Tour Interviews

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Interview with Stevie Dacanay (Buckcherry)

Recently STMs very own Rohan had an amazing chat with Guitarist STEVIE D of BUCKCHERRY about the recent announcement of their tour down under this October. You can hear the full audio here: 

Stand by for a double shot of dirty, gritty, sleazy, streetwise Rock ‘n’ Roll as Los Angeles’ notorious, multi-platinum-selling rock band BUCKCHERRY team up with special guests Sweden’s Kings of thrashy sleaze rock HARDCORE SUPERSTAR thanks to Silverback Touring.

“I wanna have fun blowing out your eardrums keep it rocking state to state.” Screams BUCKCHERRY frontman Josh Todd on the new album Warpaint and The Los Angeles-based line-up has been doing exactly that since the 1999 release of their self-titled album. Hits including Lit Up, For the Movies, Say F** It, Crazy Bitch and Sorry, not to mention Grammy nominations, international touring and sales, have solidified BUCKCHERRY’s rock ‘n’ roll bona fides.

BUCKCHERRY staunchly uphold the commandments of rock music with an arsenal of anthems primed to explode on impact live on stage and teeming with riotous energy, sexy swagger, and primal chops intact. It’s something that the boys have done since day one, but it’s more necessary now than ever. BUCKCHERRY head back to Australia for the first time since 2016.

Sweden’s premiere purveyors of thrash metal meets sleaze rock, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR last hit Australia in June 2018 and the demand was there for an encore appearance, so here they are! Fusing a base of hard, aggressive heavy metal with the catchy, melodic and decadent hard rock of glams glory days, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR’s self-coined ‘street metal’ is made for the stage!

It’s music from the heart. Fist pumping, anthemic rock with tasty licks, big bass and bigger drums! The band will be bringing all their bombastic hits with them like Wild Boys, You Can’t Kill My Rock ‘n Roll, Last Call For Alcohol, Bring The House Down and Above The Law that will get the room shaking as well as their expert level power ballads like Someone Special which will have phones (and some old school lighters) raised high in the air.

Joining the tour are Sydney act BAD MOON BORN; an undeniably talented up and coming five-piece rock band with a captivating sound that is self-described as “girth rock”. They are a new wave of hard rock, with influences from Guns ‘N’ Roses, Alter Bridge, Avenged Sevenfold and Audioslave.

Want to get down, dirty, sleazy and get lost in pure rock ‘n’ roll energy? Then now is your chance as BUCKCHERRY with special guests HARDCORE SUPERSTAR are going to bring just that……..

With special guests

Buckcherry / Hardcore Superstar / Bad Moon Born

October 2019 Tour Dates

Tuesday October 08 PERTH, Rosemount Hotel

Wednesday October 09 ADELAIDE, The Gov

Friday October 11 MELBOURNE, Max Watts

Saturday October 12 BRISBANE, Zoo

Sunday October 13 SYDNEY, Metro

TICKETS

Presale: Friday 17 May 10am (AEST) > Monday 20th May 10am (AEST)

GP Onsale: Monday 20th May 10am (AEST)

Register for Pre-sale link: http://silverbacktouring.com.au/buckcherry-2019/

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Interview with Graeme Bonnet

GRAHAM BONNET with ALCATRAZZ are heading down under to play RAINBOW’s album ‘DOWN TO EARTH’ in full, plus hits from ALCATRAZZ, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and more! Rohan spoke to the man himself about what to expect. 

The James Dean of Heavy Metal is set to grace our shores in June 2019, nonetheless with ALCATRAZZ in tow! Renowned for his suave stage presence heading up the likes of RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, IMPELLITTERI and his solo band GRAHAM BONNET BAND – not to mention his powerful, distinct and iconic vocal sound, that goes straight to 11 then swiftly into smooth melody in a heartbeat – GRAHAM BONNET delivers a solid stage trip through his career, that will not disappoint the discerning fan.

With a career spanning a range of musical styles, and hit songs, it only makes sense to start with a mention to his first hit with the duo, THE MARBLES in 1968, with the single “Only One Woman”. The hit song, written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, marks the impressive start to an awesome and diverse career.

Embarking on the first leg of his solo career, Bonnet smashed the charts with a self-titled album that hit gold in Australia. The album was met with great praise with hits including “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue”, a Bob Dylan cover, which charted in the top five in Australia in 1977. Further to the success of this release, the single “Warm Ride”, Bonnet’s take on a leftover track from the Saturday Night Fever sessions and written by the Bee Gees, went to number one in Australia.

Bonnet found his career taking a heavier Rock and Metal route when Ritchie Blackmore chose him to replace Ronnie James Dio on vocals for the band RAINBOW. A hard act to follow, and a new genre to ignite, Bonnet proved his skill yet again, singing on RAINBOW’s iconic album ‘Down to Earth’, which became his most successful release to date with two hit singles “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “All Night Long”.

After Rainbow, Bonnet joined the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, and recorded the ‘Assault Attack’ album, considered one of their best releases of all time.

