Frontman Tex Perkins: Last year The Beasts performed two sold-out shows celebrating the 40th anniversary of the reformation of The Beasts of Bourbon.

“We approached these shows cautiously, as our beloved original drummer, the leged James Baker, was diagnosed with, and had been receiving treatment, for cancer.

We had no idea how he would handle the work required to play these gigs.

Well, he not only got through the gigs, but he fucking nailed them!  Like a sledgehammer nails a thumbtack.

“It was a glorious triumph, and the gigs were full of ferocious fun with a hell of a lot of love in the room!

“His doctors even said ‘Play more! It’s good for you’.  Yes, that’s right Ladies and Gentlemen ‘Rock n roll is good for you‘.

“So, following doctor’s orders, we are going at it again!!   I asked James and his wife Cath for a few words…and they sent us a poem.”

We knocked ‘em dead in Sydney.
We knocked ‘em dead in Melbourne.
And we’re back to do it again.
Across this whole wide land.
We’re all dressed up and ready to go.
So don’t you dare miss this show.
It’s not called Alive for nothing.
James’ medical team has spoken-it’s terminal his cancer thing
They also say it’s really good for him this RnR thing.
It’s really fucking good for him!
So, now you know.
Let’s all get together while we still can!

The Beasts are Tex Perkins, Boris Sujdovic (bass), Charlie Owen (guitar), Kim Salmon (guitar) and James Baker. Tickets go on sale January 23 here.

The Beasts
APR
5 – The Metro, Sydney
6 – The Triffid, Brisbane
12 – The Gov, Adelaide
13 – Freo Social, Fremantle, WA
19 – Chelsea Height Hotel, Chelsea Heights, VIC
20 – Northcote Theatre, VIC