THE ‘holy grail’ of Australian rock music will headline a bumper 10th anniversary line-up when the Red Hot Summer Tour returns to Mount Gambier in January.
Recently reunited Hunters and Collectors will headline the annual rock showcase which is expected to attract thousands to the Old Mount Gambier Gaol on January 5.
The Living End, James Reyne, The Angels, Baby Animals, Killing Heidi and Boom Crash Opera will also grace the purpose-built stage as part of the tour.
The event is expected to generated an estimated $818,000 for the Mount Gambier economy as people from across the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria flock to the Blue Lake city.
While the national tour is in its 10th year, it will be the fifth time the event is held in Mount Gambier with Old Gaol owner Jamie Stephenson expecting the benefits to flow on to cafes, accommodation and beyond.
“It’s great for the economy, for the locals and for people around the region,” he said.
“We probably get a lot of people coming from Melbourne, Adelaide and in-between.”
Eager to bring live music to the Limestone Coast, Mr Stephenson said events like the Red Hot Summer Tour put Mount Gambier on the map.
Picture: MARTIN PHILBEY
“It is a major credit to the city to bring bands such as these here,” he said.
“Everyone around the region should be proud to get such a big act and lineup here in their own backyard.
“Events like this are something we as a town should celebrate as they put us on the map for music in Australia which is fantastic.”
Although usually marketed at the older generation, Mr Stephenson said he would not be surprised if more youth joined the predicted bumper crowd.
“The market audience for these events is usually mid-30’s,” he said.
“Yet there will also be those from the younger generation who grew up listening to these bands through their parents.
“Even if you’re not a 90s child, or from that decade, a lot of people will also know the music because it’s all anthems from Australian music history.”
Alongside the economic and entertainment value, Mr Stephenson said the tour provided a new avenue for aspiring musicians.
“To have people come along to the event who may not know the music but come out for a good day, there is always the possibility it will inspire them to pick up an instrument or start singing,” he said.
“It creates that buzz for the younger generation who may discover they enjoy the music scene and they are available locally.”
He said many previous artists of the tour had contacted him post-event, stating they enjoyed their overall experience in the Limestone Coast.
“It’s the atmosphere and the buzz the audience gives the artists,” he said.
“People in the city expect something to this scale almost every weekend but in the country it’s a two or three times per year event.
“It is something that becomes part of their yearly schedule, once the event is over they are already excited about the following year’s despite the line-up not being announced.”
Tickets will be released next Thursday through Ticketmaster and the Old Gaol directly.
