Darren Hayes has announced a tour of Australia as well as a new track ‘Do You Remember?’ which will be featured on an upcoming solo album to be released later this year.
Hayes was the headline act at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on 5th March. From the minute he hit the stage with his dancers, he owned the vast stadium. No one in the audience on Saturday night needed any reminding of his talent, amazing songs and brilliant voice. As I walked out of the Sydney Cricket Ground, I was behind a group of people who were all in their early twenties and they were gleefully singing his songs-released when they were probably still in nappies, but still as catchy and inspirational today as they were back then.
The new track ‘Do You Remember?’ is a follow up to the more personal single, ‘Let’s Try Being In Love’ that was released earlier this year. The video for ‘Do You Remember?’ was shot by Hayes’ husband, Richard Cullen.
Hayes wrote and recorded ‘Do You Remember?’ in his home in Los Angeles. He says that it was inspired by his love of the music of artists such as Prince and George Michael.
| “From a production point of view this is what I have always wanted to do but never had the skills until now. It reminds me of what I loved about songs from George Michael’s ‘Faith’ and some of my favourite Prince records from the late 80’s. It’s all about the groove.“ |
Building on the theme of, ‘Let’s Try Being In Love’, which Hayes has said reflected his regret at not being able to celebrate his sexuality at the time when Savage Garden were at their peak, ‘Do You Remember?’ lyrically describes Hayes’ first gay kiss.
Hayes experimented with a Linn drum machine and was determined to recreate the sounds of the 80s that he loved in this new track. The song features a fat bass sound with Hayes’ flawless, soaring voice over the top. It marks a return to form-music that is made for the club, it has an addictive, relentless beat that that is irresistible and a bridge that is a nod to that other great 80s icon, Madonna.
In more good news, Hayes has announced he will be consolidating his amazing performance at the Mardi Gras and the new single by embarking on an Australian tour in 2023. Tickets are available here.
| “You never know how much you love something until it’s taken away from you,” Darren Hayes said. “After almost a decade out of the spotlight and all this time in lockdown I found myself really missing the electric feeling that only a live audience can bring. After 25 years in the music industry, I feel like we’ve grown up together. To sing these songs again after all we’ve been through is going to feel like a family reunion. I’m beyond excited to return.” |
DARREN HAYES AUSTRALIA 2023 TOUR DATES
| Tuesday, January 31st 2023 RAC Arena Perth Monday, February 4th 2023 Sidney Myer Music Bowl Melbourne Wednesday, February 7th 2023 Aware Super Theatre Sydney Thursday, February 8th 2023 Entertainment Centre Newcastle Saturday, February 11th 2023 Entertainment Centre Brisbane Sunday, February 12th 2023 Convention & Exhibition Centre Gold Coast |
