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Articles by Andrew Slaidins
LIVE REVIEW: JD Fortune – Plays The Best of INXS Max Watts – Melbourne 17/10/26
Supporting JD Fortune tonight is none other than 2025’s Australia Idol runner up Iilysh Retallick from Culcarin New South Wales. Iilysh’s set was a mix of original tunes as well as performance songs from Idol. With no less than three originals and a handful of covers Iilysh was accompanied by guitarist Ben Gillard. There is a confidence in Iilysh that is undeniable. She knows how to work a room and made some incredible choices in her song placement.
JAMES & RAZORLIGHT – MARGARET COURT ARENA, MELBOURNE
There is something special about live music that no amount of streaming, YouTube footage or revisiting old albums can replicate. You can listen to a record for thirty years, know every word of a favourite song and still find yourself completely unprepared for the moment it comes alive in front of you. Then there are those nights when a band you have somehow missed over the years walks onstage and reminds you exactly why live music remains such a powerful experience.
INTERVIEW: JAMES – Tim Booth talks to Slaids about the legacy of ‘Laid’.
More than four decades into their remarkable career, James remains a band driven by creativity, unpredictability and the desire to make every live performance mean something. With their return to Australia and New Zealand approaching, Slaids caught up with frontman Tim Booth to look back, look forward and explore what continues to fuel one of Britain’s most enduring bands.
INTERVIEW: Accept – Wolf Hoffman
Fifty years. Think about that for a moment. Five decades of riffs, records, stages, line-up changes, changing musical landscapes and everything else the music industry can throw at you — yet ACCEPT are still standing, still creating and, most importantly, still proudly flying the flag for heavy metal. There are bands that play heavy metal, and then there are bands that helped define what heavy metal sounds like. ACCEPT unquestionably belong in the latter category.
INTERVIEW: Sydney’s Hard-Rocking NO BULL talk to Slaids about the journey so far…
Sydney hard rockers No Bull are a band doing things the old-fashioned way — playing loud, playing often and building their reputation one stage at a time. With more than 100 live shows already behind them, No Bull have quickly established themselves as one of the hardest-working emerging bands on the Australian rock circuit. What began with frontman James van Hest busking and chasing an idea has evolved into a formidable live outfit driven by a shared love of uncompromising, guitar-heavy rock.
LIVE REVIEW: ELECTRIC CALLBOY With Special Guests Ice Nine Kills and Coldrian
When Electric Callboy announced their return to Australia, this was one of those shows I knew I had to experience. The taste we got at Good Things 2024 had left me wanting more. That was my first real exposure to the band, and what an impression they left. I wanted that energy, that ridiculous sense of fun and, most importantly, that feeling of walking away from a show with a massive smile on my face. Adding Ice Nine Kills to the bill only made things more interesting.
LIVE REVIEW: SKINDRED With Special Guests Future Static & Dregg
There’s something about music that can shape your day, your mindset, your motivation, your drive. Whatever the mood, music can take you somewhere else, provide an escape or simply put a smile on your face. Live music is an extension of that. It becomes visceral. It grabs you, and when a performance is done right, the experience becomes yours; personal, defiant and uniting all at the same time. Tonight, at Melbourne’s Northcote Theatre, Dregg, Future Static and Skindred delivered exactly that.
INTERVIEW: THE DREADFUL TIDES: ‘Love Sick’, New Music & an Incredible 2026
In this episode of 50 Shades Of Slaids, we’re joined by The Dreadful Tides to look back at what has already been a huge year for the band. We talk sold-out shows, the release of their latest single ‘Love Sick’, and the momentum that continues to build around them. We also chat about their appearance at Rock Is Not Dead 3, along with the brand new music they’ve been working on and what’s coming next for The Dreadful Tides. VIDEO
INTERVIEW: Anth Nekich Talks WARBIRDS, New EP & Rock Is Not Dead Melbourne
On this episode of 50 Shades Of Slaids, we catch up with Anth Nekich from Melbourne hard rockers Warbirds. We look back at the band’s journey so far, the story behind their debut album Order From Chaos and the experience of taking Warbirds to the UK in 2024. There’s plenty happening right now too. Warbirds have been back in the studio recording brand-new music, with a new EP set for release later in 2026.