Departing yet again from the beaten path, Bonnet co-founded ALCATRAZZ, with Gary Shea on bass, Jimmy Waldo on keyboards (both from the band New England), Jan Uvena (former drummer for Alice Cooper), and legendary, Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. From 1983-87, the band released 3 highly revered studio albums (‘No Parole from Rock N’ Roll’, ‘Disturbing the Peace’, and ‘Dangerous Games’) and one live album ‘Live Sentence’.

In more recent years, Bonnet has toured consistently around the world with his GRAHAM BONNET BAND, to throngs of fans.

Now, for the first time in Australia, you will hear Graham and band perform the iconic RAINBOW album ‘DOWN TO EARTH’ in its entirety, as well as a slew of other hits from the melting pot of his career.

Limited VIP Meet & Greet packages will be available. VIP punters will be graced with a special acoustic performance by Graham, along with a meet and greet/ photo opportunity, entry to the show and a couple of little extras.

TOUR DATES:

THURS 6 JUNE – ADELAIDE – ENIGMA

FRI 7 JUNE – MELBOURNE – THE CORNER

SAT 8 JUNE – SYDNEY – MANNING

 

TICKETS & INFO: www.hardlinemedia.net

 

 
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Interview with Jimi Hocking & Paul Woseen (The Screaming Jets)

Celebrating 30 years, The Screaming Jets are taking a step back in time and revisiting their musical history. Songs like ‘Sister Tease’, ‘Stop The World’, ‘Blue Sashes’, ‘Think’, and many more gems are set to be unleashed onto fans in a select few shows. Casper caught up with Jimi Hocking and Paul Woseen recently to chat about the journey of the last three decades.

JIMI HOCKING
PAUL WOSEEN

Fans should prepare for The Screaming Jets to blow their minds (and ears), with a live retrospective of the band’s thirty-year career… 8 studio albums, 2 live albums, 3 EP’s. With well over 100 original songs in an extensive rock catalogue, the Jets are going back to their roots and uncovering songs they haven’t played for years. A recent poll of fans could see the boys pull out favourites such as ‘Living In England’ & ‘Meet Anybody’ (Living In England EP), ‘Everytime’ & ‘Night Child’ (Tear Of Thought album) and ‘Life & Death’ (The Screaming Jets self titled album) to name a few favourties from their extensive catalogue.

Not much has changed since 1989 when this bunch of hard-rockin’ blokes emerged from the ‘burbs of Newcastle… Belligerent, ball tearing rock was their calling card. By 1990, they busted out of Steel Town to introduce themselves to the wider world….of Kings Cross, the wild Aussie pub rock scene and the international stages of the US, UK and Europe.

Blistering live shows ensued, littered with great songs, and controversy on and off stage in equal parts. There were those who thought the Jets would burn out and be consigned to the scrap heap of rock – how wrong they were!

Fast forward 30 years, through countless gigs and over a dozen albums and the Jets are firmly established as one of Australia’s most respected rock bands.  In the heartland of working-class strongholds, they sit proudly alongside Chisel, The Angels, the Choirboys and the other bands who have shaped Oz Rock as we know it today.  And they will continue to do so for many years to come!:

‘DIRTY THIRTY’ TOUR DATES

Tickets on sale now

 

Fri 3rd May – Wests Cardiff, Newcastle

Sat 4th May – Wests Cardiff, Newcastle

With The Poor – Tickets HERE

 

Fri 10th May – Doyalson RSL, NSW

With The Poor – Tickets HERE

 

Sat 11th May – Metro Theatre, Sydney.

With The Poor and Special guests: CELIBATE RIFLES – Tickets HERE

 

Fri 17th May – The Triffid, Brisbane

With The Poor – Tickets HERE

 

Sat 18th May – Astor Theatre, Perth

With The Poor – Tickets HERE

 

Fri 24th May – 170 Russell, Melbourne.

With The Poor and Special Guests: BOOM CRASH OPERA – Tickets HERE

 

Sat 25th May  – The Gov, Adelaide

With The Poor – Tickets HERE

 

ACCESS MEDIA ASSETS HERE

 

FOLLOW THE SCREAMING JETS:

www.thescreamingjets.com.au

Facebook: facebook.com/thescreamingjets

Instagram: TheScreamingJetsOfficial

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Interview with Minoru Niihara (LOUDNESS)

The Rising Sun heads Down Under as legendary Japanese Metallers LOUDNESS hit Australia for the very first time thanks to Silverback Touring and STM’s Sarah Minazzo Had a killer chat with frontman Minoru Niihara about what to expect.

Formed in 1981; LOUDNESS released their first album The Birthday Eve and it created a huge stir on the Japanese Metal scene. In 1983 LOUDNESS hit the west and toured the U.S. their stunning energetic live show caught the attention of Atlantic Records and became the first Japanese metal band to sign a multiple album deals with a major label.

