Paul Simon - Live at Sydney Entertainment Centre

The Paul Simon tour heads to the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Tuesday 2nd April. 

In the wake of the 25th anniversary of his musical landmark, Graceland, Simon will bring fans a performance spanning all eras of his illustrious career: from beginnings in the folk clubs of early 1960s Greenwich Village, to the warm and anthemic fruits of his celebrated partnership with Art Garfunkel and his acclaimed solo career.

Widely regarded as one of the most successful and prolific songwriters of the latter half of the 20th century, Simon has consistently penned songs that are mature and literate, but also melodically engaging.  Lyrically, with an astute political and social conscience, he has at times spoken to the concerns and uncertainties of a generation, yet also focused on the personal sentiment.  

In the early 1960s, the folk revival swept New York City, and a new breed of singers and songwriters introduced a new approach to the craft of creating tunes – at the forefront was Paul Simon.  As the 60s gave way to the 70s and 80s, Simon expanded his musical palette and helped introduce many rock and pop fans to world music with his outstanding release, Graceland. 

Although Paul Simon's unique, carefully constructed contributions to music could be called innovative, he insists that the process has a lot to do with discovery. "I'm more interested in what I discover than what I invent. You don't possess it. You can't control it or dictate to it. You're just waiting. Waiting... for the show to begin."  With that credo, he brings his critically acclaimed most recent album to showcase in Australia: So Beautiful or So What.  

Taking more than a year to perfect, Simon has revealed that So Beautiful or So What reminds him of his very first solo release, his acclaimed 1972 album, Paul Simon.  It has been getting rave reviews, not least from his contemporaries.  “This remarkable, thoughtful, often joyful record deserves to be recognised as Paul Simon’s very finest achievement.” – Elvis Costello

Joining Paul Simon on at this Sydney show is the enigmatic Rufus Wainwright – one of the world’s true original contemporary artists.  Recently in Australia for a national tour, Wainwright once again wooed audiences with his staggering live performances off the back of his latest offering, the acclaimed Mark Ronson-produced album Out Of The Game.  With grace and humour, craft and confidence, the album is a remarkable return to the pop world of Rufus Wainwright – showing his scope of sounds and styles, unified by both his incomparable voice and the lucidity of his vision.

Do not miss out on this rare opportunity to witness Paul Simon with special guest Rufus Wainwright.

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Simple Minds, Devo, The Church - Sydney Entertainment Centre Friday 7th December 2012

They defined a generation, are revered by critics and adored by fans. In an epic career spanning 30 years and more than 60 million albums sold, Simple Minds travelled from the streets of Glasgow to become one of the world’s biggest bands with a musical majesty that still inspires awe.

Devo’s pioneering sound, style and philosophy had a profound effect on the new wave movement. Influential, subversive and downright entertaining, Devo’s cult status quickly spread to the mainstream.

In what promises to be one of the most captivating tours of the year, Simple Minds and Devo will perform indoor shows and the popular a day on the green winery series later this year.

Joining them, and adding another highlight to savour, will be one of Australia’s finest, the church. Simple Minds, Devo and the church all in one night – now that’s what we call a concert not to be missed!

The tour is the first announcement for the next a day on the green summer season, the event’s 12th year. Eclectic 80s popsters Models, led by Sean Kelly, will open all a day on the green shows.

Simple Minds has had a lengthy love affair with Australia since tasting success here for the first time anywhere in the world with their first hit single ‘Love Song’ and first Gold album ‘New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)’. A stellar array of hits followed like ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’, ‘Alive and Kicking’, ‘Love Song’, ‘Promised You A Miracle’, ‘Glittering Prize’ and ‘Waterfront’ spanning eight Top 20 albums.
Lead vocalist Jim Kerr says: “Australia holds a very special place in the heart of Simple Minds. It was the first country anywhere in the world to embrace our music and we have wonderful memories of the tours we’ve done. We’re extremely excited about playing in Australia again.”

In the live concert arena, Simple Minds have few peers. This is a band that has played countless sold out stadium tours including three times at Wembley stadium, has been voted the prestigious Q Magazine’s ‘World’s Best Live Act’ and has retained an enviable reputation as one of THE great live concert bands.

Simple Minds commence a lengthy European tour in late June in support of their just released box set “Simple MindsX5” which features their ground-breaking first five albums ‘Life in a Day’, ‘Real to Real Cacophony’, ‘Empires and Dance’, ‘Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call’ and ‘New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)’ as well as a bonus disc of rare and previously unavailable B-sides and remixes.
According to the UK Guardian Newspaper “Simple Minds are suddenly alive and kicking again” whilst the Metro says: “It’s official, Simple Minds are cool again.”

There’s no denying the influence Devo – brothers Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh and Gerald and Bob Casale - have exercised over a new generation of artists. Invitations to play the Livid Festival (1997) and Splendour In The Grass (2008) on past Australian sojourns is testimony to their currency with music fans.

Devo was an extension of a multi-media exploration of the concept that mankind's progress had ceased, and the process of de-evolution had begun. Their early work from the visionary debut ‘Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo’ caught the attention of such icons as Brian Eno and David Bowie, and with hits like ‘Whip It’ and ‘Girl U Want’ and the accompanying revolutionary music videos, the group became one of the defining acts of the 1980s.

Devo’s surrealist and highly innovative stage shows have been an influence on artists from Rage Against the Machine to Lady Gaga. Kurt Cobain once said, "Of all the bands who came from the underground and actually made it in the mainstream, Devo is the most challenging and subversive of all."

In 2010 Devo released their first album in 20 years ‘Something For Everyone’ and have re-ignited their passion for live performance They are about to tour the US with Blondie so will be in fine form when they hit Australian shores again. DEVOtees..... expect the unexpected!
Having recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, the church continue to redefine what it is to be a band, evolving without compromise.

From the debut album ‘Of Skins and Heart’ through to 2009′s lush, organic masterpiece ‘Untitled #23’, lead vocalist and bassist Steve Kilbey, guitarists Peter Koppes and Marty Willson-Piper and drummer Tim Powles (now an active member of the band for 17 years), continue to pleasure their fans with a combination of chemistry, talent and a desire for excellence, unique and distinctive guitar sounds and thought-provoking lyrics.

Models induction into the 2010 ARIA Hall Of Fame was recognition of the status this pioneering Melbourne band has always held. Led by Sean Kelly and James Freud and emerging from the post new wave scene, Models’ produced ground-breaking albums ‘The Pleasure Of Your Company’ and ‘Out Of Mind Out Of Sight’. Kelly has continued to work as a producer and performer with his solo combo and leading various Models reunions.

 Sydney Entertainment Centre Friday 7th December 2012
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