INTERVIEW: RIFF RAIDERS Are Back! Jenni & Marty Talk ‘Welcome To Mars’, New Music & Rock Is Not Dead
Yes, they are back and Riff Raiders have a heap to talk about. Jenni & Marty join Slaids on this Rock Is Not Dead edition of 50 Shades Of Slaids. Since they last caught up so much has been happening in the world of Riff Raiders. Their latest record “Welcome To Mars” got it’s physical release on CD, they dropped the follow up single to ‘Broken Halo’ with ‘Sound Mirror’ a grittier, grungier side to the band and is still 100% them.
INTERVIEW: PARABELUM’s Krissy Sanfead Talks Their Story & First Show Outside WA | Rock Is Not Dead
Parabelum from Western Australia are one of two bands that are making the trek from the other side of the country for Rock Is Not Dead, Melbourne. Their brand of rock n roll is gritty unapologetic and a ton of fun. This is the band’s first live show outside of WA and we caught up with guitarist Krissy Sanfead to get brought up to speed on all things Parabelum. We talk the bands formation and dive a little into Krissy’s musical history and look at what’s ahead for Parabelum.
INTERVIEW: THE REVOLATION’s Dean Wittman-Lamb Talks ‘Promised Land’, His Journey & Rock Is Not Dead Melbourne
On this special Rock Is Not Dead Australia episode of 50 Shades Of Slaids we catch up with the man behind The Revolation. Dean Whittman-Lamb has a career that started as a teenager and throughout the years has led him to where he is today as a singer, songwriter, guitarist and performer. His voice instantly makes you pay attention, his songs are ear worms and as a performer is a captivating frontman.
INTERVIEW: AUDIO REIGN’s Jake Fleming Talks ‘New Way To Live’, New Album & Rock Is Not Dead Melbourne
On this special Rock Is Not Dead Australia episode of 50 Shades Of Slaids for The Rockpit we catch up with South Australia’s arena ready rockers Audio Reign ahead of their co headline set at Rock Is Not Dead Melbourne on August 29 at The Prince Bandroom. I caught up with frontman Jake Fleming who has been busier than ever with the band writing, recording and getting ready to release their new single “New Way To Live” which is out August 21st the week before Rock Is Not Dead.
INTERVIEW: AVATAR’s Johannes Eckerström Talks New Album, Metallica Tour & Australia 2026
With just weeks until Avatar’s return to Australia, 50 Shades Of Slaids caught up with the bands frontman and ringmaster Johannes Eckerstrom to talk all things touring. Avatar have played and owned some of the biggest stages in the world and their run supporting Metallica on their M72 tour has seen them held in a whole new regard.
INTERVIEW: KALATONE On Their Biggest Year Yet, ‘Nostalgia’ & Rock Is Not Dead
On this special Rock Is Not Dead Australia episode of 50 Shades Of Slaids we catch up with Queensland alternative/progressive/heavy rockers Kalatone to see what that have been up to in the last twelve months. The whole band joins us for this chat as we talk new music, the soon to be released “Nostalgia” video clip and dive into what’s new and talk their appearance at Rock Is Not Dead Melbourne their first venture as a band outside of Queensland.
INTERVIEW: THE HU’s Vocalist Temka Talk All Things About Their Third Album “Hun”
Episode 38 of 50 Shades Of Slaids is a little different. On this episode we catch up with The Hu vocalist Temka to talk all things their third album “Hun” (pronounced hoon/khun) which was released Friday July 24 via Better Noise Music. The record having heard it prior to the interview is simply incredible. It shows an evolution for the band in writing and their approach to song writing. This third chapter of the band steps outside of it’s usual boundaries making it a deep listen.
INTERVIEW: DIESEL Talks 35+ Years of Hits, By Request Tour & His Incredible Career
Photo: Jesse Lizotte On this episode of 50 Shades Of Slaids I’m joined by a singer, songwriter and musician that stormed his way into Australian rock n roll history with his debut single “Don’t Need Love” back in 1989.