Watch: ‘’Crazy Nights’’ Below:

Their defining album Thunder In The East exploded and hit the Billboard charts at # 74 and staying there for 19 weeks as they embarked on a nation-wide tour with Motley Crue. The following album Lightning Strikes hit the Billboard charts at # 64 and firmly entrenching the band as International superstars. Akira Takasaki also became a true guitar god in the West.

“the audience was won over from the moment the group took the stage”- Zrockr

Now some 33 years, numerous line-up changes and 28 studio albums later LOUDNESS is still at the top of their game and still charting every album in their homeland. In 2018 LOUDNESS released their latest album ‘Rise To Glory. The good news is that original members Akira Takasaki (Guitar), Masayoshi Yamashita (Bass), Minoru Niihara (vocals) are heading our way along with Masayuki Suzuki (Drums). They may be almost 40 years into their distinguished career but LOUDNESS remains one of the hottest live acts out there and now Australia gets the chance to witness LOUDNESS for the very first time.

LOUDNESS May 2019 Australian Tour Dates:

Thursday 9th May – Melbourne / Max Watts

Friday 10th May – Sydney / Crow Bar

Saturday 11th May – Brisbane / Woolly Mammoth

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

silverbacktouring.com/loudness-2019

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Interview with Geoff Tate (Avantasia)

AVANTASIA are here in a few weeks. And STM’s Cassandra had a great chat with GEOFF TATE (Ex- Queensryche, Operation: Mindcrime) about what to expect from this gargantuan tour. 

As it was announced late last year that the world’s biggest Metal opera was finally coming to Australia. 20 years after the release of the original Metal Operas, Musical mastermind Tobias Sammet decided to bring the full AVANTASIA stage show to Australia!

As the AVANTASIA dates, inch closer and closer to Australia, set for impact this May, the cast of this once-in-a-lifetime event has been announced! Amidst sheer praise and admiration for ‘Moonglow’ (Which hit #1 in the German album charts), Tobias Sammet has out-done himself with a world-class roster of singers and musicians that will be making the trek down under this May:

TOBIAS SAMMET – Lead vocals (Edguy, Avantasia)
BOB CATLEY – Lead vocals (Magnum)
ERIC MARTIN – Lead vocals (Mr. Big)
GEOFF TATE – Lead vocals (ex-Queensryche, Operation: Mindcrime)
JORN LANDE – Lead vocals (ex-Masterplan, JORN)
RONNIE ATKINS – Lead vocals (Pretty Maids)
HERBIE LANGHANS – Backing vocals / Lead vocals (Sinbreed)
ADRIENNE COWAN – Backing vocals / Lead vocals (Seven Spires, Winds of Plague)
SASCHA PAETH – Guitars (Producer for Avantasia, Edguy, Angra, Shaaman, Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot, After Forever and Epica)
OLLI HARTMANN – Guitars / Backing vocals (At Vance, Hartmann)
MIRO RODENBERG – Keyboards (Producer for Angra, Shaaman, Luca Turilli, Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot and Heavens Gate)
ANDRE NEYGENFIND – Bass (Avantasia)
FELIX BOHNKE – Drums (Edguy)  

Having blown crowds away with headline sets at both Wacken Open Air in Germany and Barcelona Rockfest while touring their previous album Ghostlights, AVANTASIA proved they are one of the biggest names in operatic and symphonic heavy music. Sammet is a masterful storyteller, creating epic fantasy worlds that can barely be contained within his sprawling concept albums. They can barely be contained on stage either with AVANTASIA shows typically lasting for up to three hours!

AVANTASIA’s eighth studio album, ‘Moonglow’ was released via Nuclear Blast in February and boasts an incredible list of performers including Jorn Lande, Eric Martin (Mr Big), Geoff Tate (ex-Queensryche), Michael Kiske (Helloween), Bob Catley (Magnum), Amanda Somerville, Candice Night, Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) & Mille Petrozza (Kreator)

It can absolutely be said that Australia has never seen a tour like this. From the depth of storytelling, to the range of the cast, to the sheer musical brilliance – this is a once in a lifetime tour! Do not miss this!

AVANTASIA TOUR DATES:

RSVP & Ticket Links:
May 12th – Sydney, Metro Theatre
Tickets: https://bit.ly/2IMBZMr  

May 14th – Melbourne, The Forum (SELLING FAST!)
Tickets: https://bit.ly/2Uk2c6E

Presented by Overdrive Touring

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[SUPANOVA COMIC-CON] Interview with Lucy Pohl

STM’s Sarah Minazzo had a great chat with Lucie Pohl (Overwatch) ahead of SUPANOVA Comic-Con and Gaming coming up fast in Melbourne and the Gold Coast

Lucie Pohl is a German-American TV & Film actor, comedian, writer and the voice of Mercy from Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch.

Lucie can be seen on the cult UK TV show Red Dwarf XI, as well as appearances in Showtime’s Homeland, Warner Bros. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, David Chase’s Not Fade Away and over 30 other US + international Film + TV productions.

