Relentlessly lauded as one of Australia’s great bands, Wagons will be hitting the highways and byways near you, battering their heels upon some sorely neglected local stages. Having spent more time touring and honing their craft in North America than on home shores in recent years, the boys now have their sights solely set on home turf once again
This will be the first full band Australian national tour in over three years. The boys are hitting the road in celebration of the upcoming release of their much-awaited album Acid Rain And Sugar Cane, out May 16 via Spunk. Acid Rain And Sugar Cane is a follow up to Henry Wagons’ 2013 duets release Expecting Company that featured spectacular couplings with Alison Mosshart, Robert Forster and more.
To celebrate getting back onto the touring circuit, we asked Wagons frontman Henry Wagons to put together a list of live gigs that changed his life.
Rod Stewart at The Glasshouse In Melbourne Mid 80s
“I was the third wheel on a date that my Mum was taken along to. They guy obviously threw me a ticket too, to impress. I would have been no older than 8. I think I ruined the romance, but I had an amazing time!
I wasn’t that engaged by the music, but I loved the lights and the drama. I got a taste for it. I remember a woman invading the stage, and being hastily ejected from the stage in a bruising style 80s bouncers are renowned for. I don’t remember too much else.”
The 3Ds at The Punters Club late 90s
“Still the loudest gig I have ever been to, which is somewhat strange given their 90s angular indie pop sound. I loved their energy and chaos. It hypnotised me.
One of the guitarists was jumping so high I was concerned he would hit his head on the roof. It was all a teen Henry needed to help push him over the edge to form a band which thrashed about the stage and make a lot of noise.”
Purple Reign (The Prince movie ‘Purple Rain’ tribute band) at Planet Hollywood Casino in Las Vegas in 2006
“Prince” was one of the best performers I’ve have ever seen. He could sing, dance and shred just like the real thing. When I got up close to him later that night, by the bar drinking a white Russian, he turned out to be a suave Italian man, somewhat taller than the original.
As a fat Elvis fan, I was intoxicated by Purple Reign’s Vegasy schmaltz, from the cheesy lighting scheme to the lame plastic barrier that surrounded the drummer. I feel this level of music showbiz fractured insanity is incredibly good for me in small doses. It scarred me in some kind of welcoming way. I think Purple Reign are still going, if you happen to be passing through Vegas…”
Adam Green at East Brunswick Club, 2008
“I’m a big fan of the Adam Green album Friends of Mine and it was so good to see songs from that opus generously represented at this show. He was an amazing mix of excited six year old boy and a drunk Sinatra.”
Willie Nelson At A Random San Francisco Winery, 2011
“It was a bit of a pilgrimage for me. I’ve played a song about him in Wagons sets for so many years, so I was excited to finally get a chance to say I’d seen the living legend play. He soloed on his weather beaten nylon string throughout…. Jazzy notes and counter rhythms. His voice was like a perfectly diseased oak. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.”
Bruce Springsteen At AAMI Stadium, 2014
“When Bruce was here a year ago, so many people whose music taste I respect said this was the best show they’d seen. I was sceptical. How could a show which involves standing up and watching someone play for four hours be anything but torture.
Suffice to say, it was one of the most inspiring shows I’ve ever seen. The amount he gives his audience was jaw dropping. The band were epic. Amazingly my ankles were never sore and my attention never wavered. I am officially indoctrinated.”
Acid Rain And Sugar Cane National Tour
Thurs May 22 – Pirie Hotel, Adelaide SA
Fri May 23 – Fly By Night, Fremantle WA
Sat May 31 – Republic Bar, Hobart TAS
Fri June 6 – Barwon Club, Geelong VIC
Sat June 7 – The HiFi, Melbourne VIC
Sun June 8 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat VIC (Public Holiday Eve)
Thurs June 12 – The Abbey, Canberra ACT
Fri June 13 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong NSW
Sat June 14 – Factory Theatre, Sydney NSW
Sun June 15 – Lizottes, Newcastle NSW
Fri June 20 – The Zoo, Brisbane QLD
Sat June 21 – Railway Hotel, Darwin NT
For more info and tickets visit www.wagonsmusic.com
