JSS in Oz - The Tour Summary!

Jeff Scott Soto & Band - Live In Australia 2004

So these are my thoughts on the inaugural JSS Australian Tour. I hope you enjoy the read. All the details are included and I have talked about as much as possible. I could have continued on, but if we wanted this online this year, this will have to be enough!
Excuse any grammar and spelling errors – I've read thru this a few times and picked up most, but not wanting to delay it any further, here goes.
It was a great tour and yes, we'll try and do it again……

Putting the very first tour of Australia together for Jeff Scott Soto was a major challenge.
Jeff and I had talked about doing this for a long while in the lead up to the actual confirmation.
I had a couple of contacts who were sussing out promoters, but without luck, which was really no surprise.
In the end, during a lengthy discussion with Jeff, we decided to do it all ourselves.
I would plan and book the tour and Jeff would self-finance it – on the hope that attendances would return his investment.
This was a ballsy move on Jeff's behalf and one that few other artists would be prepared to take. I can't give enough credit to the man for being willing to bring his whole band out here on what was little more than my own personal guarantee that he would have 'a good time' and people would be excited to see him live!
Here in Oz we get little chance to appreciate a name artist from the melodic rock scene. It's either metal or its commercial pop artists that tour.

Over a few months the tour was put together, organized and promoted – to the best of our abilities and within the budgetary constraints.
The tour itself was largely a big success. A lot was learnt – especially by myself, as it was my first time dealing with most aspects of what is needed to make a tour work.
Our biggest problem though was the fact it was indeed the first time a melodic rock artist of this kind had toured Australia, coming from overseas. Mike Tramp of course tours around, but he lives here and uses a local band.
We had nothing to compare anything to – venues, attendances, merch sales, press…nothing!
So the progress and result of the tour has definitely been etched into the minds of all involved, so if there is a next time, we will have a little more knowledge to go with.

As I said, the tour as a whole was a success. For us personally at least. But for the scene as a whole, that's another question.
Attendances were the most vital and important factor – as they are in any tour.
One would have to say that some cities were disappointing and without question should have been better. I'll go through details of each city in detail shortly.

But the overall numbers were not enough to guarantee that any other artist will take a risk like Jeff did. In fact, without outside financial backing, I can't see any other act I deal with taking the risk.
I was hoping to take the numbers from this tour and apply pressure to promoters for future backing, but again, based on the overall turnout, no promoter would ever be interested.
Jeff and I have already talked about the possibility of a return when time and conditions permit, but as I said, Jeff is a rare individual that will take any situation by the horns and jump right in. Other artists may be enticed, but not without co-operation from outside sponsors. That's something I have already began to look at, so only time will tell.

For a relatively unknown artist in these parts of the world – aside from reputation – Jeff did pretty damn well downunder.
I think we reached all those that were established Jeff fans and I know for a fact the guys blew away those that came along for the curiosity factor.
I have already had countless phone calls and e-mails since the tour ended, all unanimously in praise of the band and the shows they delivered.
I know that these folks will go away and bring more friends to possible future shows, so that is a real positive.
There are some people that are kicking themselves for missing this, so I know the band have set a solid foundation from which to build on next time.

Sydney.
The guys flew in from the USA on Wednesday morning and due to a change in venue early on in the piece, had to play that same night.
I flew up from Hobart mid-morning to join the guys at the hotel and start this merry ride.
Soundcheck was our first chance to meet the support band Teargas. It was their enthusiasm for Jeff and a willingness to drive from their homebase in Melbourne to also play Sydney and Adelaide that landed them the gig.
As it turned out, we also called upon them to use some of their gear – amps and their drumkit etc. The guys were always obliging and a pleasure to work with.

Sydney's venue was The Marquee – host to us for 2 nights, the Queen Tribute show on night one and Jeff's regular solo show on night 2.
The guys all ripped through a soundcheck and really tested the capabilities of the venue sound system. The Marquee rates as one of the best venues from the tour and is a superb room for sound and atmosphere.
Venue owner Nic also rated as one of the good guys of the tour to deal with and I can see us using the venue again in the future.

