1. In February, we played a gig at the now closed Platform 5 in Clayfield, Brisbane. This venue was always good to us and we were very sorry to see it go.
2. In March, we used our frequent flyer points to head to Melbourne to launch our 2022 album, “Love Is Calling”. (ED: WHAT NO RECORD COMPANY TAB?)Dave Graney and Clare Moore invited us to open for them at The Night Cat in Fitzroy. What an honour! And what a great turn-out. We then played on the southside at The Lyrebird Lounge with special guest Penny Ikinger. Thanks to Suzi and all our Melbourne (and even Tasmanian) friends and fans who made this trip so special for us. We'll be back!
3.In May, we planned to make a video clip for the second single off, “Evidently Boundary Street”. We enlisted the help of our talented friend, Tracey Walker, to film it and we were extremely happy with her finished product. We cajoled a few colourful characters - Wendy Seary, Wolvie Trash and 4ZZZ's very own Quentin Ellison - to appear in it as well. It was set around Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley and was a fun shoot.
4. Ursula: I had a few health issues this year, but am feeling much better now. In May, I saw Robert Forsterwith my girlfriend and it was a very special night of music and love. Seeing Robert's wife Karin back on stage was a highlight. Adele Pickvance and other musicians who played on my favourite album of 2023, “The Candle and The Flame”, joined him. A shout out to my mate Morrissey for an excellent show as well in December.
Three Tribesmen - Michael Charles, Mick Medew and Chris Masuak - photo-bombed by a Dog Soldier, Stu Wilson, at Vinnies Dive Bar.
5. On Sunday June 4, we made the trek to ''Vinnies Dive Bar'' at Southport on the Gold Coast for a special reunion. What a great day it was, supporting comrade Chris Masuak, who was in fine form and health, and looking very happy with life and a successful Australian tour with his awesome band Dog Soldier. Great to see our mate The Barman and to pay with our new partners in crime, The Square Tugs.
6. Picture this…Saturday, August 5. The Old Museum, Brisbane. Dave Graney and The Coral Snakes performing “The Night of The Wolverine”. Dave was Kung Fu dancing and the band was on fire!!! Stu Thomas with no strap for his bass guitar (that’s some kind of voodoo!!) made it a fun evening, lapped up by a very appreciative audience. It was Mick's birthday and one we will never forget!
7. On September 23, we played The Zoo in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley with our old mates The Johnnys . This show marked the return of Ursula to the vocal microphone, providing the lead vocals to one of three songs we have co-written for the next rather up-tempo follow up to “Love is Calling”.
8. On September 30, we played Banshees Bar & Artspace in Ipswich, QLD, one of the most stylish venues on “The Love Is Calling Tour ''. It was a beautiful show made even better by our special new friends, Brisbane's The Double Happiness, featuring Kristin Black from 4ZZZ's ''Heyday' 'program. Thanks to Al Wheeler (who Ursula met on the set of Kathleen Turner Overdrive's video shoot for “Gurlzilla”) and Tim for their generous hospitality. We'll be back!
9. In November, we went on our second-ever movie date to see the remastered Talking Heads' “Stop Making Sense”. We were dancing in our seats and singing and clapping along to every song. And we weren't asked to leave!! Pure brilliance!!
10. Late in November we made the trip to Sonny Michaels's studios and performed our song Koln, for the Sonny Michaels Christmas Show 2023. We also appeared in the segment, “Stars at the Bar”. The maker of the show, Mike Brown Productions, just keeps getting better, and all the episodes are available on YouTube, so check them out. Many thanks to Paula and Mike Brown for their continued support!
