Aussie piano-based alt pop outfit The Whitlams are ending their 3-year hiatus and playing a 1-off Melbourne show with the Melbourne Pops Orchestra this June, playing the group’s greatest hits with the backing of the 45-piece orchestra.
Tim Freedman and company will be symphonically showcasing such hits as No Aphrodisiac and Keep the Light On at Hamer Hall at the end of June. The band are no strangers to classical accompaniment, having undertaken a similar tour back in 2007 with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Freedman has described working with an orchestra as “like being hit with a velvet hammer”.
The Whitlams saw a high rotation of band members in the ’90s but this show will feature the same line-up they’ve had since 2001. The band has been virtually unheard from since their 2009 greatest hits release, Truth, Beauty and a Picture of You, although Freedman did release a solo record in 2011, Australian Idle.
No news yet as to whether we can expect any new material from the band, nor whether Freedman has any plans to tour The Whitlams outside of this special event, but fans of the triple-ARIA winners are nothing if not optimistic – we can always hope for more dates after this one.
Tickets are on sale from Wednesday, 3rd April via Arts Centre Melbourne and Ticketmaster.
The Whitlams with the Melbourne Pops Orchestra
Friday, 28th June
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, Melbourne
Doors Open 8pm
Tickets from $85 +BF via Arts Centre Melbourne and Ticketmaster