INTERVIEW: Ken Gormly Talks THE CRUEL SEA, ‘Three Legged Dog’ at 30 & Returning to the Stage
Today’s guest on 50 Shades Of Slaids is the bass player for one of my favourite Australian bands of the 90’s and beyond. His bass lines are iconic and instantly recognisable in songs like “Better get A Lawyer”, “Teach Me “ and “Just A Man”. His band The Cruel Sea are about to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their iconic ARIA Award winning album “Three Legged Dog”. The band has two massive shows coming this September and October to celebrate “Three Legged Dog”.
INTERVIEW: CASSIDY PARIS Talks Rock Is Not Dead Melbourne, 2026 & What’s Next
Cassidy Paris Her journey started at the age of eleven and within twelve years Cassidy Paris has become a force to be reckoned with. Her second record “Bittersweet” was released in November of 2025 and little did she know but the meaning behind the album’s title, and even the subject of the songs would take on a whole new meaning. Not only to her personally, but the rapidly growing fanbase she has.
LIVE REVIEW: Devildriver & Cradle Of Filth
This must be one of the biggest and most anticipated double header tours to hit Australia this year. The “Double Trouble” tour as it has been dubbed is without a pairing that cannot be disputed. It’s two powerhouse bands that complement each other while being different. Devildriver the main course, Cradle Of Filth the desert so to speak. It is a complete meal of everything that is essential for a well-balanced metal diet served to a five-star standard.
INTERVIEW: Inside ‘Villainous’ – Amanda Lyberg Talks EVA UNDER FIRE’s Biggest Chapter Yet
Eva Under Fire? Are you familiar with them? If no, then you should change that fast. In fact on July 10 Eva Under Fire dropped their Sophomore album “Villainous” via Better Noise Music and it is a cracker !! 50 Shades Of Slaids caught up with Amanda Lyberg (Aka Eva Marie) to talk all things “Villainous”, the bands history and what’s ahead for the rest of 2026. Eva Under Fire are about to hit the road in support of Five Finger Death Punch for a huge USA Tour.
INTERVIEW: WENDY MATTHEWS: From The Beginning To Now & Mundi Mundi 2026
Wendy Mathews had one of those voices you never forget. From the age of 15 Mathews knew music was to be her life’s legacy. She has worked with some of the world’s finest and has a catalogue of music that is timeless and ageless. This August she returns to Mundi Mundi Bash for the fourth time and is amongst a who’s who of Australian music. On this episode of 50 SOS we go back to the beginning and talk everything up until now and into the future. Wendy also shares some big news with us.
LIVE REVIEW: Engelbert Humperdinck – The Celebration Tour 2026
There are legends and icons, voices that you feel and songs you never forget. Engelbert Humperdinck is one of those artists. The melodies and warmth of this man’s music and voice may just be my earliest musical memory. Some tunes just stay and stick with you “Release Me”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “The Last Waltz” are among those songs, their sense of familiarity just flood you when you hear them.
INTERVIEW: LESS THAN JAKES’s Chris DeMakes Talks Australia, New Music & Circus Down Under Tour
50 Shades of Slaids caught up with Less Than Jake frontman Chris DeMakes about the band’s upcoming “Circus Down Under” tour of Australia and New Zealand in October and November. Chris discussed the band’s extensive history visiting Australia, dating back to 1999 with appearances at Warped Tour and various festivals including Soundwave and Livid Festival.
INTERVIEW: Dire Straits’ CHRIS WHITE – Memories, Greatest Hits & Australia 2026
On this episode of 50 Shades of Slaids we catch up with Chris White of Dire Straits and the Dire Straits Experience who are touring Australia this August. In this chat we reflect on Chris’ career to date, his most memorable gigs and what it means to be out there celebrating the music of Dire Straits. The Dire Straits Experience is the closest thing to the original you will hear. All the hits are there and the shows have gained rave reviews worldwide.