Night One (Wednesday) – Sydney Queen Tribute Show.
One would have to describe the turn out for this show as immensely disappointing. From Australia's largest city, only 70 came out to witness a killer rock show.
The crowd was very receptive and despite the small number, the band played a very energetic show.
That's something I immediately noticed and continued to be impressed by as the tour progressed. No matter how many were in the house, the band played to each and every person there and everyone saw a full, energetic show.
During the operatic break in Bohemian Rhapsody, to the surprise of the crowd, the guys all jumped down off stage and went straight to the bar for some shots and back just in time to kick back into the song.
The guys finished with an extra encore – a cover of Ozzy Osbourne's I Don't Know. Not your average finale to a Queen tribute show!
Teargas singer Al joined Jeff on stage for the track. Good fun was had by all and afterwards the merch stand was overtaken by all in attendance.
As per each and every gig on the tour, Jeff and the rest of the guys hung out to sign autographs, sign merch and take pictures.
Howie and Dave made beeline for the bar and remained there until departure time. That too would become a pattern!

Night 2 (Thursday) was Jeff's new solo show – an extension of the show which made its debut at The Gods 2002.
The crowd was again small – 101 + guests. Again, the guys delivered a killer show, but the crowd was not as vocal as the night before and definitely needed some warming up.
The set saw Believe In Me played for the only time on tour and the big show finale saw a number of fans with peculiar looks on their faces.
A popular part of the solo show this tour would be the crowd singalong during I'll Be Waiting, which featured Jeff handing over the mike each night to anyone willing to give the song a shot. Most of the time it added extra comedy to the show.
The 'Funky Medley' is something that has to be witnessed to be believed, but it's basically a selection of well known disco and funk hits woven into a medley and delivered in a distinctly tongue in cheek manner.

The small crowd was nevertheless very appreciative and thanked Jeff for touring after the show. One thing in Sydney's favor was there willingness to buy merchandise. Everyone that came along seemed to pick something up and the most number of MelodicRock compilations was also sold over the 2 nights in Sydney.
We also had a few travel for the show, with Ian and his mate over from Hong Kong (on ya guys), one down from Brisbane and several from outer areas that required an hour or two driving to get there. Thanks to everyone for making the effort to see the show!

Looking at the Sydney result, one must say that it was disappointing. Promotion of the event could not be the fall back excuse, as Utopia Records were promoting the show and we even did a quarter page ad in the biggest street press paper for Sydney, so one must question whether Sydney's melodic community is willing to support such tours.

The next show was Brisbane on Sunday, so we had a couple of days to kill in and around Sydney.
This was my first chance to hang and relax with the guys. Relax is a word I don't use in the normal sense. One can never relax too much around these guys, or you will be eaten alive!
The favourite pastime for the JSS Band is taking the piss out of each other and anyone around them. Stirring, giving shit to, teasing and generally keeping the conversation flowing with each other being targets is the name of the game.
If those were the rules, then so be it! I was more than happy to give back whatever was dished out.
The next couple of days were spent perusing the city - eating and taking in a small bit of shopping.
A highlight was being introduced to the American Krispy Crème donuts, which can't be obtained anywhere else in Australia – I'm now addicted without any chance of getting a follow up fix. Thanks guys.
A lowlight – leaving my ATM card in the machine and walking away! 3 hours later I realized what I had done, but was lucky enough to have had the card swallowed by the machine and returned. Never done that before and hope not to repeat it!

Brisbane.
Flight availability again dictated that Sunday be a long day. Up early and at the airport we all had our first taste of domestic checking in and sadly, excess baggage costs.
The old battleaxe behind the counter wasn't much of a talker, and wasn't moving on those costs – which she suggested should have come to $450, but would charge us $300. Yeah, thanks!
On our way and in the air, we were scheduled to land and head straight to the venue for an early soundcheck.
I had Richard of MetalOz setup the details of the Brisbane gig, as I didn't really know any suitable bands for support up there and he knows them all.
3 supports were arranged to make a real day of it, hence the early door time and need for an early set-up.
We landed in sunny and warm Brisbane to be greeted by my great buddy Peter and his wife Sandra – expat Tasmanian's and long time friend's that moved to the warmer end of the country. They agreed to let us stay with them, as we had another few days to kill before Adelaide. I'm not sure they knew what they were getting into, but both are great sports and immediately made the guys feel right at home.

So it was over to the Indie Temple – the Brisbane venue - for soundcheck and set up.
What can I say about the Indie Temple?
The venue itself was ok, but the owner Ross has to be one of the single biggest fuckwits I have ever had the misfortune of ever dealing with.
Not only was he arrogant, grumpy and down right rude, he went out of his way all evening to find problems to bitch and moan about like a little school girl with her knickers in a twist.
How anyone so moronic and rude can actually continue to run a business and have people use his services is beyond me.