Lucie has written three solo comedy shows which have toured in the US and internationally to sold-out houses, received 5-star reviews and been nominated for the NY Innovative Theater Award.

Supanova to Celebrate Mad Max’s 40th Anniversary, and More, at 

April’s Melbourne & Gold Coast Events 

It was on April 12 in 1979 that audiences were first introduced to the iconic dystopian film, Mad Max, with Steve Bisley portraying Max’s right-hand man, Goose, while Hugh Keays-Byrne took on the role of villain Toecutter before triumphantly reappearing as Immortan Joe in Mad Max: Fury Road. So it’s only fitting that these original alumni and Aussie icons are driving their way onto the already talent-packed Supanova Comic Con & Gaming Melbourne (6-7 April) and Gold Coast (13-14 April) lineup. 

To take celebrations up a notch, Bisley and Keays-Byrne will also be headlining the Supanova Superhero Parade (Sunday 14 April) on the Gold Coast that’ll be marching from Broadbeach at 9am, making its way to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre where Supanova will open its doors at 10am. They’ll be joined by hundreds of fans in a variety of costumes to celebrate the Gold Coast Superhero Weekend. 

In further guest news, Supanova favourite Graham McTavish (The Hobbit, Outlander) has also been confirmed. Following an appearance as King Atlan in this summer’s blockbuster, Aquaman, and more voice work as Dracula in Castlevania, McTavish is currently filming the fourth season of Preacher in Melbourne.

Australian publishing imprint IFWG will also have a strong presence, with founder and dark fiction maestro Gerry Huntman (author of upcoming fantasy series Sky Realms Chronicles) appearing in Melbourne and Sydney-based spec-fic author Christopher Sequeira (The Phantom, Sherlock Holmes: The Australian Casebook) gracing both events while also hosting contributor and New York Times bestselling author Nancy Holder (Wicked series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Smallville) at both events.

They will bring a worldwide exclusive to Supanova with the launch of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Was Not, featuring multiple international and award-winning writers.

There’s also Banksia Project recipients, illustrators Alex e Clark (Melbourne exclusive) and Cameron Davis (Gold Coast exclusive), lending their creative talents to the lineup, while comic artist Mike Krome (Zenescope, Valiant, Aspen), writer and illustrator Jan Scherpenhuizen (Possible Press), and Julie Ditrich (Comics Mastermind CEO and Founder) are slated for Melbourne.

The latest guest announcement is rounded out by Australian comic artist Stewart McKenny (Star Wars: Clone War Adventures, Captain America) and local author Brad Mengel, who currently works in Australia’s criminal justice system.

Tickets for Supanova 2019 – Melbourne and Gold Coast are on sale now via Moshtix.

Supanova is a celebration of fandom, where the worlds of film and television, fantasy, comic books, anime, sci-fi, cartoons, books, gaming and collectables comes to life! There’s something for everyone, including ‘cosplay’ (costume-role play), fan clubs, musical performances, creative master classes, celebrity Q&As, wrestling, tournaments, competitions and an expo full of shopping possibilities.

Other Supa-Star Guests already announced for Melbourne and Gold Coast include:

Camila Mendes (Riverdale)

Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf)

Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf, Supergirl)

Eliza Taylor (The 100)

Toby Stephens (Black Sails, Lost in Space)

Stefan Kapicic (Deadpool)

Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory)

Jordan Connor (Riverdale)

Matt Ryan (Constantine, Legends of Tomorrow)

Troy Baker (The Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite)

Nolan North (Assassin’s Creed, Uncharted)

Lucie Pohl (Overwatch)

Jonny Cruz (Overwatch)

Brian Donovan (Naruto)

V.E. Schwab (author – Shades of Magic, Villains)

SUPANOVA BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Supanova Comic Con & Gaming began in Sydney in 2002 as a completely home-grown Australian production showcasing sci-fi, fantasy, comic books, anime, manga, games, cosplay and much more. The brainchild of Founder & Event Director, Daniel Zachariou, Supanova is run by a diverse and passionate team of independent professionals with backgrounds in private industry and the creative sector. Supanova takes place in six cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast), and is Australia’s leading and largest event of its kind with close to 200,000 fans expected to attend the Supanova events in 2019.

Supanova is a celebration of pop culture created by the Supanova family, for your family, to “bring out the inner geek” in fans of all ages. 

SUPANOVA DATES: 

Melbourne: April 5-7, 2019 | Melbourne Showgrounds 

Gold Coast: April 12-14, 2019 | Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

FULL SUPA-STAR GUEST BIOGRAPHIES AVAILABLE AT: http://www.supanova.com.au/guests 

TICKETS: on sale now through Moshtix

SUPANOVA WEB PRESENCE:

http://www.supanova.com.au 

http://www.facebook.com/supanovaexpo   

http://twitter.com/supanovaexpo

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[SUPANOVA COMIC-CON] Interview with Hugh Keays-Byrne

STM’s Sarah Minazzo had a great chat with actor Hugh Keays-Byrne ahead of SUPANOVA Comic-Con and Gaming coming up fast in Melbourne and the Gold Coast


For those who would prefer a TRANSCRIPT of this interview: You can download it HERE

Hugh Keays-Byrne is an Australian actor born in Srinagar, Kashmir (1947); educated and raised in England.

