NEW GIGS

Fusing the musical prowess of Matthew Murphy, Dan Haggis and Tord Overland-Knudsen, The Wombats are an established and forward-thinking Indie Rock phenomenon. From first crossing paths while studying at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, this musically gifted trio with a well-crafted penchant for the glorious leftfield has gone on to wow the planet!

Their debut album ‘Guide To Love, Loss And Desperation’ released in 2007 was a phenomenal success. Combined sales of indie dancefloor singles ‘Kill the Director’, ‘Let’s Dance to Joy Division’ (winner of the 2008 NME Award for Best Dancefloor Filler), ‘Backfire At The Disco’ and ‘Moving to New York’ reached over 300,000! The trio then embarked on a two-year world tour, during which Liverpool’s biggest exports in over a decade played to well over a million people, selling out headline shows across the globe.

The release of ‘This Modern Glitch’ in April 2011 has seen the band take their career to the next level. The album instantly received widespread critical acclaim and was hailed as ‘Album of the Week’ on both Triple J and RADAR Radio. It was catapulted all the way to the number two position on the ARIA charts, featuring hits such as “Techno Fan”, “Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)”, “Jump Into the Fog” and “1996”.

After touring Australia last year to sold-out crowds, The Wombats are back for a spate of live shows at Future Music Festival as well as intimate DJ shows.

Catch them on The Espy decks, Sunday March 11 (Labour Day eve).

Tickets on sale HERE

After an insane set back in July last year, DJ Rudeboy, The Mighty Astrix , Skitter & Mish, collectively known as Salmonella Dub DJ Sound System are heading back to The Espy!

The soundsystem will feature Dj Rudeboy cutting up a selection of the bands remixes and dubplates, with Skitter, Ants and Mich on power house horns and the Mighty Asterix on the Mic.

Last time their party starting abilities blew our minds and the boys reckon you blew their minds, so lets do this! ROUND 2.

Salmonella Dub DJ Sound System, Friday March 2 at The Espy. Free entry.

Our favourite Central American siblings, The Cuban Brothers are heading back to The Espy to whip you into a frenzy with their zany cabaret, Friday 24th February.

There are two things The Cuban Brothers do better than absolutely anyone: perform and party. This shizz is a wild act of camp musical theatre serving beats, soul and sex; shaken and stirred. It’s Cuban. It’s cabaret. It’s comedy. It’s COOL.

The throbbing members of the Cuban Brothers will deliver let’s-get-physical dancing, rapero, Cubano and chico. There’s a reason they are live entertainment darlings the world over, and you’re about to find out why. It’s a wild act of club-camp musical theatre featuring crazy characters serving broken beats, soul and sex in a show combining cabaret, comedy, rapping and Cuban cool.

Born of the loins of 70’s Havana, the Brothers were nurtured on a diet of soulful, sexy tunes and Cuban mythology. Performance pants will be pulled up tight and therein guarantees the boys will deliver let’s-get-physical (break)dancing, rapero, Cubano and contemporary soul music.

Don't miss out!!!

The Cuban Brothers at The Espy, Friday 24th February. Guests to be announced, free entry.

In March 2012 James Walsh lead singer, songwriter and frontman of critically acclaimed UK band Starsailor will be performing a series of solo acoustic shows on Australia’s East Coast.

In less than 10 years Starsailor achieved what most bands can only dream of. In 2001 and then unknown, they were hailed as “the new Coldplay” after only their second gig, then they landed the cover of NME magazine which propelled their debut album – featuring James’s trademark lovelorn voice and epic songs into the spotlight and a million sales followed. Starsailor released 3 further albums including the Phil Spector produced ‘Silence is Easy’ and to date have sold over three million albums globally, had 10 top 40 hits (Four to the Floor, Silence is Easy, Good Souls, Tell me it’s Over, Alcoholic etc), toured the world with their own sell-out shows, performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, T in the Park and the Isle of Wight Festival, and toured with the likes of the Rolling Stones, U2, The Police and The Killers.

After almost a decade of enormous success fronting Starsailor, James took the difficult decision to put the band on hold and since then he hasn’t looked back. He has emerged as a singer-songwriter in his own right, with an acoustic guitar and some big tracks to travel wherever the road may take him. This March 2012 the road will take him to Australia where he will be performing a series of live acoustic shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Bryon Bay.

”I am very excited to be doing my first solo headline tour in Australia. I'd like to thank the Australian fans who've waited almost 10 years since the last Starsailor appearance for their patience and support. Can't wait to get out there!” says James.

Melbourne: Friday 23rd March - The Esplanade Hotel

BUY TICKETS HERE

Corona and The Espy are proud to present the Corona Sessions featuring Donavon Frankenreiter. This singer/songwriter /pro-surfer is hitting our shores next month and The Espy are happy to be hosting a free entry show here in the front bar on Friday Feb 3.

