Philadelphia Grand Jury have never done things the conventional way.
From launching their first album, ‘Hope Is For Hopers’, by playing shows around Sydney on the back of a truck, to recording in a dangerously unfinished building site, to holding a listening party for their latest album ‘Summer Of Doom’ on a free bus around the city. So it somehow makes sense that they're about to embark on a concept tour, taking their already infamous crowd interaction to the next level.
Getting personal at up-close venues around the country, the Philly Jays will be creating their very own karaoke bars where some lucky fans will be able to get up on stage and join the band to sing their favourite Philadelphia Grand Jury songs. There might even be some classic karaoke covers thrown in there as well.
Band member Simon Berkfinger leads us on a tour of his favourite karaoke rooms in Australia. Bless.
1. Ding Dong Lounge - Sydney
Hot damn! The warehouse space above Ding Dong Lounge has been for lease for about nine years now. I once called the real estate agent and it was a bit too much money for the likes of me, but it seemed shifty, almost like they didn’t want to rent it out. So what the hell is going on up there? And what has it got to do with the hot, sweaty, aesthetically perfect karaoke lounge below?2. Small Ballroom - Newcastle
I once sang 'Love Is In The Air' to a front bar of fanny-laden tradies at a fantastic drag night here. Good PA, nicely shaped room. Hosts ran you through the mill a little, but I like to think that I proved myself.3. Brunswick Hotel - Brisbane
My wife is from Brisbane and she tells many a hazy-eyed, glory-day tale about this karaoke night. I think this legendary place has been known to get loose and also has a perfectly ironic song selection. Of course my wife just screams an insolent, off-key rendition of ‘Build Me Up, Buttercup’ every single time.4. Jimmy’s Den - Perth
I don’t know if they normally do karaoke here, but after we are done with rocking this joint in a couple of weeks it’s going to be Perth’s hottest hot-spot. I just thought I would put this in because I am really looking forward to checking out this place and technically, all the venues we are playing will now be karaoke bars.5. Humpty Doo Tavern - NT
Oh and this looks good, I bet you would come back with some stories.Philadelphia Grand Jury Tour Dates
Fri 27 May - The Brightside (Brisbane)Fri 3 Jun - Transit Bar (Canberra)
Sat 4 Jun - Jimmy’s Den (Perth)
Fri 10 Jun - Brighton Up Bar (Sydney)
Sat 11 Jun - Yah Yah’s (Melbourne)
