Australian 90s rock icons return to Mackay after regional, original hiatus

After a 12 year drought, Grinspoon are launching their new album on a 45 date campaign across Australia’s cities and regional venues. Guitarist Pat Davern shares his thoughts about the new music.

Grinspoon are performing at the Seabreeze Hotel on October 1. Source: Supplied

Whether you were grew up in the 90s or were introduced to them by your mum and dad, for thousands of Australians the teen years were defined by to the tunes of a Lismore band known as Grinspoon.

Returning to the Australian music scene Grinspoon are bringing their first new music in 12 years as well as the classics to the Greater Whitsundays Mackay later this year.

“We haven’t done a regional tour since 2010,” said Pat Davern, Grinspoon’s guitarist.

“Since 2017, we’ve been activating our back catalogue, playing the old classics.”

The bands creative hiatus came about as a result of burnout, but the members weren’t quite ready to “call it a day” yet.

Their revival began in 2020 after a gig in Adelaide when the possibility of writing new music was discussed and new single Unknown Pretenders was written.

24/07/2022: Phi Jamieson, frontman of Australian rock band Grinspoon, performing at the Amphitheatre main stage at Splendour in the Grass music festival, North Byron Parklands, July 2022. Picture: Ian Laidlaw

In 2023 the band returned to the idea of recording a full length album and Joe, Phil and Pat wrote four songs each.

Unknown Pretenders, released on May 19, acted as the herald of a new era for the band followed by the announcement of the 45 date ‘Whatever, Whenever, Wherever’ tour that will take the band from Tasmania to the Whitsundays and showcase from the brand new album Whatever Whatever, set to release in August,as well as the bands’ classics.

“We always have a good time in Mackay,” Mr Davern said.

“We played the Blue Moose back in the day, great time.”

Having been almost 14 years since their last appearance in the Greater Whitsundays, Mr Davern said “We’re kind of a generational band now.”

“Parents who were into our music have teenagers now who want to see us live.”

Grinspoon guitarist, Pat Davern has been with the band since its inception in Lismore. Photo Mireille Merlet-Sha

The new album name Whatever whatever was chosen by vocalist Phil Jamieson in part as it sets the tone for an album filled with songs that hearken back to their classics, as well as “different kinds of songs”.

Mr Davern’s favourite song from the new album is a melancholic tune that he wrote called Four, five, seven and nine.

“Yes of course it's my favourite, I wrote it,” Mr Davern said.

“Lyrically it's really great, I love it.”

Vocalist Phil Jamieson said, “It’s with a curious trepidation but ultimately a feeling of unfulfilled wonderment that we reach into the caverns of our beings for a new journey of recorded endeavours”.

“Our venues are suffering out there in the regions so we are bringing the show to them.

“We can’t wait to see you all!”

Grinspoon will be playing the Seabreeze Hotel on October 1 in Mackay, Magnums Hotel October 2 in Airlie Beach and Queens Beach Hotel in Bowen on October 4.
Tickets are on sale now.