In 1986, VSPY VSPY did something almost no band manages: they released two albums in a single year on different labels and charted with both. Harry’s Reasons arrived on Midnight Oil‘s Powderworks label in February – raw, political and rooted in the inner-city Sydney squat scene which the band called home. A.O. Mod. TV. Vers. featuring the single ‘Don’t Tear It Down’ followed in December on WEA spawning a Gold album award and peaking at #12 nationally. Forty years on those records sound less like nostalgia and more like the six o’clock news we’re watching today.
The band – who once supported The Clash at the Capitol Theatre and U2 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre – are hitting the road this October for five shows across Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne celebrating the 40th anniversary of both albums with a night that’s as much a conversation as it is a concert. Bloxy has put together a star-studded powerhouse band who’ll be smashing out songs from both albums along with the classic hits the fans know well. Some of these songs haven’t been played in 35 years, so these are going to be very, very special nights indeed.
And for the fans who want to go deeper, a limited upgrade experience is available at each show. Purchase a VIP ticket to sit in on the bands soundcheck and be a fly on the wall for the banter, laughter, (potential) arguments and more! After soundcheck you’ll have an opportunity to hang with the band, ask questions and get any BYO memorabilia (VSPYS, Skyhooks, Angels… anything!) signed from each of the members.
Over a decade of recordings, VSPY VSPY built a catalogue that captured one of the most politically charged periods in Australian music – yet for years, almost none of it has been available in physical format. To coincide with the tour, both Harry’s Reasons and A.O. Mod. TV. Vers. will be reissued on limited coloured vinyl – making them the only recordings from that era to have seen a modern release, and a rare opportunity for long-time fans and new listeners alike to own the music in a tangible form. Pre-orders are open now via www.harryaomod.com.au, with copies shipping from October 2nd. Orders close Friday July 31st, so don’t sleep on it!
Teamwrk Touring, How Good Enterprises & Select Music presents
HARRY’S + A.O. 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Friday October 9 – Amplifier, Perth
Saturday October 10 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
Friday October 16 – The Juniors, Kingsford, Sydney
Friday October 23 – Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane **
Monday November 2 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
VSPY VSPY Pre-Sale: Tuesday July 7, 4:00pm local time
General Public On-Sale: Thursday July 9, 10:00am local time
** Supporting Sunnyboys and The Clouds
Sunnyboys & 4ZZZ Subscribers Pre-Sale: Wednesday July 8, 10:00am local time
Brisbane General Public On-Sale: Thursday July 9, 10:00am local time