When Donavon was 10 years old, he got his first surfboard. Six years later, he picked up his first guitar. It was the beginning of a wildly creative journey: His improvisational twin obsessions have carried him around the globe and into his fans’ hearts.

With the combination of his laid back attitude, cruisy indie beach tunes, inspiring nature and a sense of humour that have seen him build a loyal fan base all over the world - his live shows are one of a kind.

Catch Donavon Frankenreiter at The Espy, Friday Feb 3. Special guests to be announced. Free entry!

St Kilda Fest celebrations are happening at The Espy Sunday Feb 12 with The Vasco Era, Clairy Browne & the Bangin' Rackettes, Joelistics, Ganga Giri, The Pretty Littles, Dale Ryder Band, The Marabou Project, Bad Boys Batucada, Mu-Gen, AC/DSHE and Home To Kelly.

PEZ

MANTRA

THUNDAMENTALS (SYD)

AJ (UK)

ACUMEN

DJ FLAGRANT AUSSIE HIP HOP VIDEO SHOW

SKY HIGH (SYD

M-PHAZES

SLAP 618

HOSTED BY REASON

PLUS SUPER SPECIAL GUEST DIRECT FROM THE UK THE ONE & ONLY SHORTY BLITZ

& MORE TBC.

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY JAN 23 HERE

UNWRITTEN LAW inhabits the upper echelon of successful punk bands, bands whose substance and longevity overshadow the countless hordes of imitation, fly-by-night pop-punk operations riding a one-way train to anonymity.

UNWRITTEN LAW have reached unprecedented heights amassing a passionately loyal fan base and releasing 6 critically acclaimed albums including their genre defying breakthrough self titled album which spawned the hits ‘Teenage Suicide’ and ‘Lonesome’ which went on to define an entire generation.

Returning with their 6th studio album ‘Swan’, UNWRITTEN LAW have produced one of their best records of their career with Killyoustereo.com calling it a “Defiant, anthemic powerful effort for one of pop-punks mainstays”.

With a Grammy nomination, millions of album sales and conquering stages across the globe, ZEBRAHEAD are fueled by pure determination…and a lot of beer!

There are no signs of slowing down for ZEBRAHEAD with the release of their latest album to date ‘Get Nice!’ with front man Ali Tabatabee enthusing. “I think this album will definitely win a Nobel Peace Prize, get you a raise, and get your girlfriend pregnant all at the same time. It's that good”

Renowned across the world for their explosive and amusingly entertaining live shows ZEBRAHEAD make their maiden voyage to Australian shores for two sidewaves.

Just good entertainment – that’s what Sweden’s rock and n roll powerhouse ROYAL REPUBLIC does best. Their sweat filled live performances leave scorched earth and venues reduced to rubble in their wake!

Some bands need a little time to work their way into the consciousness of the rock public. ROYAL REPUBLIC on the other hand are one of those rare creatures that simply kick their way through the door with explosive energy and an arsenal of songs aimed at your head like guided missiles!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW - BUY HERE

WEDNESDAY 29TH FEBRUARY MELBOURNE, THE ESPY – 18+

Don’t miss your chance to farewell one of metals’ greats!

Closing the curtain on a stellar career spanning two decades, doom metal legends CATHEDRAL announce their last ever headline shows as part of two exclusive sidewaves in Sydney and Melbourne, giving Australian fans an opportunity to be a part of metal history.

Twenty years, in which they’ve proved themselves to be a band who not only transcend metal, but all or any genre classifications one might attempt to restrict them within. Yet far beyond all expectations, their ninth album, ‘The Guessing Game’ is their boldest outing and is “a collection of timeless tracks that could easily span the decades” – Rock Sound

CATHEDRAL’S legacy will well and truly continue, with the band releasing their final studio album ‘ The Last Spire’ in 2012 an expression of gratitude to their cult following.

PARADISE LOST have pioneered gothic metal. Their desire to evolve and stay ahead of musical trends continues with their latest effort ‘Faith Divides Us Death Unites Us’ “a record of epic beauty with so many moments of genius” – Rock Sound.

Get ready for battle! One of the most exciting live bands in the world; Finland’s battle metal masters TURISAS, is once again setting course for Australia.

TURISAS’S blistering live shows are etched in metal folklore so don’t miss the opportunity to witness one of the “artists of the decade” – Terrorizer

THURSDAY 1ST MARCH MELBOURNE, THE ESPY18+

TICKETS HERE

Gifted producer & DJ KRUSH is heading our way this March!

An internationally acclaimed producer, remixer and a DJ, producing music in vast variety of fields such as films, TV dramas and commercials. He has done countless collaborations with artists transcending genres.

