The Television Australian Tour 2013 has been announced, that will see the band making their long-awaited Australian debut this October performing headline shows in Perth, Sydney and Hobart alongside their Victorian exclusive at Melbourne’s ATP off-shoot, Release The Bats, performing their landmark 1977 debut Marquee Moon live in its entirety.
Television’s debut album, Marquee Moon, released in 1977 on Elektra records, is considered a modern classic, transforming the ideas and forms of punk into something that wasn’t quite new wave yet, but certainly possessed a sophistication that was a far cry from the Sex Pistols and The Clash.
The influence of Marquee Moon, especially in the twin, pincering guitar lines and its epic 10 minute title track, filtered right through New York’s musical history and can still be heard in modern bands like Interpol and The Strokes, while Television’s legacy as part of the legendary CBGB’s put them in a realm of artists the likes of Patti Smith, Talking Heads, and the Ramones, in developing a new American sound.
First forming in 1975 Television followed up their reinvention of New Yorks’ CBGB’s via the release of their debut 7″ Little Johnny Jewel, a two-sided 7 minute opus of street talk and taught no frills guitar work that featured the prodigious talent of singer/guitarist Tom Verlaine. Released on the independent record label Ork, it is one of proto-punks rarest and most valuable finds.
In 1977, following increasing major label interest Television finally signed to Elektra (home to The Doors, The Stooges and Love) and released their debut album, the absolute classic, Marquee Moon to massive critical acclaim. It was an instant success cracking the top 30 in several European countries and going on to become one of rock’s most influential albums.
In 1978 Television released their second album, Adventure. While less favourably received than Marquee Moon, Adventure is still a masterpiece of songwriting and musical interplay. However, by the end of 1978 Television had split up. The drudgery of touring, the individual band members’ own artistic beliefs, and internal tension cited as the reasons.
Television have made several brief surprise reunions since, in 1992 they played select shows and headlined Glastonbury after releasing their eponymous Television album. Later in 2001, they guested at the UK’s All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival. This time though, they decided to hang around continuing to play sporadic live shows and even threatening a new album.
Finally, in 2013, Television are to make their Australian debut. Singer/guitarist Tom Verlaine, bassist Fred Smith, drummer Billy Ficca and guitarist Jimmy Rip will perform works from right across the Television cannon including the mighty Marquee Moon.
Tickets for this unique experience go on-sale Friday 2nd August. Don’t you dare miss it!
Television Australian Tour 2013 Dates & Tickets
October 28th: Fremantle, Fly By Night Musicians Club
Tickets $75.00 + bf on-sale from www.flybynight.org
phone 9430 5976 or in person at the venue.
October 30th: Sydney, Enmore Theatre (reserved seating only)
Special guest Ed Kuepper
Tickets $79.60 (includes GST and booking fee, a transaction fee may apply) on-sale from ticketek.com.au
phone 9550 3666 or in person at the venue and all Ticketek outlets.
November 1st: Hobart, The Void @ MONA
Tickets $60.00 / $50.00 concession + bf from mona.net.au or phone 6277 9971.