So we were met with nothing more than a grunt upon introducing ourselves, but nevertheless went about our business.
Soundcheck went ok, but it was getting close to opening time, so the grumpy troll was moaning about having to pay staff to stand around while we got ready. As it was, the doors opened a mere 30 mins late.
During the band's soundcheck the guy was bitching about the volume and how we were too loud for the gear. Riiiight….
He then demanded we sign an indemnity form, claiming we would pay for any damage done to the equipment. We refused and got around him for now.

Jeff and the guys headed back to Peter's house to freshen up; while Richard and I made sure everything was sweet at the gig. The next move by Ross, the owner from hell, was to bitch about the support bands playing too long and taking too much time to change between sets. Time is money apparently and I was taking up both for him.
Next was the issue over a horn from the sound system. One was blown by the support band – yes, the support band!
Nevertheless, unless someone paid for it right then and there, Ross threatened to pull Jeff from the line-up and close the venue right then and there.
Our sound guy for the night took the fall (for the time being) and said he would take responsibility for it and the show went on as planned.
Venue owner of the year was last seen scowling around the back of the venue before leaving before the end of the night without sending us his best wishes. What a dick.

The show itself kicked off a little after 9, with about 120 in attendance. Again, not what was hoped for, but enough to create a good atmosphere and after a little warming up, the night went well.
A special bonus for those attending was the appearance of guitarist Simon Croft from the Queen musical We Will Rock You and the female lead (name escapes me now…) who joined the band on stage for an encore of two Queen tracks.

Jeff and the guys did their meet and greet afterwards, which again went well, but it seems the good folk of Brisbane were not as willing to part with their cash and not a lot of merchandise was sold. The costs of staging a show in Brisbane, versus the return and lack of merch sold puts a serious question mark over future gigs in that city.
Sydney is the city everyone flies into, so we can work on making that gig a success, but the costs associated with playing Brisbane will make it very hard. Mike Tramp shares the same problem.

We then had three days to fill in before flying to Adelaide Thursday. We hired a van Sunday and headed out and about to enjoy our stay there.
I was designated driver, which is always a challenge when you don't know the area, the way around, or where exactly everyone wants to go!
With the help of everyone else in the van yelling directions and instructions, we managed to take in lunch in Brisbane and a look around the city.
What followed did not go so well.

Gary (it's all his fault) had borrowed a Darkness CD from Simon – to get the 2 Japanese bonus tracks. Essential stuff for sure, but we had to drop the CD back to Simon's hotel and that was stuck in the middle of the worst bit of inner-city design I have ever seen!
We basically spent the best part of an hour getting this CD back, weaving in and out of streets and suburbs, looking for the right turn off :)
Naturally none of us would ask directions, but we got it done - eventually. However, I was done with driving!
Sadly we still had to find our way back to Peter's, some 30 mins out of the city. We were almost there too, when the “other drivers” requested a stop at a supermarket beside the freeway.
Now this bloody supermarket had no visible entrance besides an underneath car park, so I headed for that – without any regard for how high the van actually was.
Yep, I was tired and didn't really give much thought to whether or not we were going to fit through this gap. I didn't care and just wanted to get out of the van!
Well, as it turned out, we did fit through. But not before hitting the height warning barrier and scraping a good deal of paint right off the top of the van roof!
And of course, once I was in, I had to drive out again – further adding to the joy of the evening and the remodeling of the van. On the way out I not only scraped back under the height warning bar, but also a sign inside the car park warning of the height.
Now, if neither was bloody there, we might have fit through! Ha!
It was at this point I had decided that being a tour manager might not my forte and I should instead try my hand at goat farming.
But the guys were all pretty cool about it and blew it off as something not to worry about – after all, the van hire firm was called rent-a-dent. I was simply adding to their credo.
The night wasn't over yet though, as I still had to stop for alcohol at another bloody off-ramp and still got lost on the way back to Pete's. He talked us through directions back via a mobile phone call!

I swore off driving from that point, but the next morning saw me back at the wheel and heading for Surfers Paradise. Thankfully a much finer day was had by all, topped off by dinner at the Hard Rock Café that night. The Hard Rock guys had e-mailed me before hand inviting the band to dinner there and what was an offer for free meals for us, turned into us plus Pete and Sandra, plus 2 for 1 drinks all night. Good deal guys, cheers!

