'The Beasts Are Back... Again': Rock Legends Announce Australian Tour

“The Beasts are back… again”. That’s how drummer James Baker ended his thrilling poem to accompany news of his band’s upcoming Australian tour.

The Beasts, formerly known as Beasts Of Bourbon, are Australian blues-rock royalty. Last year, they played just two shows in Sydney and Melbourne to celebrate 40 years since the Beasts Of Bourbon’s formation, but this April, they’re embarking on an epic tour across the country.

Those shows were approached cautiously, as drummer James Baker was diagnosed with and receiving treatment for cancer. But, according to singer Tex Perkins, “he not only got through the gigs, but he fucking nailed them! Like a sledgehammer nails a thumbtack.”

Baker is going on tour once again – on doctor’s orders. According to the band’s statement, Baker was urged to “play more! It’s good for you.” It turns out that rock music is healing after all.

The Beasts’ upcoming Australian tour begins on Friday, 5 April, at the Metro Theatre in Sydney (Eora), followed by a gig at The Triffid in Brisbane (Meanjin) on Saturday, 6 April, The Gov in Adelaide (Kaurna) on Friday, 12 April, Freo Social in Fremantle (Walyalup) on Saturday, 13 April, and two shows in Melbourne (Naarm): Chelsea Heights Hotel on Friday, 19 April, and at the Northcote Theatre on Saturday, 20 April. Tickets go on sale via the Tex Perkins website on Tuesday, 23 January.

Here’s the poem written by James Baker and his wife, Cath:

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 back... again.

Before The Beasts go on tour, fans can watch The Cruel Sea perform in Hobart (nipaluna), Thirroul (Thurrural), and Bluesfest Byron Bay this March.

THE BEASTS – ALIVE 2024 AUSTRALIAN TOUR

FRIDAY 5 APRIL - METRO, SYDNEY (Eora) NSW

SATURDAY 6 APRIL - TRIFFID, BRISBANE (Meanjin) QLD

FRIDAY 12 APRIL - THE GOV, ADELAIDE (Kaurna) SA

SATURDAY 13 APRIL - FREO SOCIAL, FREMANTLE (Walyalup) WA

FRIDAY 19 APRIL - CHELSEA HEIGHTS HOTEL, CHELSEA HEIGHTS VIC (Naarm)

SATURDAY 20 APRIL - NORTHCOTE THEATRE, VIC (Naarm)