Unfortunately due to ill health of one of The Darkness band members, the up coming Australian Tour for The Darkness and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts has now been cancelled. Please find the below statement from The Darkness management regarding the cancellation:
“It is with great regret that we are having to cancel The Darkness’ planned April dates in Australia / New Zealand. As some of you maybe aware, Ed has had some prior history with hip problems, which resulted in extensive surgery a few years ago, and caused him to miss some US dates in 2012. Unfortunately, over the course of the past few weeks’ touring, Ed has been feeling that all is not right in that department, and has been advised to undergo some rest & tests before potentially taking a backwards step and
making matters worse.
He will continue with the last few European shows and will then be forced to take some time out immediately to ensure him back to 100% fitness. This very sadly results in the immediate cancellation of the Antipodean tour. We will of course look to reschedule dates into our scheduling and itinerary as soon as possible but have nothing solid to be able to make work currently hence this being a cancellation rather than a postponement. All ticket holders can get refunds from the point of purchase.
The Darkness also feel that to visit countries which do not get enough shows by them as it is, and not have the full, proper and original band line-up, is simply not the right thing to do. To that end there won’t be any possibility for stand in’s or alternative Ed’s for these shows and we won’t be touring with any ersatz model! We hope to have details of
re-scheduled shows very soon. The Darkness sends its most heartfelt apologies to everyone involved and look forward to seeing you all as soon as possible.”
As a result Joan Jett & The Blackhearts will not be heading to Australia at this time.
Related:
** Read our interview with Frankie Poullain – THE DARKNESS
** Read our live review of The Darkness @ UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney – 6 May 2012
** Check our photos of The Darkness live @ Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane – 4 May 2012
** Check our photos of The Darkness live @ UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney – 6 May 2012
** Live review of Sunset Sounds 2011 includes Joan Jett
** Photos! Joan Jett And The Blackhearts live @ Sunset Sounds 2011, Brisbane
ORIGINAL TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT
When The Darkness announced their Australian tour in 2012, the shows sold out within the first hour. New shows were added, and those sold out not long after. In 2013 they return to our shores with legendary rock goddess Joan Jett and her band the Blackhearts for four very special co-headline shows in April.
The rise, fall, and rise again of The Darkness contains all the ingredients of a classic rock opera. The basics are a matter of public record: unfashionable good-time hard rock band from Lowestoft slog their way around the Camden pub circuit, build a word-of-mouth following that can fill theatres without a record deal, then rocket to world stardom selling over 3 million copies of their debut album worldwide, winning three Brit awards and becoming one of the biggest British rock bands of the Noughties.
After their dramatic demise in 2006, The Darkness returned triumphantly to the world stage to the open arms of fans and critics alike, delivering their world famous live sets, and their third studio LP Hot Cakes (2012).
The original line up of Justin Hawkins (vocals/ guitar), Dan Hawkins (guitars/ backing vocals), Frankie Poullain (bass), and Ed Graham (drums) return to Australia in May.
Joan Jett is an originator, an innovator and a visionary. As the leader of the hard-rocking Blackhearts, she’s had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles including the classics Bad Reputation, I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll, I Hate Myself For Loving You, and Crimson and Clover, and she sits at the head of her own independent label, Blackheart Records.
Since co-founding the Runaways, the pioneering all-girl punk quintet, at age 15, Jett’s determination and drive have kept her in the public eye. Jett was able to see her story told in The Runaways, the film based on (lead singer of The Runaways) Cherie Currie’s book Neon Angel starring Kristen Stewart as Jett, and her fellow A-lister Dakota Fanning as Currie. Jett was close to the project: She served as an executive producer.
In 2010 Joan Jett and The Blackhearts came to Australia after a fifteen year absence to headline The Falls Music and Arts Festivals in VIC and TAS, and Sunset Sounds in Brisbane, gathering a whole new generation of Aussie fans who fell in love with her classic tunes and unflappable punk rock attitude.
“If there was a list of essential components for a successful rock n’ roll experience, you could start ticking them off within minutes of The Darkness appearing.”
Sydney Morning Herald
“Hi energy didn’t fade during the 19-song set, the singer completed a mid-air split from the drum rise, a handstand, and was carried on the shoulders of a security guard while playing guitar in the crowd.” Newcastle Herald
“It is her first appearance on Australian shores in 15 years, and she’s giving the 16,000-strong audience stellar versions of the Runaways’ timeless punk classic – “Cherry Bomb” among them – as if they were fresh cuts.”
Rolling Stone Magazine
“Joan Jett is one of the sassiest women in rock.” Frankie Magazine
“Joan Jett had already stripped down to a bikini top and is giving the audience an education in just what rock and roll is all about.” ~ Life Music Media
Related:
** Read our interview with Frankie Poullain – THE DARKNESS
** Read our live review of The Darkness @ UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney – 6 May 2012
** Check our photos of The Darkness live @ Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane – 4 May 2012
** Check our photos of The Darkness live @ UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney – 6 May 2012
** Live review of Sunset Sounds 2011 includes Joan Jett
** Photos! Joan Jett And The Blackhearts live @ Sunset Sounds 2011, Brisbane
Garage rocker’s Jackson Firebird will join the tour nationally.
Tickets on sale Monday February 11th 2013 at 9am
www.theactualdarkness.com || www.joanjett.com || mcmanusentertainment.com
The Darkness & Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
Australian Tour 2013
With Special Guests Jackson Firebird
Tickets On Sale Monday February 11th 9am
Tue April 2, 2013 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre – ADELAIDE – SA
Tix $99 + BF from Ticketek.com.au 132 849
Doors open 5.30pm
Thur April 4, 2013 – The Riverstage – BRISBANE – QLD
Tix $99 + BF from Ticketmaster.com.au 136 100
Doors open 5.00pm
Fri April 5, 2013 – Hordern Pavilion – SYDNEY – NSW
Tix $99 + BF from Ticketek.com.au 132 849
Doors open 5.30pm
Sat April 6, 2013 – Hisense Arena – MELBOURNE – VIC
Tix $99 + BF from Ticketek.com.au 132 849
Doors open 5.30pm
www.theactualdarkness.com || www.joanjett.com || mcmanusentertainment.com