50 years of hits in Geelong

AUSTRALIAN rock royalty will grace Costa Hall later this month.

The legendary Ross Wilson and his all-star band The Peaceniks are hitting the road and heading to Geelong on May 24 to celebrate more than 50 years of hits.

Wilson is one of the country’s most well-respected artists and is best known for his musical mastery with Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock.

He has written A-grade classics including Eagle Rock, Cool World and A Touch of Paradise and is behind other hits such as Chemistry, No Time, State of the Heart and Come Said the Boy.

A double ARIA Hall of Famer, Wilson’s fabled career has included more than 25 ARIA top 40 hits.

Wilson said he couldn’t wait to keep his tour rolling into Geelong.

“We were in Geelong not long ago and gladly they wanted to have us back, so we will be there again.

“I’ve watched the changes in Geelong over the years. It’s stopped being an industry town and is now a service town and a great place to go for a weekend.

“It’s the gateway to all that other stuff too. I stopped off at Bells Beach last week to watch the finals of the surf. I enjoy getting down that way quite a bit.”

As well as all the classics, Wilson and his band will be playing tracks from their latest EP She’s Stuck on Facebook All the Time, which features four new tunes.

“The tour just keeps extending, and adding more dates, we’ve been going for two years and selling out more than ever,” Wilson said.

“They’re a fantastic bunch of guys [the Peaceniks]. They are among the best in their field. They make my life easy and make me sound good. That’s why we’re selling out!

“There’ll be dancing in the aisles – get up and dance, I don’t mind.”

Supporting Wilson and the Peaceniks will be local singer-songwriter Gabby Steel.

The full show will be 125 minutes in duration, with a 20-minute interval.

For tickets, head to the Geelong Arts Centre website.