A memorable trip to Brisbane was completed when we dropped the hire van off at the airport car park and rang in to report its whereabouts. Yes, the van's fine…you'll find it in Lot G. Thanks very much….
Now for those excess baggage charges. A plan of action was put in place, with Howie and Jeff immediately on the charm offensive. The young bloke checking us in seemed up for a chat and he was soon receiving copies of Jeff's new CD and the Queen DVD. And Howie rested my briefcase against the weigh station, with some of the bag weight resting on the edge of the case. It all helps!!!
The result this time around? $70 excess – thanks for coming! Much better….

Adelaide.
Thursday at midday saw us in Adelaide. We had no idea what this gig would produce, as there were no pre-sales – just door sales.
The venue - Enigma Bar - is one of the 'less beautiful' I have ever seen – it had certainly seen better days, but as things turned out, had a pretty good sound system and coupled with the Teargas gear, sounded great. The boys had driven over that morning also.

Soundcheck completed, there was just enough time to get dinner down before the doors opened. The band would return later, but I manned the merch stand as always.
The turn out was again disappointing. Just over 70 attended. However, amongst them were some more melodicrock regulars – hi guys - and several that had come just to check the show out.
I have to say, Jeff and the guys were blown away by the Adelaide crowd. Nice to see Davo and Julian travel over from Melbourne to see the show, but the rest were all locals and they really ate up what was offered. And afterwards it seemed everyone bought something to take away with them. It was a great night and everyone seemed to find their way to the bar after the show for an extended drinking session.
I'll Be Waiting again went over well, with a few trying out the song, but only Julian from Melbourne knowing the lyrics. When someone heckled from up the back, Jeff jumped off the stage and walked the mike over to him. He failed to impress!
I pretty much behaved myself, as I was designated driver (of course), but it was still a memorable night.
Once again though, the costs of staging a show in Adelaide vs the attendance will make it hard to include in future stops.
But first – that flight and that baggage! Same ploy this time around, with a young female happily talking to Howie and Jeff – and again scoring a CD! Howie also lipped me a guitar which had previously been checked in to hide and as I had already checked in I wandered off with it – it became an extra carry on item and our excess charges this time around? $20!!!!!!!! Bargain.

Pix: Russell Nash. JSS in Adelaide

Next stop was my home town Hobart.
It was great to get to Hobart and introduce the guys to the least known state of Australia.
After touching down and being greeted by Cath and Nicholas, I dropped the boys off at the hotel and headed home for some much needed family time.
I don't think anyone had more than 2 hours sleep the night before, so nothing was planned until tomorrow – the day of gig #1.
Several – in fact everyone – asked why Hobart?
Well, two points – it's my home town and I know a lot of friends that love their rock n roll, so why not!
Secondly, the Hobart venue The Republic Bar was the only one in Australia to put up any kind of guarantee of income. They gave an undertaking for both nights and should be applauded for that.
Saturday morning was spent showing the Jeff and Dave around the city a little. Howie and Gary were catching up on sleep/rest.
Salamanca Market showed a few highlights of Hobart's more bizarre inhabitants, while a drive around the city showed why it's a good place to relax in.

Soundcheck that afternoon went well and by 8pm I was back at the venue with Cath thankfully helping out. Jnr was in bed under the watchful eye of my parents, while Sunday night would see Cath's mum stay and do babysitting duties.

The crowd was in line with what we had experienced in other states. A little down on what I expected from music starved Hobart fans, once the guys hit the stage, the place went nuts. Hobart crowds are notorious for sitting back and just taking things in, but Jeff knows how to work a crowd and they responded in kind.
The enthusiasm of the crowd was one of the best of the tour – right up there with Adelaide and night 2 in Melbourne.
One old broad even got on stage to fondle Howie – a tour highlight for him I'm sure.
I'll Be Waiting provided more laugh's, with one of the guys who drove 2 hours down from Launceston taking to the stage and singing along. His voice wasn't the best (!), but it was all good fun.
Some weeks later I am still getting killer feedback about the two shows and comments suggesting these were some of the best shows of its kind ever witnessed in Tasmania.