He has performed in front of over 4 million audiences in 296 cities of 49 countries. And he still continues to renew this record, transcending all barriers, and leaving some distinctive footsteps of his own, achieving ever-increasing acclamation as an international artist.

DJ KRUSH (JPN) 20TH ANNIVERSAY TOUR

with DJ RANSOM

CUMBIA COSMONAUTS

MANCHILD

SATURDAY MARCH 3 AT THE ESPY.

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY JAN 23 HERE

Having built a radio and telephone system at the age of 10 years, it was no surprise that Mad Professor's interest and subsequent career in electronics along with a love of Motown, Philadelphia International, Treasure Isle and music of all types propelled him onwards and upwards.

DUB ME CRAZY, the first in a 12 part series of albums, was to become his beacon for the label. With an episode being issued every year, the titles all told a different story. Beyond the Realms of dub – Dub me crazy Pt2, The African Connection – Dub me crazy Pt3, and Dub me crazy Pt 7 – Adventures of a dub sampler.

By the mid Nineties, Mad Professor’s profile increased to legendary status After remixing Massive Attack’s second album, Protection. No Protection was instantly received by all corners of the globe, benefiting from Virgin / EMI international launch pad. Professor’s personal Dub tours were increased to be a major part of his schedule, along with further remixes which include: Clementine, Tracy Spencer, The Boom, Danny Red, Depeche Mode, Jamiroqui, Rancid, KLF, Beastie Boys, Cidade Negra, Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction) along with the Massive Attack dub extravaganza all benefiting from the Mad Professor touch.

Fresh demand for his dub show has taken the Ariwa Sound to many far flung places. Mad Professor has become an annual visitor to South America, Playing also Argentina, Chile, and Venezuela, Australia, New Zealand, Estonia, Portugal and many more.

Catch Mad Professor at The Espy, Friday March 9. Free entry.

Saltar Hype & Crush Media presents...

ROCK THE BAY 2012

DEAD LETTER CIRCUS

FLOATING ME

TWELVE FOOT NINJA

BELLUSIRA

TEN THOUSAND

TIM McMILLAN BAND (album launch)

BUGDUST

I, SAID THE SPARROW (WA)

NEW SKINN

DECORTICA (NZ)

I AM DUCKEYE (EP launch)

MOROCCAN KINGS

FREESTATE

SUB ATARI KNIVES

POETIKOOL JUSTICE (SA)

ENNIS TOLA

EMPRA

SHADOWGAME

TABULA RASA (SA)

FREE TO RUN

RHYMADA

FISKER

APACHE MEDICINE MAN

THE MORRISONS

SIGNET MAE

CITRUS JAM

OUT OF ORBIT

PHIL PARA BAND

Doors 3.30 pm.

Tickets $45+BF on sale HERE

They have no right to be this good, really they don’t. Fifteen years since their last release Chicago-born hep-cats Urge Overkill return with a brand new album Rock & Roll Submarine - and no better way to celebrate than a welcome return visit to Australia this coming March.

In the live setting, the band have effortlessly picked up from where they last left off. Stopping by for a brief visit to Australia in 2006 after initially reforming, the shows, including a performance at Canberra’s Stonefest reminded everybody of just what great presence Urge Overkill possess.

“Urge Overkill took the stage and launched into an incredibly loud and powerful set, blowing away any pre-conceptions of “Will they be any good, have they still got it?” They were quite simply, fucking amazing” - Fasterlouder.com.au

And now here they are back in all their crushed velvet glory, fully armed with a back-catalogue of solid gold nuggets to launch at us - Sister Havana, Positive Bleeding, Bottle of Fur, The Break, Somebody Else’s Body, Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon as well as firing off some new tunes from Rock & Roll Submarine all guaranteed to have you stompin’ for more.

Catch Urge Overkill in The Espy Gershwin Room THURSDAY 8TH MARCH 2012.

Tickets on sale now HERE

If you were hoping to hear the crunching sounds of a re-formed BODYJAR live at the Corner Hotel on March 31 next year you can forget about it. The show sold out within days. But despair not...

Surprised and blown away by the overwhelming response from a discerning public, the entire line-up of bands are taking the trip down memory lane not once, but twice with an extra date added here at The Espy, Friday March 30 2012.

BODYJAR w/ ONE DOLLAR SHORT, ANTISKEPTIC, GAME OVER, FOR AMUSEMENT ONLY, STRATHMORE, SECONDS & THE UNION PACIFIC

FRIDAY MARCH 30, 2012 - ESPLANADE HOTEL, ST KILDA.

Tix on sale Friday December 16 from www.espy.com.au, www.oztix.com.au and all Oztix outlets