Aussie icons The Whitlams are back on tour!
The Whitlams are back on the road in 2018, touring Aussie pubs and theatres with renowned acts Alex Lloyd and Deborah Conway in support.
The band aren't strangers to the pub scene, having made their name in the music industry in the nineties starting off in Sydney pubs - namely the Sandringham Hotel in Newtown, to which their 1999 song 'God Drinks at the Sando' pays homage. That said, they're also more than familiar with theatre stage, having performed with various Symphony Orchestras throughout Australia in recent years, stepping their back catalogue up for a widely appreciative audience.
The Whitlams have, over time, become icons of the Australian music scene - their music, an honest lyrical reflection of the country's best and worst assets. 'You Gotta Love This City' - a fan-favourite from their 1999 Platinum album of a similar name, infamously called out societal debauchery and commercialism surrounding events like the 2000 Olympics. Catchy tunes with lyrical meaning aren't uncommon for the band: a disdain for poker machines in the solemn 'Blow Up The Pokies' is balanced by a political metaphor set to a calm tune in 'White Horses', while the jazzy social commentary of 'Year of the Rat' leaves the listener no choice but to dance.
Beyond the political [the band is named after Gough Whitlam - the Prime Minister 1972-1975], frontman Tim Freedman's lyrics are little if not completely heartfelt. Whether about love, loss, social observation or politics, Freedman's ability to write ambiguously ensures his music transcends age, gender, class and beliefs.
Joined by longtime band members Jak Housden (guitar), Terepai Richmond (drums) and Warwick Hornby (bass), the 2018 tour promises to entertain beyond the music, with the onstage banter fans have come to expect from the wickedly sharp frontman and his talented band.
The setlist is said to include rarely played tracks from early albums 'Introducing' and 'Undeniably'. Fans will undoubtedly enjoy hearing the throwbacks in their original live environment - the pub.
TOUR DATES
Newcastle Lizotte’s May 1 & 2, 2018
Canberra Street Theatre May 4, 2018
Melbourne (with Alex Lloyd and Deborah Conway) Corner Hotel May 11, 2018
Hobart Republic Bar May 23, 2018
Sydney (with Alex Lloyd and Deborah Conway) The Metro May 25, 2018
Byron Bay The Byron Theatre May 30, 2018
Gold Coast (with Alex Lloyd and Deborah Conway) The Soundlounge May 31, 2018
Brisbane (with Alex Lloyd and Deborah Conway) The Trifid June 1, 2018
Cairns Tanks Art Centre June 8, 2018
Townsville Dalrymple Hotel June 9, 2018
Adelaide (with Alex Lloyd and Deborah Conway) The Gov June 15, 2018
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre June 22, 2018
Albury SS & A Club June 23, 2018