Sunday was pretty relaxed with the boys taking a drive up Mt. Wellington, which over looks the city and the whole South East of the state. I talked to Jeff from the top of the mountain – he and Dave were seriously blowing out over the views and rated it a trip highlight.
Sunday's soundcheck went pretty quickly and the Queen show was upon us.
The crowd was the same size as the night before – about 90 for each night, although by the end of the Queen set, another 20 odd had joined the throng inside. Seems the sounds drew people in off the street, which for a Sunday night in Hobart was pretty impressive.
The guys had a killer time on stage and the crowd was possibly even more enthusiastic than Saturday, but many had returned and they needed no warming up this time!
The place was rocking so well that the guys did the funky medley as an extended encore, just to give those newcomers a taste of what was missed the night before.

Another big positive for Hobart was the merch sales. Good to see everyone right into the goods on offer afterwards, which encompassed a long signing session for all the guys.
There has been a lot of talk of the gigs since, so I'm hoping a return performance will be possible.

Monday morning saw a very tired bunch of guys heading out to Melbourne. What had become a pretty easy check-in plan was executed perfectly again and another CD or two was handed over. Our $300 excess charge was discounted to $50, but when Jeff wanted to pay via credit card, she decided she couldn't be bothered with the paperwork. Love that Tasmania way!
Our excess had over the trip diminished from $300 from Sydney to Brisbane to a big fat Zero!

Melbourne.
Monday in Melbourne was a sit back and take it easy kinda day. After we all had lunch I hit the pavement and wandered around as did the rest of the guys on their own.
Tuesday was much the same – pretty relaxed until soundcheck and venue set-up time.
The Corner Hotel in Melbourne is a killer venue and is one of the best run and best organized venues in Australia. Sydney was awesome and Hobart and Adelaide also rated highly, but Melbourne wins.
This is also Teagas' home turf, so they were pumped for a big night. Soundcheck's went well, although the time taken to do it was a little longer than we'd hoped for.
Being that there wasn't much time until doors opened, I stayed behind and had dinner up the street while the rest of the guys relaxed back at the Hotel.
The crowd for night 1 in Melbourne already topped all others on the tour to date. 140 were in house for the Queen show.
I must say, just like Sydney, this was one of the shows where I met the most site users and Noticeboard regulars. I can't say how awesome it was to finally put faces to names and say G'Day in person.
Special mention for Luigi, who travelled all the way from New Zealand to witness the shows. Good one mate!

Teargas were their usual awesome selves and had the crowd warmed up for when Jeff took the stage. Another super tight set for an enthusiastic, but perhaps a little laid back crowd. Still a top night though and the post-show autograph session was warmly received.
Lots of merch bought – with the new album Lost in the Translation easily the favourite, followed by the Live Queen DVD.

Wednesday was another pretty relaxed day. We all pretty much did our own thing before meeting up for a 5pm soundcheck. The guys weren't happy with the sound guy used the night before, so I delivered the news that he wouldn't be required that night. We would instead use Teargas' sound guy Mork, who did a great job the night before for his band and would prove to do the same for us that night.

A group dinner with all the guys, including Teargas before hand was cut short for me, as doors were due to open and I had to man the merch stand. As I would later learn, the guys downed plenty of alcohol and plotted bad things!
Wednesday in Melbourne was to be the pinnacle of the entire tour and so it turned out to be. 250 rabid rock n roll fans turned up for what was one of the very best gigs of the tour, with the band all fired up, drinking plenty and getting just a bit silly!
During the Teargas set, Jeff and the guys all wandered onto the stage, and as a special thanks and tour farewell, proceeded to do what they could to disrupt the band – playing catch across the stage with water bottles, trying to trip the guys up and then getting out the whipped cream and covering them all. A special salute, but credit to them, they played on without too much disruption!
The guys did us a lot of favors on the tour and were a pleasure to work with and I thank them for their efforts and hospitality. Teargas rules!

Jeff's last show of the tour would see a little extra buggering around, including an extended I'll Be Waiting which included pulling a couple of Jeff's Aussie mates up on stage – Robbo didn't want to blow his voice and when it come time for Julian to sing his part, he instead chose to ask Jeff to play a Kuni track. Much laughs all-round.
Also dragged on stage was a drunk guy so they could take the piss a little out of him before throwing him back to the audience.

The night ended with pulling all the Teargas guys up on stage for the encore, everyone swapping instruments, which was Gary on drums during the last track - Van Halen's Ain't Talking Bout Love.
And I was also called upon to join the guys on stage – a special thank you it would seem, but I was wary - and for good reason. I too was soon creamed and left standing there, covered head to foot in whipped cream. Cheers guys.

