They’re two of music’s most acclaimed bands boasting two of music’s most compelling front women – Deborah Harry leading the wondrous Blondie and Chrissie Hynde fronting the mighty Pretenders.
As a double-bill, it’s a world first! It’s also an absolute cracker and that’s exactly what fans can savour when Blondie & The Pretenders co-headline a November/December tour of ‘A Day On The Green’ winery shows in all states and, in conjunction with Frontier Touring, theatre shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.
This very special double header launches the 2010/2011 ‘a day on the green’ season, the event’s 10th anniversary. A bumper summer of concerts are planned to celebrate this significant milestone, so let’s get the partee started!
Both The Pretenders and Blondie have enjoyed great success in Australia, fuelled by a stream of timeless Top Ten hits and the popularity of Hynde and Harry. Both ladies have always escaped the usual clichés of women in rock and are unquestionably two of the most important and influential women to have graced the stage. As co-headliners, the bands will alternate in closing the shows.
Blondie emerged from the late 70’s New York punk scene and quickly became music, style and pop culture icons selling more than 40 million albums. They scored hits with reggae, rock/disco, hip hop and pop songs bursting with great hooks and brilliant, ironic lyrics. ‘Heart Of Glass’ was Blondie’s first US #1 in 1978 opening the floodgates to a run of 14 Top Ten US hits including ‘The Tide Is High’, ‘Call Me’, ‘Rapture’, ‘Picture This’, ‘Rip her To Shreds’, ‘Hanging On The Telephone’, ‘Union City Blues’ and ‘Atomic’ , racking up a phenomenal five US and five UK number one singles.
Debbie, founding member & song writing partner Chris Stein and long-time drummer Clem Burke have just completed their first new album in six years titled ‘Panic Of Girls’, set for release later this year, and on June 8 commence a world tour in the UK.
Australia has always had a special place in the band’s heart, being the first country in the world to give them commercial success when Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum mistakenly played ‘In The Flesh’ (the B side of a single) on Countdown in 1976. After a 25 year hiatus, Blondie toured Australia five years ago and can’t wait to get back.
When co-headliners The Pretenders last toured with ‘a day on the green’ three years ago, Chrissie Hynde declared the concerts ‘some of our favourite shows of all time’. “I am so excited to be coming back to Australia – some of the most fun audiences we’ve ever had – and the beautiful countryside! Yes, we can’t wait to rock out down under. See you soon you crazy Aussies!!”
The Pretenders are undoubtedly a special band with a special place in history. Their brand new live CD & DVD ‘Pretenders-Live In London’ (Liberator) captures one of their many electrifying performances and is a timely reminder of what a great rock band they are. With hits like ‘Talk Of The Town’, ‘Kid’, ‘Back On The Chain Gang’, ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’, ‘Middle Of The Road’, ‘Message Of Love’, ‘ I’ll Stand By You’, ‘Stop Your Sobbing’ and ‘Brass In Pocket’, The Pretenders may have been rockin’ for 30 years but their authenticity has never diminished.
As always ‘a day on the green’ is pleased to showcase two Australian artists as support acts, Melbourne five-piece Little Red and Magic Dirt’s Adalita.
Little Red boasts three lead singers and a feel-good mix of back to basic rawness with timeless classicism. They've toured the country and played many of Australia's premiere music festivals to glowing reviews and lots of dancing. With a brand new album slated for release later this year and a UK tour imminent, Little Red look set to follow on from the success of their 2008 debut 'Listen To Little Red' in a major way this year. Little Red will perform at all winery shows.
After being at the forefront of the Australian rock scene for more than a decade with iconic rock band Magic Dirt, lead singer Adalita has taken time out to record her first solo album, due out soon. The singer/guitarist played her first ever solo shows last year where she initiated new and old fans with her brilliant new songs and trademark powerful vocals. Adalita will open all shows, winery and theatres.
After more than 210 shows and 1.5 million happy patrons, Roundhouse Entertainment is proud to be celebrating its landmark 10th anniversary. The ‘a day on the green’ experience of good food, good wine and great music is firmly established as one of Australia’s most popular concert events.