This time last year the delightful Hat Fitz and Cara were riding high. They’d toured Europe, receiving great acclaim for their wonderful Wiley Ways album, and had then come home excited for the album’s Australian release and tour. Wiley Ways reached the top of the Australian Blues Charts (it stayed firmly in the charts for 12 months), and received rave reviews all round. To top things off, Hat Fitz & Cara’s shows and festival appearances were attracting large, often sell-out crowds. It seemed that Australia as a whole had finally caught on to the charm, wit and wonderful musicality of the wee lass from Ireland and the big, bushy Queenslander.

Then in December 2012 Cara was involved in a near fatal car accident, not far from the home she shares with life and musical partner Fitz. A driver pulled out in front of her while she was travelling at 70kms an hour, leaving her with nowhere to go. Fractured ribs, a damaged 9th vertebrae, a sprained back and neck and substantial frontal lobe bruising, along with a whole world of pain, brought the progress they had made to a grinding halt. But Cara was lucky to be alive, and they were grateful for it. Together, Cara and her gentle giant Fitz tackled the doctors’ & specialist appointments and the resulting legal wrangling, while keeping their family fed and afloat.
Continue reading Hat Fitz & Cara – “Fighting Fit” Tour – January 2014 →