There are a few footnotes to the recent run of super-successful Australian shows by Ed Kuepper and his revitalised line-up of The Aints. 

After selling-out or going close wherever they went, The Aints reaped rave reviews (like this and this) and Ed has confirmed the band will record an album in 2018, "The Church of Simultaneous Existence". We can also look forward to more live shows. 

The tour also provided a chance for Ed to be reunited with an orignal copy of the "(I'm) Stranded" single on the band's own Fatal Records label from September 1976. 

A longtime fan who wishes to remain anonymous secured the impossibly rare 45 in an auction and had a relative present it to Ed at The Aints' first Sydney show - as our Judy Kuepper photo at right attests.

Halfway around the world, onetime Saints bandmate Chris Bailey (who lives in Europe) was presented with another copy, again courtesy of the generous benefactor.

Of course, this year marks 40 laps around the sun since The Saints released their earth-shaking debut single to an unsuspecting world. 

And if you haven't had enough Saints already, Kuepper is presenting music from the first three albums in an electric trio, with the Nonsemble strings arranged by Robert Davidson, at Lefty's Music Hall in Brisbane on December 8. Tickets here.

Australia has produced a number of fine powerpop bands over the years. One of the first – the very first according to US bible Bomp! Magazine – was Adelaide’s Young Modern. One of the most successful has been Even.

The link between both bands will be underlined by a special show in Melbourne on December 9, where Young Modern will team with Even's Ashley Naylor and one of his other bands, The Triad.

Young Modern will be celebrating 40 years, while Naylor and The Triad will salute mutual influence The Byrds.


Young Modern debuted in Adelaide – supporting Radio Birdman – in 1977. The band was formed by singer John Dowler, a seminal figure who's been talking about Big Star since the '70s.

Five years into their reformation and you could be forgiven for thinking the Sunnyboys revival was on the wane. Wrong. 

With two Sydney shows selling out in just four days, setting a sales record at Sunshine Coast venue The Shed by selling a third of capacity in the first eight hours and eclipsing their previous best first-week sales in Melbourne, Sunnyboys are the hottest alternative ticket of the Australian summer. 

Due to overwhelming demand Sunnyboys are pleased to announce three new shows.

Surfing on the back of rave reviews for their last run of Australian shows, Stiff Little Fingers are back in February 2018. 

Formed in 1977 in Belfast, Ireland, SLF were at the forefront of the Punk movement. The tour marks their 40th anniversary (better late than never.) 

SLF’s signature style combines the energy of punk, infectious hooks, and lyrics that meld the personal and political, with a delivery that rings of honesty and commitment. It’s longest-serving vocalist Jake Burns' integrity and style that has meant that all these years later Stiff Little Fingers are still as in demand as ever.

Monday 19th February – Perth – The Rosemount
Tuesday 20th February – Adelaide – The Gov
Thursday 22nd February – Brisbane– The Triffid
Friday 23rd February – Sydney – Metro Theatre
Saturday 24th February – Melbourne – Croxton Bandroom
Tickets on sale here

The winners are in for our Buttercup Records giveaway of an ME 262/Trans 262 LP pack. 

Jason Simond of Mascot, NSW, Australia and Stephen Halpern of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, in the USA were drawn electronically at random from entries who correctly named an ME 262/Trans 262 member and one of their future bands. 

If you missed out, make sure you grab a copy of the limited run LP before they go. It's reviewed here and available from the label.