INTERVIEW: CRADLE OF FILTH & DEVILDRIVER – Dani Filth & Dez Fafara Talk Double Trouble Downunder
Every once in a while, a tour gets announced that simply drops your jaw. On this fast tracked Episode of Fifty Shades of Slaids we catch up with the two frontmen of this iconic metal feast. The Double Trouble Downunder Co-Headline tour of Cradle Of Filth and Devildriver sees two continents and two different styles of metal come together to deliver what is guaranteed to be one hell of a show.
INTERVIEW: PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT – New Order’s Get Ready, Joy Division & Australian Tour
There are artists that are lucky enough to shape a sound and style that becomes crucially influential to the history of music. Peter Hook is one of those people. In fact Hook has done it twice in his career, firstly with Joy Division and then again with New Order. It’s rare that an artist’s own evolution shapes two genres let alone one. Peter Hook is headed back to Australia this July with his band the light to celebrate the 25th anniversary of New Orders album “Get Ready”.
INTERVIEW: Joel O’Keeffe Talks AIRBOURNE’s Return, New Album & Guns N’ Roses Tour 2026
Airbourne are returning to Australia and New Zealand this November & December and are supporting Guns N Roses as a part of their World Tour 2026. On Episode 24 or 50 Shades Of Slaids, we sat down with Airbourne frontman Joel O’Keeffe and talked all things the tour, the latest happenings in the Airbourne world and of course pull out some great stories from behind their new self-titled album which is out August 28.
INTERVIEW: JD FORTUNE talks about the “Best of INXS” tour and more
JD Fortune was thrust into our living rooms and arenas around the world when at thirty two he was named the new frontman of INXS via the TV show Rockstar:INXS. That was twenty one years ago. Fortune spent the next seven years touring the world several times over with INXS and recorded the only full length INXS album to not feature Michael Hutchence, ‘Switch’. The album had five singles released from it including ‘Pretty Vegas’, ‘Afterglow’, ‘Devil’s Party’, ‘Gods Top Ten’ and ‘Perfect Strangers’.
INTERVIEW: RACHEL BOLAN of SKID ROW talks debut album ‘Gargoyle Of The Garden State’
You know him as the founding member, key songwriter and bassist of Skid Row. On June 12 Rachel Bolan releases his debut solo album ‘Gargoyle Of The Garden State ‘. On Episode 19 of 50 Shades Of Slaids and we dive into all aspects of the record, talk collaborations and guest appearances as well as what inspired the songs. ‘Gargolye’ stays true to Bolan’s influences while it also shows sides of him that we haven’t heard before.
INTERVIEW: Ex-Nightwish Singer TARJA TURUNEN on their new immersive album ‘Frisson Noir’
Tarja Turunen is one of those voices that once you hear you never forget. Musically Tarja has had a diverse career and has always been fearless, with her new album ‘Frisson Noir’ she pushes those boundaries again. On episode 18 of 50 Shades Of Slaids Tarja and Slaids sat down to talk the record, and dive into the songs, the guests and the power behind this release. With two singles already out ‘Frisson Noir’ is by far Tarja’s most immersive album to date.
LIVE REVIEW: MICHAEL PAYNTER – The Great Australian Songbook 2026
There are performers that simply have the x-factor, that point of difference, that magic. Michael Paynter I first came across as a member of Icehouse. From the moment I heard Michael Paynter’s voice it sent a chill through my body. He was singing the parts Iva Davies could no longer reach, Man Of Colours became a showcase of Michael’s immense talent.
LIVE REVIEW: SPLIT ENZ – Forever Enz Tour 2026 With Special Guests Vika & Linda
2026 is a significant time stamp for New Zealand’s Split Enz. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of their debut album ‘Mental Notes’, twenty years since their last major tour and seventeen years since they last performed live together on Australian soil. That last performance was just across the road as a part of Sound Relief at The Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2009 here in Melbourne Australia.
