1. "Punk Grandma" hits number-three
The year started with plenty of energy off the back of our "In The Zone" album release with our song “Punk Grandma” hitting the number-three spot in 4ZZZ’s Hot 100 for 2024. Ursula and I were just about shaking when we realised we were going to make the top five. It was a very emotional day at The Triffid for us. Even back in the day, The Screaming Tribesmen only made the Top 10. “Punk Grandma” seems to connect with people. It’s the most successful song that I have been involved with this century!
2. Touring New South Wales
February marked the drive to Sydney and Newcastle. It’s always great to play at Marrickville Bowlo. A big shout out to the bands we played with, Jupiter 5, and East Coast Low (in Newcastle) and Jupiter 5 and The Dark Clouds in Marrickville. Plenty of great rock ‘n’ roll bands in N.S.W. I always enjoy the road trip and can’t wait for next time.
3. The Mick Medew & Ursula 4 had some great local shows here in Brisvegas and Ipswich this year.
A shout-out to The Boondall Boys, June Low and The Highs, Canyon Creek, The Spivs, Dr Bombay, Glycereens, K.T.O. and The Dangermen with whom we shared local stages.
4. Dockers support at The Triffid in Brisbane
Saturday May 24th. We had a big show at The Triffid with my old pals, Painters and Dockers. I love playing at The Trifffid. The Dockers were fantastic. The Sunny Coast Rude Boys also played and with lots of people on stage it was a big sound!
5. LOVEJOY returns
July 13th. The Mick Medew & Ursula 4 were a part of the LOVEJOY reunion show at The Back Room on Brisbane’s southside. Again, a big crowd and LOVEJOY, Brisbane’s premier glam rock outfit at the turn of the century, carved out an all killer no filler set! I can’t wait for the next one. Tasmania maybe in 2026?! Very pleased for my good mates, Jeff and Kylie Lovejoy.
6. Zeds turn 50
4ZZZ turned 50 years old this year. Urs and I went to many of the birthday celebration gigs: Beerstock, Zed Lovers, Market Day at Roma St Parklands, Joint Effort, Gig City. We certainly celebrated. It’s a very emotional time too looking back over the years, as 4ZZZ really support bands up here in Brisbane. We would be lost without their support. They are much loved by the music community.
7. "Will The Train Ever Stop At Banyo?"
November 1 marked the release of our new single, “Will The Train Ever Stop At Banyo?” recorded and produced by Stuart McLaughlin.
8. Double launches
November 15 and 16 were our single launches at The Cave Inn in Brisbane and Banshees in Ipswich. Both venues have gone from strength to strength each year! A big shout out to Ruth and Felix on sound at The Cave Inn and Al Wheeler and Tim on sound at Banshees. They’re always such a pleasure to deal with every time we play at their venues.
9. That Soft and Sexy Sound
Oct 31st. Dave Graney and The Coral Snakes at The Crow Bar in Brisbane Dave Graney is my favourite Australian performer and is still the King of Pop as far as I’m concerned. “The Soft and Sexy Sound” show was brilliant from start to finish. I can’t get enough of this band. They are number-one around here.
10. Family and Friends
Family and friends have been a highlight this year.I feel very blessed being a part of the Collie Family. Ursula’s grandchildren are great fun and I seem to have a great relationship with all the family. I’m loving playing in The Mick Medew and Ursula 4 very much. I managed to get out and around and see a lot more people this year, which lifts my general well-being.
P.S. GO BRONCOS!
God Bless you all. Happy New Year.
