Spitshine 4th Leg FNQ

Going from the snow in Hobart one week, to 35 degrees in Rockhampton the next is just what a handful of white kids and a Nepalese lad need.

Mid north QLD looking both ways

Rockhampton is on fire. Literally. Bushfires are burning outta control on the outskirts (in a few days we’d hear news that whole neighbourhoods would be evacuated) and the trees, streets and even the local Vinnies store are bone dry. But pressingly, our soundcheck drags on unproductively until it becomes clear that the PA company decided to bail on tonight so the two girls who handle the show have kittens while our soundy Luke tries to make do.

The venue window reveals nothing of the panic of the missing PA

An hour before the show, a guy from the local theatre pops in for one beer before heading home – and once informed of the situation – manages to hook up the gear we need from an alternative company. This is treated as a miracle and we almost bow down to him. We’ll pretty much bow down to anything at this point. The show is a 180 degree flip on our expectations – the crowd go buckwild – jumping and flaying limbs in unison to ‘The Clocks’ (one of the more downtempo tunes in the set). Ok it’s clear, Rocky fucking rocks. I can’t recall how many times I get told that we’re the 3rd hip hop group to ever play there. Onto Mackay…

If you remember, a few weeks ago The Herd pulled out of a gig in Mackay and I was told not to come by certain err, fans, so I admit I was a little nervous about the show. It was kinda eery driving through the areas that were the subject of a national news story involving us only recently but once at the show, the crowd was mad. I talked with a bunch of people who were concerned, but respected our views and hands were shaken all round. Mackay is just as the sign says..

Tour manager Mondo gets in the spirit

The drive between Mackay and Townsville is crazy: cane trains; burning sugarcane fields; towering mountains; rusty old factories and sugar mills and little towns with 2 pubs and one general store.

Cane train with about 15 carriages

We’re in no hurry and manage to stop off in Bowen for a swim which leaves my ears blocked for 5 days. Tonight’s show is another mystery – the original venue closed on us a few weeks ago, in the process cancelling a guaranteed fee and free production (PA etc). The show’s replacement is the Andergrove Tav and we have no guarantee and we have to bring in production – which is over a grand – add on the fact that we haven’t had much time to spread the word of the new venue, and you have a tentative touring party.

Maybe it’s the low expectations, but tonight is awesome – we have a very decent crowd and they’re keen as. The enthusiasm at the last few QLD shows has been eye-opening and infectious. I get all but contracted to go out fishing and diving off the reef with two burly dudes that look like cops. Couldn’t take em up on the offer. All 30ish offers..

Last drive of the North QLD leg and it’s the most spectacular – you should do this sometime. The landscape has drifted from dry as a bone to lush and rainforesty and we drive through a bushfire that licked the edge of our car. Tonight we join up with Obese Records for their Block Party show (originally we were booked at different venues on the same night so we joined forces) which I’m looking forward to – a fair few Obese artists are good mates of ours.

Muph, Jane, Urth & Plutonic Lab

It’s my birthday and the crew have managed to get a cake delivered to our hotel room that is a replica of the shoe on my album cover.

No way...?

Note thongs, we’re not in southern Aust anymore…

Solo, Gusto, Mondo & Chips Tyzzle

Tonight’s gig is predictably carnage – the Obese lads make sure of that but we go down an absolute storm with the locals. Muph & Pluto kill it to conclude the night.. Somehow I’m photographed dancing on a podium and we depart for more drinks and late night swimming – how we didn’t get kicked out is beyond me.

The after after party at the airport

Then miraculously…

Cheerin and dancin at Sydney airport

This kinda sums up the Spitshine tour… mad vibes everywhere and the energy is brimming.

Looking forward to Melbourne next week…