The Stems, the legendary garage rockers from Western Australia, have announced a national tour in August 2024. It’s been a stretch since their last foray in 2019, but the original trio—Dom Mariani, Julian Matthews, and Dave Shaw—are back. They’re roping in the celebrated Ashley Naylor, known for his stints with Even, Paul Kelly, and The Church, to wield the guitar alongside them. This reunion is more than just a series of gigs; it’s a homage to the momentous occasion that kicked off their journey four decades ago. In 1984, at the Old Civic Theatre in Inglewood, Western Australia, The Stems made their striking debut, opening for the legendary Australian acts, The Saints and The Triffids.
The Stems emerged from Perth’s vibrant music scene and carved out a niche for themselves with a sound that was a heady mix of ’60s garage rock vibes – think snarling fuzz-tone guitars, ominous organs, and a blend of garage-punk and power pop that was pure gold. Their live performances were nothing short of electrifying, and their songs had a way of sticking in your head long after the music stopped.
By the late ’80s, they’d made their mark with a string of singles and EPs, culminating in the iconic “At First Sight – Violets are Blue” LP in 1987. But just as they were hitting their stride, they called it quits. Fast forward to 2003, and The Stems were back, playing to packed houses across the country. They’ve kept the momentum going, touring regularly not just in Australia, but also in Europe, Japan, and the US.
In 2023, they dropped a vinyl album, “Mushroom Soup,” featuring some tracks that had been out of circulation for a while. The album shot up to number 3 on the ARIA charts, proving that their magic hadn’t faded. As they gear up for their tour, they’re not just looking back; they’re also looking forward. They’re set to release a brand new single and a live LP, capturing the raw energy of one of their recent shows. It’s a nod to their past and a glimpse into their future, all rolled into one.
THE STEMS – 40th ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL TOUR
SATURDAY AUGUST 24
CORNER HOTEL | Melbourne
SUNDAY AUGUST 25
THE GOV | Adelaide
FRIDAY AUGUST 30
THE ZOO | Brisbane
SATURDAY AUGUST 31
MANNING BAR | Sydney
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6
FREO. SOCIAL | Perth
Tickets – direct from venues or HERE.