And there was a “scuffle” too….with a local rock scene identity serving up a little dose of justice to a well known dishonest trader that just happened to be at the show. Nuff said!
I think the goodbyes lasted about 2 hours after the show….so many site regulars and a few old friend's of Jeff's that were now friends of everyone.

Jeff with Heaven Scent vocalist Justin.

Pix: Julie Edgley - JSS in Melbourne and yours truly getting creamed.

Then it was back to the hotel to pack and get to the airport in the morning to hit our respective flights home.
It was great to get back to normality and start catching up on work missed while away. Normality is something that I certainly didn't experience much of over the 2 weeks Jeff and the boys were in Australia.

I'm really at little lost for words in trying to sum up the two weeks. It was a unique experience and one that I will never forget. I was fortunate enough to be involved and feel that we all did pretty good things during the tour.
Some gigs could have been better attended, but people have to get off their asses. Word of mouth has already worked; I know many that are kicking themselves for not coming along in various cities, but what can I say? – told you it would be killer and it was.

Even though we did nothing but heap shit on each other for 2 weeks, the guys were sensational to work with and despite what I told them, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Next time around – and we'd all love there to be a next time – we might do some things differently, as everyone learnt from this trip – but we'll make it even better again.
The tour was made financially possible due to some smart pre-tour arrangements – good deals on flights, van hire and accommodation, plus extra savings from staying with Pete and Sandra in Brisbane.
Having nearly 400 turn up over 2 nights in Melbourne was also a deciding factor in whether things would break even for us. Thanks Melbourne.
The turn-up elsewhere coupled with the merch sales – thanks everyone who supported that - all helped make the tour possible.

Jeff Scott Soto – The Ringleader – The bossman, the guy who it comes back to and someone that is more hands on in every aspect of his career and business dealings than any other individual I have ever dealt with. I have the utmost respect for the way Jeff operates and interacts with everyone else.
On stage he is one of the hardest working performers ever….and seriously works up a sweat that amazed me every gig. During Howie's solo, Jeff would come off stage to change gear and literally wring the sweat from his stage gear – creating a pool of water below. Amazing stamina.
Takes the glory when everything goes well, but also happily takes any shit when it might not. Always in the middle of any disagreement, trying to stir people up…very funny to watch.
Offstage – Always on the move…loves those all-night gym's!

Howie Simon – The Shit Stirrer – The guitarist, the power behind the voice. Howie is a unique individual who I have a lot of time for. I'm sure he's sitting back reading this and laughing, especially at the “unique” tag. Yep, Howie dishes out more shit than anyone - more like more than everyone else combined - and loves a good argument. I had several with him and am currently suffering withdrawal symptoms.
Set aside Howie's cynical and sarcastic jibes and you get a seriously good bloke who is never dull to be around. Well done Howie!
On a professional level, this dude is such an underrated guitarist. Howie can play anything and anyone and had all in attendance eating out the palm of his hand every night.
Offstage – Get off the Glenn Hughes message board dude….

Gary Shutt – The Funny Man – Gary is a gem to be around. A seriously funny bloke who made time for anyone and everyone while on the road. Often over shadowed by Howie's antics, but was still happy to be going at it with him whenever possible.
Gary's the quiet one of the group – well, quieter anyway…. But when on stage, he is a machine and his musical talents go way beyond what one could call normal. Guitar, bass or vocals – the man is a legend.
Offstage - Spent way too much time watching HBO specials on his laptop, but thanks for sharing them with me anyway!

Dave Dzialak – The New Guy – The hard hitting drummer who was always in the mix when stirring was underway. Dave really enjoyed the sights probably more than anyone else and enjoyed taking in the culture.
An awesome musician – as anyone has to be to be to keep this good company.
Apologies to Dave for leaving him out of the Sydney acoustic show. That tambourine worked a treat the rest of the tour….
Offstage – The wine connoisseur – always time for a beer and/or a fine wine.

JSS in Oz 2004 was about as memorable as it gets….Now, when are we doing it again guys?

JEFF SCOTT SOTO - TICKET DETAILS:
MelodicRock.com proudly presents Jeff Scott Soto live in Australia!
The final venue and ticket details for Jeff Scott Soto's premiere tour of Australia are now available.
Jeff and his full American band arrive in Australia September 1 for a two week tour that will include gigs in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Melbourne.
The JSS Band is: Jeff Scott Soto � Vocals; Howie Simon � Guitar; Gary Schutt � Bass; Dave Dzialak � Drums.
This will be a real treat for Australian fans long starved of quality live melodic rock.

