Melbourne punk institution The Meanies are heading back on the road this March, lining up shows across Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Woy Woy and Aireys Inlet. The run includes appearances at regional gatherings Lawncore and Aireys Music Festival, placing the band squarely back in rooms and fields that suit their history.
The New South Wales dates came together via Lawncore, the all-ages punk, metal and rock ’n’ roll festival held in Newcastle’s Wickham. According to frontman Wally Meanie, the timing aligned neatly with a long-overdue Sydney stop at the Link & Pin and two Victorian festival bookings, while also providing a convenient window to catch a game at the SCG. Practicalities aside, the run lands as the band resumes activity following October’s release of Shutdown.
That single marked the first public glimpse of a forthcoming double album of long-lost recordings. Shutdown itself was tracked 25 years ago with Shane O’Mara at Yikesville Studios for an album that never materialised, and it arrives backed by covers from Frenzal Rhomb and Leeches!. Remaining copies are available via Cheersquad Records & Tapes, and the tour will also see the debut of new band merch featuring artwork by Ben Brown.
Formed in 1988, The Meanies emerged from Melbourne’s late-’80s underground, bridging pop-punk melody and hardcore pace at a moment when Australian guitar music was shifting shape. They became staples of the all-ages circuit and familiar names on Triple J and the Big Day Out, sharing stages with bands ranging from Nirvana and Pearl Jam to Beastie Boys and Bad Brains. After a long gap between albums, their later-period releases It’s Not Me It’s You (2015) and Desperate Measures (2020) signalled a renewed focus rather than a reboot. This March run continues that steady return to the road.
THE MEANIES MARCH 2006
Sun March 1 Brunswick Ballroom, Vic
Fri March 6 Botany View Hotel, Newtown, NSW
https://botanyviewhotel.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/c9a0ae88-ca78-4674-a04c-8125c0afd871
Sat March 7 Lawncore, Newcastle, NSW
https://events.humanitix.com/lawncore-26
Sun March 8 Link & Pin, Woy Woy, NSW
https://www.trybooking.com/DIPOM
Fri March 13 Aireys Music Festival, Aireys Inlet, Vic
https://www.aireysinlet.com.au/general-3-1
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