Australian News 8/23

Noisy Gold Coast clubs, Staging Connections, Chemical Brothers, Kristin Hersh, ‘The Last of the Big Shows,’ ‘I’m With The Band,’ Amplifire, Richie Sambora?, Woolworths, Elvis, Harry Shearer, Rhino Urban Awards, ..

 

Police Yell At Noisy Clubs

Police have been investigating Gold Coast nightclubs and discovered they play their music far too loud and their lighting is way too low.

At well more than 110 decibels, which can damage hearing after 15 minutes of exposure a day, police say it should be at about 96 db.

Police are worried that this could affect the health of patrons and staffers, and have sent a report to Liquor Licensing.

 

Staging Connections Acquires Venues

Philip Black, director of venues at Staging Connections, announced the signing of 11 new venues in Australia and New Zealand. This brings to 75 the total number of venues in which the company has an onsite base and provides integrated event and audiovisual services.

Staging Connections also appointed Matthew Danks as venue project manager. He has worked with the company for 11 years in Perth, Sydney, Fiji and New Zealand.

 

Chemical Bros., Hersh Back

British electronic duo Chemical Brothers are set to return in mid-March for two arena shows for Future Entertainment.

Kristin Hersh will head downunder after a 13-year absence for six dates in mid-October.

"The Last Of The Big Shows" couples U.S. ‘60s acts Bobby Vee, Lesley Gore, and "Crash" Craddock with Aussies Lonnie Lee & The Leemen and The Dekroo Brothers for five theatre and arena shows October 4-13.

The tour is a tribute to American-born, Australian-based pioneer promoter Lee Gordon.

He brought Johnny Ray, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra to Australia in the 1950s. And his rock ‘n’ roll packages that included Haley & The Comets, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard meant Australia embraced rock long before England or Europe.

 

Short Notes

The inaugural independent music expo "I’m With The Band" was postponed "until further notice." No reason was given. Organisers were expecting 15,000 people over the three days.

Stuart McCulloch’s Brisbane-based management company Amplifire sent a stern cease and desist letter to rightwing Queensland senate candidate James Baker for unauthorised use of singer/songwriter Pete Murray’s song "Better Days" on his Web site without permission.

Adelaide resident Romeo Pacifico pleaded guilty to 19 counts of fraud totaling $17.5 million for claiming to be Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora when getting bank loans. Most of the houses he bought have been repossessed over the last few years.

New club Rosies launches September 1 in Edward Street, Brisbane. Saturday nights are indie club night Common People. Wednesdays are Club Phoenix-Inferno, which is metal and heavy rock. Booker and promoter Ciel Lindley Fuller said, "I want the club to be a major live music venue."Jet will perform half-time entertainment at the Australian Football League’s grand final in mid-September. The league also approached Sting to perform, but he reportedly wanted A$2 million.

The Phonographic Performance Company of Australia’s bid to increase rates in nightclubs and dance parties for recorded music could cost Woolworths A$65 million, claimed the Crikey Web site. Many of the larger pubs and nightclubs are owned by department stores.

Elvis Presley impersonator Dean Vegas is running for mayor of Gold Coast.Andrew McManus’ pairing of The Beach Boys, Daddy Cool and Christopher Cross has added four new dates.

Comedy writer and actor Harry Shearer, who provides the voice for five characters in "The Simpsons," is keynote speaker for the commercial radio conference and awards in Melbourne’s Crown Casino in October.

Hilltop Hoods won for best hip-hop group and album at the Rhino Urban awards in Sydney. Among the other winners, Tyree took best male and Jade MacRae best female. In the best club night category, Sydney’s Red Room was the Australian winner, and RnB Superclub at the Float in New Zealand.