Pete Murray

Pete Murray stands tall amongst Australian songwriters with his formidable fusion of roots/rock guts and a subtle, intimate touch that nods to the balladeering greats.

He is quintessentially Australian, yet with a global mantra that’s seen his music breach national barriers and seduce hearts worldwide. And Sunset Events is proud to announce Pete Murray is returning to Perth for one very special Southbound Sideshow, at Fremantle Arts Centre on Sunday, January 4.

Pete’s last two shows at the Regal Theatre sold out in record time, and his last three albums have all soared to the top position in the album charts. Joined by WA bred and Melbourne based tunesmith Carus, Perth’s own psychedelic rockers The Panda Band and South Africa’s Chris Letcher, this is a rare chance to see Pete Murray up close and person in the serene surrounds of Fremantle Arts Centre.

Best described as art-tech-indie pop, The Panda Band have been busy since the release of their debut longplayer The Vital Chapter, relocating to the US to further explore their impressive American fanbase. Catch them in a very special home performance.

Carus continues to rise in the roots/rock ranks. Following the release of his acclaimed album Three Boxes with his band the True Believers, he’s toured the globe and now released an album of classic Australian songs for the German market. See Carus as he returns home for a very special solo performance alongside his long-time friend Pete Murray.

From the moment the funky piano riff opens Pete Murray’s third album, Summer At Eureka, you sense he’s coming from a different place. When the drums kick in and the electric guitars bite on that song, Chance To Say Goodbye, you know for sure. There’s a bright, positive atmosphere to Summer At Eureka that reflects Murray’s state of mind as the proud father of a young family.

And fully in control of his career, producing his own music for the first time in the studio he has built on his rural property in northern New South Wales. It’s there on You Pick Me Up, first single from the album and one of the most upbeat songs Murray has ever recorded.

That positive energy radiates through Summer At Eureka, Murray’s first self-produced album. It was recorded during summer, naturally, at the studio Murray has built on his rural property. All the elements that people love about him are still there: the powerful vocals, the honest emotions, the sing-with-me melodies.

The sunny, back-to-the-country vibe of Saving Grace, with its acoustic guitar and harmonica, reflects the leafy surroundings where it was recorded. It’s an injection of summery optimism that could brighten even the darkest winter day.

Silver Cloud is another intimate ballad, this time it’s Murray who is doing the picking up for the subject of his song, with its rolling piano and shimmering strings, while the title tune soars on one of Murray’s most unforgettable melodies. And the album's concluding Happy Ground features the singalong sounds from friends and children who happened to call by as recording progressed. These mix with sizzling rock songs, and Summer At Eureka captures the full palette of Murray’s music like never before.

Now here is one of Australia's favourite songwriters producing his songs as he wants the world to hear them. Take a listen to the feel-good atmosphere unleashed by the glorious jangle of Never Let The End Begin, destined to become another Murray classic, and you get the idea. Never let it end at Southbound.

Tickets for this very special night of music are $55 + booking fee and available from heatseeker.com.au or Fremantle Arts Centre, Mills Records, Planet Video, Star Surf and all Live Clothing stores.

Gates open 5.30, with the music kicking off at 6.00pm. Please note: this is an 18+ licensed concert – no BYO alcohol.

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