He began his career as a stage actor in England in 1964 working at Theatre Centre Limited, then at The Mermaid Theatre (Sir Bernard Miles company) and for 6 years at the Royal Shakespeare Company. The RSC’s world tour of Peter Brook’s famous production of A Midsummer Night’s dream brought him to Australia in 1973. He decided to stay.

He continued to work in the theatre in Australia through the ’70s; Lennie in Of Mice and Men and Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, both at the Sydney Opera House, were acclaimed productions. In his first year in Australia, he was cast as Toad in Stone(1974) and regular film roles followed; the most significant of these being as Toecutter in George Miller’s debut Mad Max (1979).

Hugh has had significant roles in over 20 films in Australia, among them are: The Man From Hong Kong (1975), THE CHAIN REACTION (1980), Strikebound (1984), Burke and Wills (1985), Kangaroo (1987), Resistance (1992, Co-Writer/ Co-Director, Actor), and Sleeping Beauty (2011).

He has also had roles in a plethora of television productions, including: Death Train (1978), Moby Dick (1998), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1999), and one of his all time favourites as “that chick magnet” Grunchlk in Farscape (2001) and Peacekeeper Wars (2004).

His latest film role is as Immortan Joe in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Hugh has a partner, Christina, of 45 years and lives on the Central Coast, north of Sydney, Australia.

Supanova to Celebrate Mad Max’s 40th Anniversary, and More, at 

April’s Melbourne & Gold Coast Events 

It was on April 12 in 1979 that audiences were first introduced to the iconic dystopian film, Mad Max, with Steve Bisley portraying Max’s right-hand man, Goose, while Hugh Keays-Byrne took on the role of villain Toecutter before triumphantly reappearing as Immortan Joe in Mad Max: Fury Road. So it’s only fitting that these original alumni and Aussie icons are driving their way onto the already talent-packed Supanova Comic Con & Gaming Melbourne (6-7 April) and Gold Coast (13-14 April) lineup. 

To take celebrations up a notch, Bisley and Keays-Byrne will also be headlining the Supanova Superhero Parade (Sunday 14 April) on the Gold Coast that’ll be marching from Broadbeach at 9am, making its way to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre where Supanova will open its doors at 10am. They’ll be joined by hundreds of fans in a variety of costumes to celebrate the Gold Coast Superhero Weekend. 

In further guest news, Supanova favourite Graham McTavish (The Hobbit, Outlander) has also been confirmed. Following an appearance as King Atlan in this summer’s blockbuster, Aquaman, and more voice work as Dracula in Castlevania, McTavish is currently filming the fourth season of Preacher in Melbourne.

Australian publishing imprint IFWG will also have a strong presence, with founder and dark fiction maestro Gerry Huntman (author of upcoming fantasy series Sky Realms Chronicles) appearing in Melbourne and Sydney-based spec-fic author Christopher Sequeira (The Phantom, Sherlock Holmes: The Australian Casebook) gracing both events while also hosting contributor and New York Times bestselling author Nancy Holder (Wicked series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Smallville) at both events.

They will bring a worldwide exclusive to Supanova with the launch of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Was Not, featuring multiple international and award-winning writers.

There’s also Banksia Project recipients, illustrators Alex e Clark (Melbourne exclusive) and Cameron Davis (Gold Coast exclusive), lending their creative talents to the lineup, while comic artist Mike Krome (Zenescope, Valiant, Aspen), writer and illustrator Jan Scherpenhuizen (Possible Press), and Julie Ditrich (Comics Mastermind CEO and Founder) are slated for Melbourne.

The latest guest announcement is rounded out by Australian comic artist Stewart McKenny (Star Wars: Clone War Adventures, Captain America) and local author Brad Mengel, who currently works in Australia’s criminal justice system.

Tickets for Supanova 2019 – Melbourne and Gold Coast are on sale now via Moshtix.

Supanova is a celebration of fandom, where the worlds of film and television, fantasy, comic books, anime, sci-fi, cartoons, books, gaming and collectables comes to life! There’s something for everyone, including ‘cosplay’ (costume-role play), fan clubs, musical performances, creative master classes, celebrity Q&As, wrestling, tournaments, competitions and an expo full of shopping possibilities.