LIVE REVIEW: MUMFORD & SONS – Prizefighter Tour 2026 With special guests Hudson Freeman & Folk Bitch Trio
Last night Rod Laver Arena was treated to a show that showcased some of the world’s most exciting new talents along with a band that for the last fourteen years has captivated the music world. What became evident is how defiantly Mumford & Son have been adopted by Australia. This is the first of two Melbourne shows and the start of the bands “Prizefighter” world tour. This is the band fourth tour of Australia, and fifth visit here with a special one-off show last year at the Sydney Opera House.
ROCKPIT INTERVIEW: MARK WILSON (JET) of Australian Rock Collective (ARC) talk The Eagles ‘Hotel California’ and ‘Greatest Hits’ tour
On Episode 16 of 50 Shades Of Slaids we caught up with Mark Wilson of Australian Rock Collective (ARC) who are heading out on the road this June to celebrate The Eagles ‘Hotel California’ and ‘Greatest Hits’ records for a run of six shows across the country. This is ARC’s seventh year of picking an album to pull apart and recreate live. The band are incredibly proud of how they dig into the details of these records and uncover the DNA behind them.
INTERVIEW: Joey Vera of ARMOURED SAINT’s New Album & Aussie Tour Talk 2026
On Episode 15 of 50 Shades Of Slaids we caught up with Joey Vera of Armoured Saint who are about to release their 9th studio album ’Emotion Reset Factory’ on May 22nd via Metal Blade Records. ‘Emotion Reset Factory’ is a must for all Armoured Saint fans as the band continue to evolve their sound and style taking in their collective influences and have created an eleven track record that stays true to the sound and style of the band, along with a few twists.
INTERVIEW: JEREMY LOOPS talks about his new album, his new tour & his life as a new dad
Photo Credit: Ross Hillier On Episode 14 of 50 Shades Of Slaids we caught up with South African, Singer, songwriter, guitarist and looper Jeremy Loops. Jeremy is returning to Australia for the first time in six years for a headline tour and will bringing his incredible high energy show with him. His latest record ‘Feathers & Stone’ is simply stunning and needs to be checked out.
INTERVIEW: KATHLEEN HALLORAN unleashes her debut album, talks touring with Aus icons & her upcoming tour
Kathleen Halloran at Jimmy Barnes & Guests_40th Anniversary tour_Rod Laver Melbourne_100426 On Episode 13 of 50 Shades Of Slaids we caught up with Melbourne guitarist, singer, songwriter and rising star Kathleen Halloran. With appearances on this years Good Friday Appeal with John Farnhams band to her enduring journey as Kate Ceberano’s guitarist Kathleen is just getting started and is most definitely one to watch.
LIVE REVIEW: H.E.A.T. – Welcome To The Future Tour with special guests Catalano
H.E.A.T. On what was the coldest evening this year the line outside Stay Gold was keen to catch some Heat in more way than one. With doors set to open at 7pm we were still in line until just after 7:30 as Catalano sound checked. The line was halfway around the block by this stage, but all came good as we allowed to enter the venue.
LIVE REVIEW: JIMMY BARNES Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour
Tonight is a journey that started forty years ago. It started with the incredible Australian Made Tour that swept the county back in 1986/7. Hobart was the first show of that tour on boxing day 1986. It was also the year of release of Icehouse’s “Measure For Measure” album and Kate Ceberano was everywhere. Even if you didn’t know her by name you sure knew her by voice.
INTERVIEW: BLACK LABEL SOCIETY’s Zakk Wylde Talks New Album, Ozzy Tribute & Touring Plans
Photo: Justin Reich On Episode 12 of 50 Shades Of Slaids we catch up with the one and only Zakk Wylde to talk all things Black Label Societies ‘Engines Of Demolition’ which was released via MNRK Heavy on March 27. This is Black Label Society’s twelfth studio album and in the eyes of Slaids is their best record to date and a massive contender for his album of the year.
