It will be the first time the Oils will take to the stage together since 2009. And while many diehard fans always knew the band would reform, the announcement is still pretty special.
With frontman Peter Garrett's political career over, there is also talk of a solo album.
Yes. In the midst of everything else there's music in the air. #aussierock #MidnightOil and a few songs from me. God knows it'll be fun. — Peter Garrett (@pgarrett) May 4, 2016
Icons of the Australian rock landscape, Midnight Oil have released 11 albums across 25 years. The band's statement today also updates what the rest of the band have been doing.
Meanwhile, we’re still busy with other projects outside the band.
For starters Peter Garrett can confirm reports that he will finally return to music by releasing his first solo album. When writing his memoir ‘Big Blue Sky’ Peter revealed that ‘a surprising byproduct of writing words all day was to suddenly find music coming back…’ This news sparked some speculation that a new Oils album might be in the making. However the songs that he wrote alongside his memoir are more personal in nature – hence the decision to record them for a solo release. Expect more news on his album over coming months.
Drummer/songwriter Rob Hirst has maintained his work with acclaimed Australian blues outfit – and festival favorites – ‘The Backsliders’, with a new album just recorded. Last year, he released ‘Hirst and Sennett’, a garage pop/rock collaboration with Brisbane musician/writer Sean Sennett. Most recently Rob co-wrote ‘The Truth Walks Slowly In The Countryside’ with Nashville based duo Jay and Mark O’Shea – a musical tribute to the late farmer/ CSG activist George Bender.
Composer/producer/guitarist Jim Moginie continues to push the musical envelope with the development of his ‘Electric Guitar Orchestra’ for whom his composition ‘The Colour Wheel’ explores the boundaries between music and colour. Jim has produced records for artists including Sarah Blasko. He also works as a screen composer and tours internationally with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, as well as pursuing his passion for Irish music with The Tinkers and Shameless Seamus.
Guitarist Martin Rotsey teamed up again with Jim and Rob to form instrumental surf combo ‘The Break’, and joined in to play guitar on Peter’s new record. Whilst bass player Bones Hillman moved to the US in 2007 and has since been active on the North American live scene, working out of Nashville and with Canadian artist Matthew Good, and long tme Oils producer Warne Livesey.
For starters Peter Garrett can confirm reports that he will finally return to music by releasing his first solo album. When writing his memoir ‘Big Blue Sky’ Peter revealed that ‘a surprising byproduct of writing words all day was to suddenly find music coming back…’ This news sparked some speculation that a new Oils album might be in the making. However the songs that he wrote alongside his memoir are more personal in nature – hence the decision to record them for a solo release. Expect more news on his album over coming months.
Drummer/songwriter Rob Hirst has maintained his work with acclaimed Australian blues outfit – and festival favorites – ‘The Backsliders’, with a new album just recorded. Last year, he released ‘Hirst and Sennett’, a garage pop/rock collaboration with Brisbane musician/writer Sean Sennett. Most recently Rob co-wrote ‘The Truth Walks Slowly In The Countryside’ with Nashville based duo Jay and Mark O’Shea – a musical tribute to the late farmer/ CSG activist George Bender.
Composer/producer/guitarist Jim Moginie continues to push the musical envelope with the development of his ‘Electric Guitar Orchestra’ for whom his composition ‘The Colour Wheel’ explores the boundaries between music and colour. Jim has produced records for artists including Sarah Blasko. He also works as a screen composer and tours internationally with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, as well as pursuing his passion for Irish music with The Tinkers and Shameless Seamus.
Guitarist Martin Rotsey teamed up again with Jim and Rob to form instrumental surf combo ‘The Break’, and joined in to play guitar on Peter’s new record. Whilst bass player Bones Hillman moved to the US in 2007 and has since been active on the North American live scene, working out of Nashville and with Canadian artist Matthew Good, and long tme Oils producer Warne Livesey.
