Punks to promote new record

ONE of Australia’s seminal punk bands is set to rock Volta next week in support of their fourteenth studio album.

Set for Thursday 22 June, The Hard-Ons’ Ballarat gig will kick off a nine-date national tour to promote their new album called Ripper ’23.

Guitarist, Peter Black, said he’s keen to return to the region.

“I can remember my last gig there was with Nunchukka Superfly and it was awesome,” he said. “So, I’m full of the same excitement I am for every gig.

“The gig will be a mixture. We’re very chuffed with this current lineup so the set will mainly be stuff from our last two records we’ve done together as well as whatever old songs tickle our fancy.”

Released earlier in the month and recorded at Sydney’s The Parliament Studios, Ripper ’23 is the band’s second with You Am I frontman Tim Rogers as lead vocalist.

Acts DEAD, D.D.S & These Things will open the Ballarat show.

Having played only the new LP’s first single Apartment for Two while promoting their previous album in Europe, Black said he’s excited to showcase the remainder of the new record.

“I can’t wait to play these songs live,” he said. “It’s been a continuous cycle of work since we finished that European tour.

“We’re just a bunch of old guys that have been playing music for over 40 years. I like to think each time we do something, we learn, do the best of our capabilities, and then step up from that.

“Our love for this is everlasting. The artistic pursuit is something spiritually fulfilling. All those things went into this record and more.”

Tickets are $40.05 and can be booked at bit.ly/42oHG73.