When two icons collide, you are up for an evening of rather decent music as well as tall tales and true. The legendary Robyn Hitchcock (The Soft Boys) is touring Australia by himself and as part of a double act with the equally legendary Steve Kilbey (The Church) throughout May and June.
Since founding the art-rock band The Soft Boys in 1976, Robyn has played with many respected musicians. His list of achievements is so long I recommend you visit his website to get a full picture, but suffice to say he has been cited as an influence on a diverse range of musicians including R.E.M.
Robyn is playing two gigs to celebrate Bob Dylan’s birthday, covering classic Dylan songs. He will then play two gigs celebrating the 30th anniversary of his own album, “I Often Dream of Trains”. In 2008 Robyn Hitchcock toured Britain and America playing this classic 1984 album in its entirety. In New York, director John Edginton captured the show for the film ‘I Often Dream Of Trains in New York’. Robyn was chosen by Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel to perform ‘I Often Dream Of Trains’ at the English All Tomorrow’s Parties festival in March 2012.
Steve Kilbey left the UK at the tender age of three years old and grew up in the capital of Australia, Canberra. Fifteen years, he later formed The Church, one of Australia’s most iconic, influential and resilient bands. And one of the best bands in the world, but I may well be biased. Sometimes burdened by The Church’s huge international hit “Under The Milky Way”, Steve and The Church have continued to make uncompromising and mesmerising music over thirty years.
The two join together for some evenings of acoustic guitars, beautiful songs and banter entitled “Insects and Stars”. And given their self-proclaimed status as grumpy lefties, there should be plenty of bite too. A couple of the nights have additional presence of Australian legend Dave Mason, from the quirky Dubbo band, The Reels. It promises to be a very entertaining series of gigs and we hope to bring you a review and photoshoot.
Tour details are as follows:
Robyn Hitchcock Solo
Bob Dylan’s Birthday gigs
Friday May 23rd – The Basement, Sydney
Friday May 30th – The Flying Saucer Club, Melbourne
I Often Dream of Trains gigs
Saturday May 31st – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
Friday June 6th – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
Also appearing with Steve Kilbey in ‘Insects and Stars’
Saturday May 3rd – Melbourne Arts Centre Playhouse (with special guest Dave Mason)
Saturday May 10th – The Metro, Sydney (with special guest Dave Mason)
Friday May 16th – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
You can get tickets from: www.tombowler.com.au/hitchcock-kilbey/.
*want to join our Australian writing team? Contact us jimbackseatmafia@yahoo.co.uk