Other Supa-Star Guests already announced for Melbourne and Gold Coast include:

Camila Mendes (Riverdale)

Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf)

Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf, Supergirl)

Eliza Taylor (The 100)

Toby Stephens (Black Sails, Lost in Space)

Stefan Kapicic (Deadpool)

Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory)

Jordan Connor (Riverdale)

Matt Ryan (Constantine, Legends of Tomorrow)

Troy Baker (The Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite)

Nolan North (Assassin’s Creed, Uncharted)

Lucie Pohl (Overwatch)

Jonny Cruz (Overwatch)

Brian Donovan (Naruto)

V.E. Schwab (author – Shades of Magic, Villains)

SUPANOVA BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Supanova Comic Con & Gaming began in Sydney in 2002 as a completely home-grown Australian production showcasing sci-fi, fantasy, comic books, anime, manga, games, cosplay and much more. The brainchild of Founder & Event Director, Daniel Zachariou, Supanova is run by a diverse and passionate team of independent professionals with backgrounds in private industry and the creative sector. Supanova takes place in six cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast), and is Australia’s leading and largest event of its kind with close to 200,000 fans expected to attend the Supanova events in 2019.

Supanova is a celebration of pop culture created by the Supanova family, for your family, to “bring out the inner geek” in fans of all ages. 

SUPANOVA DATES: 

Melbourne: April 5-7, 2019 | Melbourne Showgrounds 

Gold Coast: April 12-14, 2019 | Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

FULL SUPA-STAR GUEST BIOGRAPHIES AVAILABLE AT: http://www.supanova.com.au/guests 

TICKETS: on sale now through Moshtix

SUPANOVA WEB PRESENCE:

http://www.supanova.com.au 

http://www.facebook.com/supanovaexpo   

http://twitter.com/supanovaexpo

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Interview with Tobias Forge (Ghost)

After GHOST’s successful appearance at DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL in Sydney and Melbourne, which no doubt gained a few more thousand fans, STM caught up with the front man himself. You can hear the full interview below.

After GHOST’s successful appearance at DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL in Sydney and Melbourne, which no doubt gained a few thousand fans, STM caught up with the front man himself. You can hear the full interview below.

Described by one writer as “the perfect love song for that special demon in your life,” the new music video for Ghost’s track Dance Macabre, released today, is just that. Two party crashers talk their way into a surreal bash that one will never remember and one will never forget.  The video was directed by Zev Deans (Ghost’s “Square Hammer” video) and is erotic and romantic as only Ghost can do it.

Dance Macabre, already with 15-million Spotify streams, is the second music video and radio single from the Grammy-winning rock/pop band’s most recent album Prequelle (released on Friday 1 June 2018 (Loma Vista Recordings/Spinefarm/Caroline Australia). Simultaneously apocalyptic with catchy, contagious hooks, the song tells of how some people coped with the devastation of 14th century Europe’s Black Plague that wiped out millions – by dancing and partying and seducing until they dropped. The music video puts its own twist on the celebration of the End of Days and beyond.

Twenty-eighteen has been a good year for Ghost. Rats, the first single from Prequelle, held the #1 spot at US Rock Radio for a record-setting nine consecutive weeks. In North America alone, Rats has been streamed more than 14-million times, its companion music video has racked up more than 13-million YouTube views, and Prequelle has accumulated nearly 49-million streams. Ghost recently sold out the very prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, and Metallica just announced the band will be Special Guest on its 25-date European stadium tour next summer.

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Interview with Ella Hooper (Killing Heidi)

Ahead of tours with The Whitlams and The Baby Animals, STM’s Casper had a chance to catch up with Killing Heidi front-woman Ella Hooper about what they are up to and what is next!

They came blazing out of the radio with the aptly titled ‘Early Warning’. “Too young to know,” Suze DeMarchi sang, “Too old to listen.” Now, nearly three decades later, Baby Animals are all grown-up and ready to hit the road to celebrate their 30th anniversary, with special guests Killing Heidi and armed with their first best-of collection, simply titled Greatest Hits and brand new single ’How Do I Make You’.

The tour commences on May 3 at Revesby Workers Club, followed by Sydney’s Metro Theatre on May 4, Croxton Bandroom Melbourne on May 10, with two shows at Adelaide’s The Gov on May 17 and 18, The Astor Perth on May 24 and Metropolis Fremantle on May 25, before concluding in Queensland with Southport RSL on May 31 and Brisbane’s The Tivoli on June 1.

The tour is the perfect marriage of two of Australia’s most loved bands, and the first time that Baby Animals and Killing Heidi have toured together.  Between the two bands, the setlists read like a page from the great Aussie songbook – ‘Early Warning’, ‘One Word’, ‘Painless’, ‘Rush You’, ‘Weir’, ‘Mascara’ – just to name a few.  Fans are in for scorching night of rock and pop!

Baby Animals have been one of Australia’s biggest bands since they burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut. The band was touring with Van Halen in the US when they heard the album had topped the charts. Baby Animals spent six weeks at number one in Australia – keeping Nirvana’s Nevermind out of top spot.

Baby Animals went eight times platinum and won three ARIA Awards – Best Album, Best Debut Album and Best Debut Single. It was also declared one of the Top 25 albums of 1992 in UK rock bible Kerrang!, and Baby Animals performed ‘Painless’ on Late Night With David Letterman.

