Some of Australia’s best-loved bands are heading to the Hunter Valley this weekend for an afternoon of top rock music.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Grape Escape at Hope Estate, which forms part of the Hope Rocks series, will feature Hoodoo Gurus, You Am I, Ratcat, Steve Kilbey of The Church, GANGgajang, The Allniters and The Kids.
Hoodoo Gurus are one of Australia's greatest and most enduring rock bands.
For more than three decades the Hoodoo Gurus have consistently been one of the most inventive, lyrically smart and exciting rock ‘n’ roll bands in Australia.
And they’ve done it with style, panache and a wicked sense of humour. They are consistent chart-toppers, ARIA Hall of Famers and co-curators of the Dig It Up!
The Gurus have influenced an entire generation of bands including the likes of You Am I, The Living End, Dallas Crane, Grinspoon and many others.
Hoodoo Gurus who have earnt their household name, are up there with the greats in the industry having produced songs like What's My Scene, Like Wow – Wipeout, Bittersweet and I Want You Back.
Hoodoo Gurus front man Dave Faulkner said he was excited to be playing in the Hunter’s wine region.
“I love music and I love wine, so what could be better than to put 'em both together? Hoodoo Gurus, You Am I, Ratcat at Hope Estate? As they say in the trade, that's a top drop!”
You Am I have had one of the longest and most successful recording careers in Australia.
Featuring guitarist and vocalist Tim Rogers along with band mates Russell Hopkinson on drums, Andy Kent on Bass, and (since 1999) Davey Lane on guitar, You Am I have released ten studio albums to date.
The band have won a total of Ten ARIA Awards including Album of the year, Best Group, and Best Independent Release.
Ratcat set the indie music scene alight, causing a stir amongst the major labels in 1990 with their Tingles EP and became known for their pop / punk guitar rock. They hit the big time by grabbing the coveted No. 1 spot on the ARIA chart for their smash single That Ain’t Bad.
Since arriving in Australia half a century ago, Steve Kilbey has forged a unique and frighteningly individual stream of musical thoughts including the church’s accidental signature tune, Under The Milky Way, being sung along with him by countless Australians.
GANGgajang was formed in 1984 when Mark Callaghan, previously of The Riptides, and Buzz Bidstrup and Chris Bailey formerly of The Angels, were commissioned to write songs for the ABC TV program Sweet & Sour. The songs became a debut album with hit singles Gimme Some Lovin, House of Cards, Giver of Life and the classic Sounds of Then (This is Australia).
Sydney act The Allniters are considered the pioneers of Australian ska after they introduced the unique new style of music to the country in the '80s. THE Allnighters will always be remembered for their big sound, cracking tunes and eccentric exuberance.