Australian rock powerhouse Midnight Oil is expected to announce details on Friday of its promised reunion tour, shows that would mark the band’s first performances together since 2009’s Sound Relief concerts to benefit the victims of that year’s bushfires.
The Oils, who split in 2002 but have reunited a handful of times, last year announced their intention to reform, but not immediately. In May, they posted on social media:
“We wanted you to be the first to know that the five of us are planning to do some gigs in Australia and overseas during 2017. It will probably be at least the end of this year before we know exactly where or when.”
Now, the band is teasing what’s expected to be that tour announcement, with the date “17.02.17” — this Friday — emblazoned on its website. An email went out today to fans who’d previously registered at the site: “We’re planning a busy year ahead, so if you’d like to stay up to date with everything that’s happening you’ll need to update your details here.” That email also included a photo of guitars set up in what appears to be a recording studio. Perhaps a new album’s in the works, too?
Additionally, the Australian Associated Press reports that the media is being prepped:
“…this week a mysterious ‘save the date’ email was sent around by promoter Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Promotions stating a major tour would be announced. On Friday, Mushroom sent out a new message inviting media to board a boat on Sydney Harbour alongside Midnight Oil for a media announcement and Q&A.”
Plans for a Midnight Oil reunion follow the release last year of frontman, and former politician, Peter Garrett’s solo debut, A Version of Now. Garrett has been performing in support of that record.
Stay tuned for full details of the Oils’ announcement.
PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS:
- Midnight Oil to reissue 10 remastered CDs, finally release ‘Black Rain Falls’ on DVD
- Video: Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie join Hunters & Collectors onstage
- Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett resigns Australian ministry post, won’t seek re-election
- Midnight Oil preps career-spanning 2CD ‘Essential Oils’ compilation for fall release
