Who’s The Voice?
IT’S had everyone talking in the UK so we thought we better have a crack at it ourselves Down Under. The Australian version of The Voice is hitting the TV screens back home and for those unfamiliar with the concept, singing hopefuls get on stage for a sing and a crack at mentoring from a famous musician, maybe even to hit the big time. Sound familiar? The difference in The Voice is the judge’s have their back to the singer and are going on sound alone.
The Aussie judging panel is made up of Keith Urban, Seal, Benji Madden (Good Charlotte) and everyone’s favourite girl next door – Delta Goodrem. We thought with the name of the show, John Farnham would have been a shoe-in. Alas…
So far appearing behind the judges backs has been Guy Sebastian’s little brother; a teenage girl from the wrong side of the tracks; and a stay at home dad. Sounds straight off the reality music show production line at the moment. Yet the standout for the show so far has been Rachel Leahcar, a 19 year old girl who also happens to be visually impaired. Her voice stunned the judges and she was able to make light of her sight problem commenting on the irony of ‘blind’ auditions.
We’re sucker for a feel good story. Go Rachel.
Happy Birthday Rage!
The Queen might be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this year but one of Australia’s treasures is celebrating its silver jubilee this week. We are, of course, talking about everyone’s favourite late night/early morning weekend music show – Rage.
For 25 years on Friday and Saturday evenings, eager Australian music fans have been curling up on their couch from midnight with a doona and cuppa in hand or keeping the party going well into the wee hours with the music clip show on.
The show was famous for never having a host but rather inviting musicians and artists to take residence for the week on the iconic red couch to pick their favourite tunes and talk about songs which inspired them. They are making an exception for the anniversary show with everyone’s favourite crusty rock man Tim Rogers being handed the job to look back at 25 years of memories.
ABC is inviting viewers to get involved by having Rage parties, sending in pictures and also offering prizes for the best rendition of the well-known opening credits the ‘Rage scream’. You know the one, “Raaaaaaggeeee!!” You’re trying it right now, aren’t you?
Ent Cent gets the chop
The home to nearly every big concert in Sydney for the past 30 years, the Sydney Entertainment Centre, is being ripped down next year as part of a $1 billion redevelopment of the area.
Chances are if you’re from NSW and like a bit of music you’ve probably caught a show there. Everyone from Pearl Jam to Madonna, Rage Against The Machine to Kylie Minogue have graced the stage and a room full of memories will go when the bulldozers get to work.
There’s plans afoot for a new centre as part of the redevelopment scheme but it will be at least three years before it reopens, so watch this space.
As for us, we remember the time as a fresh faced 18 year old country kid hitting the city for a Radiohead concert, grabbing some cheap food in nearby Chinatown, then sitting enthralled for two hours in the back row as the electronic rockers wowed the crowd. Oh the Ent Cent. You’ll be missed.