Jeff is bringing an updated version of his acclaimed career spanning greatest hits show; filled with past classics from all aspects of his career, as well as new tracks from his upcoming second solo album Lost In The Translation.
In addition to those shows, in select cities Jeff will also perform his Queen Tribute shows, bringing his acclaimed Queen set direct to Oz from sold out performances at the UK Queen Convention in 2003 & 2004.

The dates have been previously announced, but there is a couple of major changes to the Sydney details. There has been a change of venue, with the shows now to take place at The Marquee. The original venue has been under going a number of problems and there was no choice but to make a change.
The Marquee is a bigger venue and from all reports has an even more impressive set up! However, the date of the Queen show has been changed due to a conflict in schedules. The Queen Tribute show will now be Wednesday September 1, with Jeff's regular show still as planned on the Thursday.

Utopia Records have joined MelodicRock.com to present Jeff in Sydney. Utopia will help promote the event in Sydney and will also host an in-store appearance, details of which will be announced shortly.

Jeff Scott Soto will be selling a range of his CD and DVD releases at each gig and will happily sign merchandise after each show.
MelodicRock.com CD Volume 2 will also be exclusively available at the Australian shows before an official release September 20. Copies of Volume 1, which features an exclusive unreleased Talisman track will also be on sale.

Australian Tour Dates are as follows:
Sydney � The Marquee - Wednesday, September 1 (Queen Show)
Sydney � The Marquee - Thursday, September 2
Brisbane � Indie Temple � Sunday September 5
Adelaide � Enigma Bar - Thursday, September 9
Hobart � Republic Bar - Saturday, September 11
Hobart � Republic Bar - Sunday, September 12 (Queen Show)
Melbourne � Corner Hotel � Tuesday, September 14 (Queen Show)
Melbourne � Corner Hotel � Wednesday, September 15 (Solo Show & End Of Tour Party)

Details of the individual venues and gigs are as follows:

Sydney:
Wednesday, September 1 (Queen Tribute Show)
Thursday, September 2
The Marquee � 128 Pyrmont Bridge Road, Camperdown 2050. (Cnr Parramatta Road) (02) 9557 0221
Tickets: $27 pre-paid or $30 at the door. A special combo deal of $45 for both gigs is available, but only if buying both in advance of the gig.
Tickets available from Utopia Records, 525 George Street, Sydney. (02) 9283 2423 www.utopia.com.au
On Sale Monday August 2.
Support from Teargas � www.teargas.com.au

Brisbane:
Sunday, September 5
Indie Temple � 210 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006. (07) 3852 2851
Tickets: $25 pre-paid or $30 at the door.
Tickets available from Skinny's Music, 85 Elizabeth St, Brisbane, 4000. (07) 3229 2389 www.skinnysmusic.com.au
(Booking fee of $1 will be added to the ticket price by Skinny's)
Tickets on sale Wednesday July 28.
Support from Mobstars, Sedition and Temple Godz - www.sedition.com.au / www.templegodz.com

Adelaide:
Thursday, September 9
Enigma Bar � 173 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA 5000. (08) 8212 2313 www.enigmabar.com.au
Tickets at the door on the night - $25.
Support from Teargas � www.teargas.com.au

Hobart:
Saturday, September 11
Sunday, September 12 (Queen Tribute Show)
Republic Bar, 299 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart, 7000. (03) 6234 6954 www.republicbar.com
Tickets: $20 pre-paid, or at the door. A special combo deal of $35 for both gigs is available, but only if buying both in advance of the gig.
Tickets on sale August 9 from the venue or from Tracks Music, Murray Street, Hobart. (03) 6236 9699
Note: Hobart tickets also available in advance direct from MelodicRock.com. Enquiries please e-mail: ajm@melodicrock.com

Melbourne:
Tuesday, September 14 (Queen Tribute Show)
Wednesday, September 15 (+ End Of Tour Party!)
Corner Hotel, 57 Swan Street, Richmond, Vic 3121. (03) 9427 7653
Tickets: $25 pre-paid or $28 at the door. A special combo deal of $40 for both gigs is available, but only if buying both in advance of the gig.
Tickets on sale now! Available at the Corner Box Office (57 Swan St, Mon-Sat 12.00-8.00), Phone Bookings (03) 9427 9198, or Online bookings at: www.cornerhotel.com (Secure Server).
Support from Teargas � www.teargas.com.au

