Melbourne rock band The Living End have announced two special gigs to celebrate the release of their first single since 2019. The band will perform in Melbourne and Sydney as part of their comeback.
After recently playing in the ‘Red Hot Summer Tour’ and a surprise show at Melbourne’s Punters Club, the band is ready for more live performances. They will return to the stage at the Corner Hotel in Melbourne on May 15th, the same day they release their new single, “Alfie.” The following day, they will perform at the Metro Theatre in Sydney on May 16th.
Frontman Chris Cheney described “Alfie” as the simplest song he has written for the band since their debut album, The Living End, released in 1998. The track, Cheney explained, marks a return to the band’s early sound.
“It’s a shot in the arm. A homecoming and a rediscovery,” said Cheney. “We’re embracing minimalism and going back to the raw energy of a three-chord rock ‘n’ roll song. It’s stripped down and straight to the point.”
He added that at its core, The Living End’s music blends influences from AC/DC, Little Richard, and The Clash. “Who is Alfie? Alfie is rock ‘n’ roll. Alfie is the music industry. Alfie represents roadies who had to find regular jobs after COVID shut down the local scene. Alfie is radio,” Cheney said.
Cheney also expressed concern about the state of the music industry, noting that venues are closing, radio stations aren’t playing enough local music, and touring is becoming more difficult. “It all feels like it’s in a coma. Alfie is a wake-up call,” he said.
The Living End first gained attention in 1997 with their EP Second Solution/Prisoners of War, which peaked at No. 4 on the ARIA Singles Chart. This success set the stage for their debut album, which topped the ARIA Albums Chart in 1998.
Tickets for the Melbourne and Sydney shows will go on sale at midday on Friday, May 9th. For more details on their live performances, visit their website.
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