Baby Animals was later featured in The 100 Best Australian Albums, with the book explaining: “Baby Animals exploded on the Australian music scene with a bracing fusion of heavy metal bravura, a touch of glam dynamics and a look and a swagger.”

Fierce and uncompromising – the first single from the band’s second album was called ‘Don’t Tell Me What To Do’ – Suze DeMarchi was also featured in the book Rock Chicks, The Hottest Female Rockers from the 1960s to Now. “Baby Animals was like a breath of fresh air,” the book stated, “a hard-rocking band fronted by a guitar-wielding, tattooed temptress who could rock with the best of them.”

To accompany their forthcoming tour with Killing Heidi, fans are in for a real treat, with a brand new smokin’ hot Baby Animals single dropping on February 15.  Picture this – the summer of 1980. A teenager with big rock dreams is at her family’s Perth home, listening to one of her idols, Linda Ronstadt. Fast-forward nearly four decades and that teenager, Suze DeMarchi, has recorded a stunning version of Linda Ronstadt’s 1980 hit, ‘How Do I Make You’, with her band, Baby Animals.  It’s a 2.14-minute blast of punky power pop.     

“I grew up listening to Linda Ronstadt,” Suze says, “‘How Do I Make You’ is such a great song, and it was right up our alley. Being a guitar band, we punk it up a little bit, and it’s a lot of fun to play live.”

‘How Do I Make You’ is one of three new songs on Baby Animals’ Greatest Hits, which gathers tracks from the four Baby Animals albums.

It’s been twenty years since Hooper Siblings Killing Heidi released their disarming folk pop song, ‘Kettle’ on triple j unearthed. The band soon expanded into colourful teenage power pop and burst onto the national and international stage with their breakthrough debut album Reflector, released in March 2000.

Anthemic singles ‘Mascara’ and ‘Weir’ made Reflector a blow-out success and cemented the work as one of Australia’s most loved pop albums.

The early naughties belonged to Killing Heidi with Weir placing #2 and Mascara #14 in triple j’s Hottest 100. Reflector went onto to take out four ARIA awards and reach 4 x platinum status. The Hooper siblings also won the critically-acclaimed APRA songwriters of the year award.  

Ella Hooper explains, “What Killing Heidi’s music meant and still means to the people that shared that amazing time with us really blows me away. I meet so many people, especially young women, who tell me how Killing Heidi inspired them to be themselves, back themselves or even start a band, and I’m completely honoured that it had that effect on people.” 

Suze DeMarchi says, “We are so pumped for this tour, and to share the stage with Killing Heidi – can’t wait to get out there and play live again!”

BABY ANIMALS GREATEST HITS TOUR 2019

With Special Guests

KILLING HEIDI

 

Friday May 3 – Revesby Workers Club, Revesby, NSW

Tickets here

Saturday May 4 – Metro Theatre, Sydney, NSW

Tickets from Ticketek and Metro Theatre

Friday May 10 – Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne, VIC

Tickets here

 Friday May 17 – The Gov, Adelaide, SA

Tickets here

 Saturday May 18 – The Gov, Adelaide, SA

Tickets here

 Friday May 24 – Astor Theatre, Perth, WA

 Tickets here

Saturday May 25 – Metropolis, Fremantle, WA

Tickets here

Friday May 31 – Southport RSL, Southport, QLD

 Tickets here

Saturday June 1 – The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD

 Tickets here

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[SUPANOVA COMIC-CON] Interview with Brian Donovan

STM Sarah Minazzo had an amazing chat with voice actor Brian Donovan ahead of SUPANOVA Comic-Con and Gaming coming up fast in Melbourne and the Gold Coast

From surfer dudes to disciplined ninjas, Brian Donovan has created a cavalcade of much-loved characters heard daily on all media platforms. He is every kid’s taijutsu hero, Rock Lee in the world famous anime series, Naruto, and Davis in the smash hit Digimon. Other notable voice performances include Salty in the films Alpha and Omega, Shark in A.T.O.M., Tony in Flint: The Time Detective, Peter Pan in several Disney projects and a buncha ‘guys’ trying to kill Max in the Mad Max video game. Brian was also the head announcer for Disney’s Jetix and ABC Family for over six years.

Brian has worked on camera in dozens of film and television projects with such Hollywood luminaries as Angelina Jolie, Jim Belushi, Gabriel Byrne and Jim Carrey.  Television roles include the award winning Gia, Beverly Hills 90210, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, General Hospital, In Living Color, and Wings. Later this year Brian can be seen in the film Fame-ish, set in the awesome Anime Convention world.

In addition, Brian is the director/producer of the award winning documentary, Kelly’s Hollywood, currently on Amazon in the USA and UK. The film is a very personal portrait of his relationship with his sister, Kelly, who was born with Down syndrome. One of his greatest joys has been screening and speaking about the film around the world, creating awareness and advocating for those with unique abilities. He also created and produced the children’s self empowerment show, Mighty Me Training Camp, a top title for five years on Discovery Education.

