Tokyo's legendary funk-garage rockers Zoobombs are back.
After more than a decade away from Australian stages, the unstoppable sonic force returns for a long-awaited tour this week with gigs in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne (x2 shows).Fusing raw, garage energy with deep funk grooves and fearless improvisation, Zoobombs have captivated audiences worldwide, from SXSW to Primavera Sound, and shared stages with the likes of The Black Keys and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion.
First turning heads down under on the Big Day Out festival tour in 2001, their high-octane performances left a lasting imprint on Australia's underground music scene. Now, they're bringing the fire back. Get ready for a mind-bending, groove-heavy ride when Zoobombs hit the stage.
A big fan of the group is Australian musician and Regurgitator bassist-vocalist Ben Ely, who has had a chat with Zoobombs' founding member, vocalist-guitarist Don Matsuo.
Hey Don how are you? It's been a long time since we played a show together. What's been happening with you and the band?
Hi Ben! It's great to see that your band is doing well. My band has been going through a metabolism, except for Matta, who I have not been doing well with.
The rhythm section we brought in last year is going to kill you! Looking forward to it. We've done Japan a few times so far, and a two-week tour of Canada, so we're all set.
As I get older I feel myself changing, appreciating sleep and exercise. I find it harder to stay up late to play shows, haha. When you play live you put a lot of energy into your performance. Does it feel strange playing music that you released two decades ago? Does it bring up feelings of your youth? Does it keep you energised?
For me, performing music is the greatest joy in life.
I feel that I get energy from the feedback from the performance rather than from creating my own energy. Or it is just passing through. When I am playing, I have become a shaman, so to speak; I play songs from 30 years ago not as a reminder of the sensations and emotions of that time, but they are like keys to becoming one with the music.
Some fans may not accept the change from time to time, but I am fine with that. The most important thing is to maintain my physical strength so that I don't get swallowed up by the energy of the music, of course. I may be defeated by the delicious Australian wines and beers, although I have become completely weak against alcohol.
Have you been touring Japan recently? How has touring in Japan changed since your band first formed?
I think there is a tendency to be more inward-looking toward the world than before. I myself am a person who likes to feel connected to the world, so I am a little dissatisfied with this current situation, but there may be some interesting music that can be produced by not being involved with the outside world in a Galapagos way.
The younger generation enjoys music in their style. I don't know how things will turn out because times are innocently impermanent, but I believe that the positive power of music is eternal.
Will we see some new releases for the Zoobombs?
Yes, we are planning to record a new album with a new rhythm section. We have finished recording the new album with a new rhythm section and are in the process of mixing it in Canada. We will not be able to sell the album on this tour, but we will play many songs from it.
Is there any new acts coming out of Japan you can share with us?
I don't think of it as a Japan-only scene now, but there is a lot of new talent coming out of Japan that I am overwhelmed by. I try to engage with them personally and play with them.
What are you most looking forward to returning to Australia?
I would like to have a lot of relationships with local musicians if possible! I hope to see old friends (who I would also love to play with you) live and die and make new friends. I would be very interested to see how audiences would react. I would also personally enjoy the changes in Melbourne, where I lived for a time and where I toured.
What's your favourite place or thing to do whilst in Australia?
I love everything about Australia. God only knows if I will be able to return again next time. So I want to love everything I see, hear, touch and eat. Is that OK with you?!
We are very excited to see you coming back to Australia and we can't wait to experience Zoobombs live in action! Thanks for the interview.
Zoobombs 2025 Tour Dates
Thu 29 May - Crowbar BrisbaneFri 30 May - Crowbar Sydney
Sat 1 Jun - The Evelyn (Melbourne)
Sun 2 Jun - Kindred Studio (Melbourne)
