THERE will be a touch of paradise for Mount Gambier music fans next year when John Farnham visits the city to headline the region’s major annual outdoor rock festival.
A stellar line-up of Australian rock legends was announced at the weekend for the 2019 instalment of the Red Hot Summer Tour, which is expected to attract thousands of people to a paddock outside the Old Mount Gambier Gaol.
Joining Farnham on the bill are fellow music icons Daryl Braithwaite, Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi, Thirsty Merc and Dragon.
It will be the fourth visit of the tour to the Mount Gambier venue, with operator James Stephenson telling The Border Watch he enjoyed the exciting buzz it created across the region.
“This year’s tour was sold out with 4000 attending and next year, with the calibre of John Farnham and the rest of the line-up, we are looking at again selling 3500 to 4000 tickets,” Mr Stephenson said.
After rallying for two years to ensure the city was added to the tour itinerary, Mr Stephenson said it boosted tourism, bringing in visitors from across South Australia and Victoria.
“The event continues to draw in crowds each year, filling hotels, motels and pubs – it has been a massive coup,” he said.
Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce president Lynette Martin OAM said the event was fantastic for the city and its economy.
“It is an outstanding line-up this year and the tour looks to get bigger and better each year – attracting people from far and wide,” Ms Martin said.
“Visitors are able to explore Mount Gambier and all of the wonderful tourist destinations we have to offer.”
Ms Martin congratulated the Old Mount Gambier Gaol team on its effort to attract the tour to the city and for putting Mount Gambier on the tour map.
“With the successful Generations in Jazz Festival and opera showcase, the tour is another excellent genre to entice people to our city,” she said.
“You can never underestimate the flow-on effect that events such as this have on the community, it will benefit the entire city in one way or another.”
The tour will be held on Saturday, April 6, with Mr Stephenson explaining the change from a summer date was scheduled to secure the line-up of artists for Mount Gambier.
Former The Dead Daisies and INXS singer Stevens, who also has an impressive solo catalogue, spoke to The Border Watch following the announcement.
“I am excited to return to Mount Gambier and have played at the Old Gaol before, so I am really looking forward to performing at the unique venue again,” he said.
“The audiences are always great as we play songs they have all grown up with – its always fantastic to hear the crowd singing back the lyrics.”
Mr Stevens has recently finished a five-month tour, visiting rural towns across the country and said he loved performing in all parts of Australia.
“I love playing in regional areas as the crowds are always great, the cities can sometimes be a bit spoilt for choice,” he said.
When discussing playing alongside Australian music legend John Farnham, he said it was like old times when seeing each other.
“John is a great guy, we know each other really well and each time we get back together we always share many laughs and
memories,” he said.
Mr Stevens said audiences could expect an array of his own popular songs during the tour.
“The tour is an awesome opportunity and I always love gigs and playing live,” he said
Tickets will go on sale this Thursday at 9am and the community is reminded to only purchase tickets on the official Ticketmaster site or via the Old Mount Gambier Gaol.
