TISM Frontman On Eurovision Petition: 'All Bets Are On'

12 February 2015 | 10:20 am | Staff Writer

At least they are if there's a large novelty cheque involved

In less than 24 hours, the petition to send cult Australian band TISM to the Eurovision Song Contest as our inaugural official competition representatives has exploded from fever dream to cultural movement, with nearly 9000 names adding their support to the idea since original reports started circulating yesterday.

It's gotten to the point that Damian Cowell, also known as Humphrey B Flaubert and one of the primary vocalists of the defunct yet apparently still heavily revered button-pushers, as well as being the only self-outed member of the famously anonymous group, could no longer keep quiet on the matter, issuing a statement that at once both dashes and raises hopes for the army of fans pushing to get the band to reform.

"I do not wish to comment on behalf of TISM out of respect for my colleagues and the artistic integrity of the band," Cowell said in a statement issued this morning.

"However, if a multinational with a horrendous human rights record gives me a large cheque, all bets are on."

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Here's hoping Cowell's former bandmates hear the growing chorus of voices crying, "Greg! You missed the stop sign!", and feel the pride swell in their hearts to join Cowell in his clearly rampant novelty-cheque lust.

While they're making up their minds, Cowell has a bunch of shows in the pipeline with new outfit Damian Cowell's Disco Machine, kicking off in Brisbane tomorrow night (13 Feb) at the Woolly Mammoth. The band will also be performing in Sydney this Saturday (14 Feb) at the Newtown Social Club, Melbourne's Corner Hotel on 20 Feb alongside several guests from their eponymous album, and a show at The Jade, in Adelaide, on 20 Mar.

For more venue, date and booking information, see theGuide or check The Music App