Just days after frontman Peter Garrett announced he would be releasing his first solo album, Midnight Oil have confirmed they have reunited and will be embarking on a tour of Australia and overseas next year.
Whilst there’s no word on any new music from the iconic Australian group, the band took to Facebook to reveal they are “planning to do some gigs in Australia and overseas during 2017”, with more details to emerge in late 2016.
“We wanted you to be the first to know that the five of us are planning to do some gigs in Australia and overseas during 2017,” they wrote. “It will probably be at least the end of this year before we know exactly where or when.”
“If you want to be first to hear about any dates, head over… and sign up to the mailing list. You can grab your free download of ‘Forgotten Years’ live from Canberra while you’re there and catch up on some other big news too.”
The band’s forthcoming shows will be the first time Midnight Oil have toured since disbanding in 2002 to allow Garrett to focus on his political career. The band previously reunited for WaveAid in 2005 and Sound Relief in 2009.
Rumours about a potential reunion have been circulating for years. Drummer and co-founder Rob Hirst first sparked speculation of a Midnight Oil reunion tour back in 2014 whilst promoting the release of a new Midnight Oil concert DVD.
Hirst revealed that he and his bandmates were open to the prospect of a comeback, but clarified the decision ultimately rested with frontman Garrett. Hirst’s comments followed rather unpromising words from the band’s former manager.
