As Hoodoo Gurus prepare to embark on the 40th anniversary tour of their iconic debut album 'Stoneage Romeos', frontman Dave Faulkner reflects on the journey that brought them to this milestone.
"When we broke up for six years back in 1998, it was going to be forever, but after four years, I realised that I was only depriving myself of a lot of enjoyment," he recalls. "We've been going now as long subsequent to that six-year gap as we had been before we broke up. So it's been a career of two halves."
The upcoming tour promises to be a nostalgic yet electrifying celebration of the band's legacy and enduring appeal spanning generations of Aussie music lovers around the country, as they play their debut in full, as well as performing other hits from their expansive back catalogue.
The tour's success is already evident, with sold-out shows and additional dates still being announced. "It's been crazy. I mean, obviously we are really thrilled," Faulkner says.
The tour will take the band to iconic venues across Australia, including Sydney's Enmore Theatre and Coliseum Theatre, Melbourne's Palais and Forum, and Brisbane's The Fortitude Music Hall.
"I think there's another show being announced soon," Faulkner adds, highlighting the overwhelming response from fans. However, the tour's planning hasn't been without its challenges.
The recent passing of their long-time manager Michael McMartin left the band in a precarious position. "Our new manager had to hit the ground running and he put the tour together in a few days," Faulkner recalls.
"We had no idea what the attitude of the audience would be, whether people would want to see this or whether we would sell out any of the shows, really. So it was kind of like a bit of a wing and a prayer a little bit as far as booking shows."
Despite initial uncertainties, the reception from fans has been nothing short of "ridiculous," and the band is deeply grateful. Reflecting on the album that started it all, Dave reminisces about the band's early days.
"When we started, we were very much on the outside of what was considered to be correct and proper for music," he recalls.
"We were playing guitars for a start and everyone else was on drum machines and synths – that was the pop music and that was contemporary music, and that was the artists that people were trying to sign up as far as record companies go – and we were just a throwback to something that was obviously considered to be so quaint and out of step with the times."
Hoodoo Gurus' signing to the independent label Big Time Records was initially met with skepticism from the industry, but the band's unique sound and energetic live performances quickly won over audiences.
"We were never created by media exposure," Faulkner explains. "We got a live following and people started to basically create a market for ourselves."
The recording process of 'Stoneage Romeos' was a blend of creativity and experimentation. "It was just fun going in there and getting to basically pretend you're The Beatles or whoever," Faulkner says, recalling the joy of bringing their musical fantasies to life. "We made it over a period of probably about six or eight months."
Alan Thorne, who served as the engineer and producer, played a crucial role in shaping the album's sound. "I still love the sound of that first album. I think it still sounds very cool," Dave adds.
Yet the band's journey was not without its struggles, particularly in breaking into the international market. "We had to start that campaign all over again," Dave notes about their efforts in the US.
Despite the "gatekeepers" who tried to keep them out, Hoodoo Gurus managed to carve out a dedicated following abroad – yet they have never seen a royalty cheque from 'Stoneage Romeos' in the US, and "probably never will".
The anniversary tour also features an impressive revolving line-up of support acts, including Tumbleweed, GANGjajang, Adalita, Dallas Crane, and Screamfeeder.
"It's great to bring that back around full circle as well," Faulkner says, acknowledging the shared history and previous shows with these bands. "First and foremost, we're a live band, and these are bands that we've had a history with."
While nostalgia plays a significant role with the tour, Faulkner emphasises the band is not solely living in the past. "We are still making music, which is the most exciting and most enjoyable part of the whole thing," he asserts.
The band's ability to remain relevant and connect with new generations of fans speaks to the timeless quality of their music. When asked how 'Stoneage Romeos' would fare if released today, Faulkner is confident of its enduring appeal.
"I think we'd go amazingly," he says, pointing out the advantages of modern technology and the internet in bypassing the traditional gatekeepers the band had issues with in the past. "Obviously the big problem nowadays of course is sticking out amongst the trillions of people that are clamouring for that attention," he adds.
If he had to choose one song from 'Stoneage Romeos' to attract a Gen Z listener to the Gurus now, Faulkner says it would be 'I Want You Back'.
"It's kind of got all the effervescence of the melody and it jumps out at you, and the lyrics have kind of got a little bit of fibre to them," he laughs.
"There's a story under there that it's not just a simple story, it's actually kind of complex in its emotions because it's someone who is in a sense kind of got an axe to grind against a past relationship; at the same time you kind of wonder as to whether they're a reliable narrator."
As the tour approaches, Faulkner and the band are preparing for the physical demands of performing. "It's hardest on me vocally," he admits, but says that playing shows helps him stay in shape.
"I'm actually less healthy off the road than I am on, because I don't drink and I'm doing aerobic workouts every night," he says. "The diaphragm is a very large muscle in your body. So when you're singing and basically moving and playing guitar as well, you're working up a sweat."
Hoodoo Gurus 2024 Tour Dates
Wed 13 Nov - Anita's Theatre (Wollongong)* new showThu 14 Nov - Anita's Theatre (Wollongong)* sold out
Fri 15 Nov - Civic Theatre (Newcastle)* sold out
Sat 16 Nov - The Entertainment Grounds (Central Coast)
Thu 21 Nov - Forum Melbourne* new show
Fri 22 Nov - Palais Theatre (Melbourne)* sold out
Sat 23 Nov - Hindley Street Music Hall (Adelaide)
Thu 28 Nov - Llewellyn Hall (Canberra)
Fri 29 Nov - Sydney Coliseum Theatre
Sat 30 Nov - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)* sold out
Sun 1 Dec - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)* new show
Thu 5 Dec - Eatons Hill Hotel (Brisbane)* new show
Fri 6 Dec - The Station (Sunshine Coast)* sold out
Sat 7 Dec - The Fortitude Music Hall (Brisbane)* sold out
Sun 8 Dec - Miami Marketta (Gold Coast)* sold out
Thu 12 Dec - Astor Theatre (Perth)* selling fast
Fri 13 Dec - Astor Theatre (Perth)* sold out
Sat 14 Dec - Astor Theatre (Perth)* new show