Start times and door open times will be advised in due course via the same outlets.
BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE! These shows could sell out, so don't risk it! Ticket prices are at the lowest possible price to encourage as many people along as possible. Let's make this tour one for Jeff to remember!
Any further questions or enquiries � e-mail: ajm@melodicrock.com

Additional WebLinks: www.jeffscottsoto.com / www.howiesimon.com / www.garyschutt.com / www.talismanworld.com / www.rockstarmovie.com

JUNE 29 UPDATE

Time to update everyone on Jeff Scott Soto's Down Under jaunt! Jeff arrives in Australia September 1 for a 2 week stay that takes in live dates in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Melbourne.
The full dates are:

Australian Tour Dates are as follows:
Sydney � Bar Broadway - Thursday, September 2
Sydney � Bar Broadway - Friday, September 3 (Queen Show)
Brisbane � Indie Temple � Sunday September 5
Adelaide � Enigma Bar - Thursday, September 9
Hobart � Republic Bar - Saturday, September 11
Hobart � Republic Bar - Sunday, September 12 (Queen Show)
Melbourne � Corner Hotel � Tuesday, September 14 (Queen Show)
Melbourne � Corner Hotel � Wednesday, September 15 (Solo Show & End Of Tour Party)

Ticket sale details will be announced very shortly � next week in fact. Final details are being sorted right now. For the cities featuring two shows there will be tickets available for each individual show plus a dual ticket offer.
Jeff is brining his full American band with him and the shows are designed to cover his entire career and blow your minds!
I am in the process of lining up a couple of in-store appearances, which will be announced next week also.
Jeff will be bringing his full arsenal of merchandise to each and every show! That includes all his CDs and DVDs and Jeff always makes the effort to meet and greet everyone post-show and will sign any merchandise purchased on request.
A special bonus for Sydney folks � the solo show will be recorded/filmed! It's not known what will come of this at this early stage, but nevertheless, it is being filmed professionally thanks to a company who has volunteered their services. I am very pleased to announce that the support act for the Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide shows will be Melbourne rockers Teargas. Check the guys out at: www.teagas.com.au. The band will also support Brides Of Destruction in Melbourne in August.
One last note � the final show of the tour � Melbourne Wednesday September 15 will be a very special gig. We'll call it the end of tour party, so as well as the usual show, you can expect an extended finale that will feature some very special guests! Stay tuned...
If anyone has any questions / comments � please e-mail!
I will be travelling with the band for the duration of the tour, looking after what needs to be looked after as well as running the merchandise and looking forward to meeting everyone that comes along to support this great tour.

JEFF SCOTT SOTO - AUSTRALIAN TOUR ANNOUNCED

MelodicRock.com proudly presents Jeff Scott Soto in Australia!
It is with great pleasure and much excitement that I announce that Jeff Scott Soto's first ever tour of Australia is confirmed to go in September!
The highly respected vocalist is heading to Australia in the first week of September for his first ever concert tour of Down Under.
The dates will be the first in Jeff's extensive 2004 Lost In The Translation tour. His new solo album is scheduled for release on Frontiers Records also in September.
It has long been a desire of Jeff's to play in Australia, having conquered the UK and Europe in recent years. It has also been a long time wish of mine to be able to help organize and support such a tour � bringing such a world class melodic rock artist to Australian shores.
The Jeff Scott Soto Band will play dates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart.
The JSS Band is: Jeff Scott Soto � Vocals; Howie Simon � Guitar; Gary Schutt � Bass; Dave Dzialak � Drums.
In addition to his famed career spanning solo shows, Jeff will also perform a few Queen Tribute shows, bringing his acclaimed Queen set direct to Oz from sold out performances at the UK Queen Convention 2003 & 2004.
This will be a real treat for Australian fans long starved of quality rock n roll. Jeff will bring his full American band with him and will perform his full solo show, filled with past classics as well as new tracks from his upcoming second solo album Lost In The Translation.

Ticket prices, availability and on sale dates will be announced shortly, with further show information and times.
WebLinks: www.jeffscottsoto.com / www.howiesimon.com / www.garyschutt.com / www.talismanworld.com / www.rockstarmovie.com

These gigs will be promoted closer to the dates, but I am also looking for Australian fans to help spread the word of Jeff's tour dates.
Please e-mail if you have any questions regarding the tour, promotion of the dates or anything else that comes to mind. Supporting this tour will mean it won't be the last time you see Jeff in this country and it will hopefully open the doors to other artists looking at Australian live dates.