LIVE REVIEW: PAPA ROACH With Special Guests Landmvarks & prepared A Day To Remember
Papa Roach _The Rockpit_METRO CITY, PERTH_210423 Calling a tour “The Big Rock Show” is a big call. Through the history of time there have indeed been some big rock shows and tours. This one is a little different though. It’s celebrating three bands that came to life in three separate decades. The tour could have almost been called the big rock evolution tour. Papa Roach who formed in 1993, A Day To Remember in 2003 and Landmvrks in 2014.
INTERVIEW: sace6 Talk Brutalist, Live Chaos and Their First Australian Tour
On Episode 11 of 50 Shades Of Slaids we chat to Sace6 who are a duo from the east cost of America, together sace and Noah Thomas create this eclectic fusion or pop, rnb and heavy as hell progressive metal. The duo have been making waves within underground music communities and ae making a huge name for themselves live. This April sace6 will be visiting Australia for the first time supporting nothing, nowhere on their national tour.
INTERVIEW: NERVOSA’s Helena Kotina talks about new album ‘Slave Machine’
Photo Credit: Akis Zaralis Nervosa have just released their sixth album “Slave Machine” via Napalm records and on episode 10 of 50 Shades Of Slaids caught up with guitarist Helena Kotina to talk the album, the bands growth and direction on the record. ‘Slave Machine” is a beautifully brutal release that show a brilliant balance between heavy and melodic. It’s live feel makes it most balanced energetic and authentic record to date.
INTERVIEW: ASHLEY SHERLOCK talks Fender USA, Raging Bear & His New Album That Is On The Way
In episode 9 of 50 Shades of Slaids, we catch up with UK blues-rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Ashley Sherlock to talk about a huge new chapter in his career, including his recent endorsement with Fender USA, a new management deal with Australian-based Raging Bear Artist Management, and work well underway on his forthcoming new album — the eagerly awaited follow-up to his debut release, Just A Name.
LIVE REVIEW: THE BLACK CROWES With Special Guests The Southern River Band
With BluesFest being cancelled at such short notice this tour almost didn’t happen. Set to be one of the headline acts of the iconic festival this initial couple of sideshows in Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane were set to be treats for the Australian fans. Intimate theatres for one of the worlds finest blues driven rock bands of the last thirty-seven years. Thankfully Live Nation stepped in and saved this run of shows.
LIVE REVIEW: THE POGUES With special guest John Francis Flynn -‘A celebration of 40 Years of Rum, Sodomy and Lash’
There has always been something about The Pogues that has captivated me. When ‘Rum, Sodomy & Lash’ came out forty years ago I didn’t appreciate their music at all. Over the years as my tastes became more adventurous, I found myself exploring the world of The Pogues and the album that was recommended I start this journey with was in fact this record.
LIVE REVIEW: ANTHRAX With Special Guest Alien Weaponary
When it comes to tours that I have been excited about this one was on top of my list. I have been chomping at the bit to see Anthrax with Joey Belladonna. It was a bucket list show. The last two studio albums have been nothing but perfection for me. “Worship Music” and “For All Kings” are essential staples in my music diet even now. I love all eras of the band but the maturity and slight change in style of those later records hit me differently.
INTERVIEW: EVERGREY’s TOM ENGLUND digs into the new album & new chapter
Photo Credit: Patric Ullaeus On episode 8 of 50 Shades Of Slaids we catch up with Evergrey founding member and frontman Tom Englund. With their sensational new album ‘Architects Of A New Weave’ due on June 5 via Napalm Records we dig into the album and discuss this new chapter of the band which is faithful to the past but really does step into today. It’s a lush, cinematic experience that unlocks perspective on the world we live in today along with observations of how it affects us all.
INTERVIEW: Toby Jepson of LITTLE ANGELS talks band history & triumphant return on the upcoming Big, Bad & Back UK tour
Photo: Ray Burmiston In this exclusive extended seventh episode of 50 Shades Of Slaids, Slaids sat down with Little Angels frontman Toby Jepson for a chat about the band’s history and their triumphant return on the upcoming Big, Bad & Back UK tour this November. While the Big, Bad & Back Tour is limited to this run of sixteen shows for now, the future of the band looks brighter than ever as Toby reveals the band plans for the rest of 2026 into 2027.
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