Australia News: Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker Joins Wiggles; Great Southern Nights; UK Trade Deal Benefits NZ

AUSTRALIA

Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker Joins Wiggles

In an unusual pairing, psychedelic-rock Tame Impala’s leader Kevin Parker joined kids group The Wiggles on stage for a run-through of his “Elephant” and the group’s signature tune “Hot Potato” when their “Fruit Salad TV Big Show Tour” hit Perth’s RAC Arena.

The Wiggles recorded “Elephant” for their ABC Music album of rock covers, ReWiggled, which gave them their first No. 1 album. Their “Elephant” version topped the global triple j Hottest 100 countdown January 2022.

Parker said, “When I got the invitation I knew it was a once-in-a-life time opportunity so it was an obvious, yes. The Wiggles are the real rock stars in this world. I was pretty nervous!”

Great Southern Nights Put 1,000 Acts Onstage

The latest round of Great Southern Nights, the New South Wales (NSW) government and Australian Recording Industry Association’s initiative to keep live music afloat during the pandemic, proved another success.

From March 18-April 10, more than 1,000 major and emerging acts played in 500 venues to an estimated 75,000 punters, injecting the entire foodchain with badly needed funds.

Singer songwriter Missy Higgins said, “It’s just so good to finally have opportunities to play live music again!” while Brisbane-based rockers Sheppard noted that playing their first NSW headliner in two years allowed them to do a fundraiser for local Tweeds Coast flood victims.

NEW ZEALAND

Execs Hail Benefits Of UK Trade Deal 

Six months after the United Kingdom/ New Zealand Free Trade Agreement was struck, the UK music biz praised how it generated “exciting opportunities for our thriving music industry.”

The benefits cited included extended copyright protection, cutting red tape and expanding a digital marketplace.

The stronger relationship also implied greater touring, with Tony Harlow, CEO of Warner Music UK, observing, “NZ has always been an important market for our talent and a place where they often first see international success.

“Artists like Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran have had spectacular success there, and Ed’s latest tour broke all records.”

Veteran guitar manufacturer George Lowden reported “significant growth” in exports in NZ.