Next year’s Easter period is already bursting with huge international acts touring Australia in March and April.
Not least thanks to Bluesfest 2013, with its mammoth bill that includes Robert Plant, Santana, Status Quo, Iggy Pop, and many more, all delivering whistle-stop tours on top of their Byron Bay commitments. Then there’s metal legends Black Sabbath and KISS and Mötley Crüe’s co-headline tour to contend with.
The pick of the bunch however, would have to be the one, the only, Bruce Springsteen, and as previously reported, The Boss himself is making his away to Australia for 2013, for what will be his first visit to our shores in a decade since his tour for The Rising in 2003 with the legendary E Street Band.
Playing three dates in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne in March next year, Springsteen fans are really chomping at the bit for tickets to the one-off performance on the March 30th Easter Saturday at Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges, and Frontier Touring Promoter Michael Gudinski has confirmed with News Ltd that he’s put together a dream bill for the show.
The Mushroom Group mogul tells the paper that Cold Chisel vocalist Jimmy Barnes will support The Boss at his Hanging Rock concert, saying “Jimmy is the perfect fit for a Bruce Springsteen show.” Gudinski also notes that the powerhouse vocalist had to change his touring schedule to accomodate the new support slot with Springsteen.
Gudinski has had a successful run of performances at the iconic geographic location, located near his home in the Macedon Ranges. In 2010, Gudinski staged the Helpmann Award-winning performance by Leonard Cohen, while the following year Rod Stewart played the Reserve, just outside Woodend, with Diesel as support.
“We wanted to make it something special,” said Gudinski. “I have a real passion for Hanging Rock. I have huge dreams for more shows at that place. It’s beautiful.”
Joining Barnesy in sharing a stage with The Boss are Menangle, NSW four-piece The Rubens, who have been going from strength to strength since realeasing their eponymous debut in September, swiftly becoming one of Australia’s most popular new bands (as evidenced by their position in the recently launched ARIA streaming chart). “We wanted to make it something special. I have a real passion for Hanging Rock. I have huge dreams for more shows at that place. It’s beautiful.” – Michael Gudinski, Frontier Touring
The Rubens will kick off the all-day concert, the last date of Springsteen’s Australian tour, which Gudinski is tipping will potentially be filmed for a future DVD release.
As for support acts for Springsteen’s other three arena-sized shows, don’t hold your breath, as the 63-year-old blue collar hero and his talented six-piece ensemble – featuring Max Weinberg, Steven Van Zandt, Patti Scialfa, Garry Tallent, Roy Bittan, and Nils Lofgren – play shows of up to 31/2 hours.
“He is at the peak of his performing,” remarks Gudinski of the marathon E Street Band set. “The show is relentless. He doesn’t talk much, he just nails it out.”
The record boss is also expecting a stampeded of fans wanting to get tickets for all off Springsteen’s shows when they go on presale tomorrow at noon – but especially the coveted Hanging Rock performance now that Jimmy Barnes and The Rubens have been added to the lineup.
“We’re not getting as many shows as I would have liked, so all I can say is people better move fast,” cautioned Gudinski.
Those dates may have been restricted by one little fact, that Springsteen has been rumoured to be added to the bill for Bluesfest 2013, taking place around the same Easter period. With Peter Noble reportedly in the United States recently, negotiating and securing an unknown special guest as one of the last locked in for Bluesfest.
Still, there’s no point taking any chances, this could be the last chance to see The Boss for some time yet.
General tickets go on sale on Friday 14 December and are priced between $128.90 and $211.40, with further information at frontiertouring.com
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Australian Tour 2013
Tickets: $99.50 – $212.35 for arena dates
Hanging Rock Tickets: $128.90 – $211.40
Thursday 14th March – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Tickets: ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Monday 18th March – Allphones Arena, Sydney
Tickets: ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Sunday 24th March – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Saturday 30th March (Easter Saturday) – Hanging Rock, Woodend
Tickets: ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
