Going through our band archives at the moment, checking for what we’ve got & what’s missing. Uncovering all kinds of classic pics & video – including these shots below – Ukraine 2008. We’d just done the first show of a 3 week tour there & the club owner had us all back to his place for a banquet/drinking session.

Sasha Pipa (@traktor), Marty, Max & Naomi (The On Fires, then Asleep In The Park) – at the banquet after show.

Things started calmly enough, vodka flowing like beer. Dancing started about an hour later, everybody up shakin’ it. Then the singer from the opening band pulled out a fire extinguisher. He threatened us all with it for a while, til the tour manager made him put it away.

At this point – this being the first night, we realised we were in for a wild tour. Which was pretty much how it went…

Fires out.

Stephanovs Starlings kicking it in Russia and Eastern Europe…

We played with the guys at Seven Festival in northern Poland July 2010, with back-stage vodka frenzy after the show. They’d just won a battle of the bands on a smaller stage the day before (we saw that show & loved it), which landed them a prime spot on the main festival stage the following night. We had a wild time hanging out with em. Hope to see Starlings again soon…

Fires out.

American: The Bill Hicks Story, was on TV last night – ABC Melbourne. Regarded as one of the greatest comedians in American history, Bill Hicks’ relevance withstands the test of time. He died in 1994 at the age of 32, and much of the material you’ll see him perform in this documentary happened in the late 80s & early 90s. But it doesn’t seem that way – it feels like he’s talking about the world right now.

Hicks was a ground-breaking comedian at war with the establishment, his often dark humour a vicious satire on American culture, politics and way of life. There was nobody like him at the time. There have been very few like him since. Check it out.

Fires out.

Saw Life Of Pi last night. Not bad, really nice kinda film. No car chase scenes or gun-play acrobatics. Amazing cinematography and a philosophical depth about the meaning of relationships, life and ‘God’. It’s a slow burner at times, but I never felt bored. Beautiful looking film. We saw it in 3D which was pretty cool. BTW – if you’re watching a 3D movie and your glasses are flickering a strange grey/black colour it means the batteries in the glasses are running low (yep, they run on batteries). Take em back for a fresh pair.

Life Of Pi – with CGI tiger.

Fires out.

Caught New Gods at Northcote Social Club last night. The band had a great sound, vocals were striking – excellent harmonies. The first band on were Jessica Says. I really dug their show – something different; electronic drums played live, violinist, keys & backing vocalist. Charismatic lead singer Jessica sounds a little like Kate Bush at times – an amazing versatile voice.

Jessica Says at Northcote Social Club Friday 11th Jan 2013.

The 2nd band, Montero, were great too. Reminiscent of early Flaming Lips & Mercury Rev.

All up, a great night which got very messy toward the end. Don’t remember too much about getting home – made it somehow.

Fires out.

The latest song we’ve written is all about Abbotsford. The video below was the first time I’d played it in public – over at Stalk and Kim’s place the week before November’s Revelry show. This is the only recording of ‘Abbotsford Song’ we have so far (it’s pre recording studio etc). Thanks to Stalk for some artistic camera work…

Have a great weekend.
Fires out.

Caught the Stones doco, Crossfire Hurricane last night on ABC One. The things those guys have seen & been through, lost a few band members along the way too. Check it out if you can – click here to watch it on ABC iview. Next Wed at 8:30pm they’re featuring Queen – now that should be something to see (got my Queen t-shirt on as I write).

Max at crowd barrier after show, Strawberry Festival Beijing 2012 – pic by Long Truong.

Still in planning for upcoming Euro and China tours, starting in March. Not long to go now. Couple of big festivals already booked for China, most club shows booked for Germany. Full list of tour dates announced soon.

Fires out.

Tonight 8:30 on ABC One TV (Australia) – Rolling Stones doco, Crossfire Hurricane…

Fires out.

Going down to Northcote Social Club this Friday to catch New Gods EP launch. Two great songs on radio at the moment, On Your Side and Razorblades. Bought tix, got a feeling this show could sell out ($15 ea).

New Gods debut EP.

Joining em on stage – Jessica Says 9pm & Montero 10.10pm. New Gods 11.20pm til 12.20am.

Fires out.

Magnificent summer Monday in Melbourne. Sun’s out, weather’s fine. Something to cruise through the afternoon with. The mighty Floyd. Hard to believe this epic song is over 40 years old, first released on their Meddle album (1971). Kick back, turn it up…

Fires out.