive the following day.
GOTTA HAVE FAITH The music of George Michael lives on. On Wednesday the first new track since the pop icon's 2016 death was released. This Is How (We Want You To Get High) was co-written by Michael and collaborator James Jackman and recorded in late 2015 during the Faith hit-maker's final studio sessions.
HEAVY RETURN Last week there was news that all-female tribute band The Iron Maidens were coming to Australia, but so is the genuine article. Iron Maiden will tour Australia in 2020 on their Legacy Of The Beast Tour playing Perth, RAC Arena (May 1); Adelaide Entertainment Centre (May 3); Brisbane Entertainment Centre (5); Qudos Arena, Sydney (May 7); Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (May 11).
The English heavy metal giants' latest show promises their most elaborate production yet, with spitfire planes and flame-throwers.
ARIA INDUCTEES Human Nature have been wowing fans for 30 years with their pop originals and Motown classics and they've finally been recognised. On November 27 the foursome will be inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame.
