In celebration of the 35th anniversary of their seminal album Entertainment!, post-punk instigators Gang of Four are coming to Australia in 2014 for a string of headlining tour dates. The legendary punk rockers will perform the entire 1979 album in full, plus all the hits that followed across Australian stages this March.
Entertainment! is credited with inspiring a generation of rock groups over the past 35 years. Giant rock bands like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, INXS, R.E.M. and U2, have spoken of their debt to Gang of Four, who were amongst the first acts to mesh punk rock with smooth funk and infused it all with a strong political viewpoint. Their influence continues to be detected in today’s post-punk bands such as The Rapture, Nine Inch Nails and Bloc Party.
The band were out here for Soundwave a few years ago, but the lineup this time around has changed slightly. Founding guitarist Andy Gill is still on the roster, Thomas McNeice will take on the bass while John Gaoler is on lead vocals. Gaoler has been working with the Gang for the past two years has been described as “captivating,” with an “uncommon voice.” Gang of Four are currently working on a new album which will be released sometime in 2014.
UPDATE 9:06pm 22/01/14: Gang of Four have announced that joining them for their upcoming Australian shows will be the critically-acclaimed New Zealand noise pop three-piece Die! Die! Die!, who recently unveiled their self-released fourth studio album, Harmony.
Die! Die! Die! have managed to fit four studio albums, extensive tours, working with legendary producer Steve Albini, and worldwide acclaim into eight short years, and will be helping Gang of Four celebrate the 35th anniversary of Entertainment!.
Meanwhile, locals Fait Accompli will be joining both bands for the Sydney show at the Metro Theatre on Thursday, 20th March.
Gang Of Four Australia 2014 Tour Dates
w/Die! Die! Die!
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Tix: Via Corner Hotel
Thursday, 20th March 2014
Metro Theatre, Sydney
Tix: Via Ticketek
w/Fait Accompli
Saturday, 22nd March 2014
HiFi, Brisbane
Tix: Via Oztix
Sunday, 23rd March 2014
Capital, Perth
Tix: Via Oztix
