"The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them." - Albert Einstein

And so with such an obviously simple yet blatantly genius statement setting the perfect tone…Ladies & Gentleman (and all good & great supporters of HOMEBAKE), we do have a very special HOMEBAKE announcement for 2008. It’s been many years in the planning with continual circumstances having prevented it becoming reality. However, the last two years have witnessed HOMEBAKE HQ reignite the planning process for this very special theme. Without the need to become the proverbial ‘political animal’, HOMEBAKE 08 will focus on an important (and apolitical) social messaging brought about by an overwhelming feeling of universal change all under the moniker of HOMEBAKE 2008 - Peace In The Park!

Since welcoming the new millennium, Australia’s last great celebration of cultural acceptance was the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Since that period, the world has experienced much enforced conflict and turmoil via war, fear, and political instability all resulting in a sometimes intolerant society. Albeit that we are stating the obvious, this year’s spectacular HOMEBAKE will focus on an apolitical theme of peace and freedom from conflict without the need for protest – ie; a theme based on a universal attitude of change and with a social slant towards an overall era of wanting (and accepting) of peace and unity. As has been made evident via the attitudes of many cultures throughout the world (and resulting in the changing of government hierarchies – including our own), we invite the masses to join the local music film and arts communities at HOMEBAKE as we celebrate this special theme in the most appropriate and spectacular surroundings of The Domain in central Sydney city.

Joining HOMEBAKE in 2008 will be the internationally acclaimed human rights organization, Amnesty International, with which a massive part of our combined awareness campaigns will be the recognition and celebration of a very special occasion (and ironically coinciding with the time period of HOMEBAKE) – this being the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Described as the most translated document in the world, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948 at Palais de Chaillot, Paris. It consists of 30 articles which outline the view of the General Assembly on the human rights guaranteed to all people – no matter race nor religious beliefs. For further information, please visit http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html

With such important messaging, we did search for the most appropriate acts to fill the ‘proverbial shoes’ that will need to be worn on our stages this year. And of course, the ‘most appropriate’ for such a special event includes none other than one of our most universally acclaimed bands ever (...and even quoted as such by none other than Sir Paul McCartney himself)…please welcome for the first time ever to HOMEBAKE’s humble stages:

CROWDED HOUSE…What more can be said about this most iconic act that has not already been expressed via the many thousands of gushing critical reviews written throughout the world. Whether on record or via live performance, Crowded House remain one of Australia/New Zealand’s most respected and important bands to have graced the world stages; achieving massive hits throughout America, the UK, Europe, Scandinavia and of course within their home territories throughout their incredible career. In 2007, Crowded House released their first chart topping album in ten years titled ‘Time On Earth’ and spawning a much heralded and welcome return to the stages via a headline appearance at Live Earth. Originally being proposed as a solo album for Neil Finn, through the intervention of time, chance and tragedy (and dare we add fate), after much procrastination and emotional thought, the world was once again graced with the presence of Crowded House. Since that period, Crowded House have been performing to packed houses including shows throughout the UK, Europe and Russia as well as a main stage appearance at the recent 2008 Glastonbury Festival. Sydney city will never forget the amazing and historical spectacle that was Crowded House performing on the forecourt of the Opera House to an estimated audience of 200,000 on November 24th 1996. Come December 6th 2008, history will once again be created as Crowded House return to perform just metres away from that same location – although this time, within the hallowed grounds of the Domain, Central Sydney City as they join us for this incredibly special version of HOMEBAKE.