When not on set or in a VO booth, Brian is the Executive Director of the nonprofit Los Angeles Repertory Theatre, providing inner-city youth with performing arts workshops. He directed and produced the educational documentary, You Got Issues, about their critically acclaimed workshops.

Brian lives with his family and dog, Cosmo, in Los Angeles, CA.

Supanova to Celebrate Mad Max’s 40th Anniversary, and More, at 

April’s Melbourne & Gold Coast Events 

It was on April 12 in 1979 that audiences were first introduced to the iconic dystopian film, Mad Max, with Steve Bisley portraying Max’s right-hand man, Goose, while Hugh Keays-Byrne took on the role of villain Toecutter before triumphantly reappearing as Immortan Joe in Mad Max: Fury Road. So it’s only fitting that these original alumni and Aussie icons are driving their way onto the already talent-packed Supanova Comic Con & Gaming Melbourne (6-7 April) and Gold Coast (13-14 April) lineup. 

To take celebrations up a notch, Bisley and Keays-Byrne will also be headlining the Supanova Superhero Parade (Sunday 14 April) on the Gold Coast that’ll be marching from Broadbeach at 9am, making its way to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre where Supanova will open its doors at 10am. They’ll be joined by hundreds of fans in a variety of costumes to celebrate the Gold Coast Superhero Weekend. 

In further guest news, Supanova favourite Graham McTavish (The Hobbit, Outlander) has also been confirmed. Following an appearance as King Atlan in this summer’s blockbuster, Aquaman, and more voice work as Dracula in Castlevania, McTavish is currently filming the fourth season of Preacher in Melbourne.

Australian publishing imprint IFWG will also have a strong presence, with founder and dark fiction maestro Gerry Huntman (author of upcoming fantasy series Sky Realms Chronicles) appearing in Melbourne and Sydney-based spec-fic author Christopher Sequeira (The Phantom, Sherlock Holmes: The Australian Casebook) gracing both events while also hosting contributor and New York Times bestselling author Nancy Holder (Wicked series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Smallville) at both events.

They will bring a worldwide exclusive to Supanova with the launch of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Was Not, featuring multiple international and award-winning writers.

There’s also Banksia Project recipients, illustrators Alex e Clark (Melbourne exclusive) and Cameron Davis (Gold Coast exclusive), lending their creative talents to the lineup, while comic artist Mike Krome (Zenescope, Valiant, Aspen), writer and illustrator Jan Scherpenhuizen (Possible Press), and Julie Ditrich (Comics Mastermind CEO and Founder) are slated for Melbourne.

The latest guest announcement is rounded out by Australian comic artist Stewart McKenny (Star Wars: Clone War Adventures, Captain America) and local author Brad Mengel, who currently works in Australia’s criminal justice system.

Tickets for Supanova 2019 – Melbourne and Gold Coast are on sale now via Moshtix.

Supanova is a celebration of fandom, where the worlds of film and television, fantasy, comic books, anime, sci-fi, cartoons, books, gaming and collectables comes to life! There’s something for everyone, including ‘cosplay’ (costume-role play), fan clubs, musical performances, creative master classes, celebrity Q&As, wrestling, tournaments, competitions and an expo full of shopping possibilities.

Other Supa-Star Guests already announced for Melbourne and Gold Coast include:

Camila Mendes (Riverdale)

Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf)

Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf, Supergirl)

Eliza Taylor (The 100)

Toby Stephens (Black Sails, Lost in Space)

Stefan Kapicic (Deadpool)

Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory)

Jordan Connor (Riverdale)

Matt Ryan (Constantine, Legends of Tomorrow)

Troy Baker (The Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite)

Nolan North (Assassin’s Creed, Uncharted)

Lucie Pohl (Overwatch)

Jonny Cruz (Overwatch)

Brian Donovan (Naruto)

V.E. Schwab (author – Shades of Magic, Villains)

SUPANOVA BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Supanova Comic Con & Gaming began in Sydney in 2002 as a completely home-grown Australian production showcasing sci-fi, fantasy, comic books, anime, manga, games, cosplay and much more. The brainchild of Founder & Event Director, Daniel Zachariou, Supanova is run by a diverse and passionate team of independent professionals with backgrounds in private industry and the creative sector. Supanova takes place in six cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast), and is Australia’s leading and largest event of its kind with close to 200,000 fans expected to attend the Supanova events in 2019.

Supanova is a celebration of pop culture created by the Supanova family, for your family, to “bring out the inner geek” in fans of all ages. 

SUPANOVA DATES: 

Melbourne: April 5-7, 2019 | Melbourne Showgrounds 

Gold Coast: April 12-14, 2019 | Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

FULL SUPA-STAR GUEST BIOGRAPHIES AVAILABLE AT: http://www.supanova.com.au/guests 

TICKETS: on sale now through Moshtix

SUPANOVA WEB PRESENCE:

http://www.supanova.com.au 

http://www.facebook.com/supanovaexpo   

http://twitter.com/supanovaexpo

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