Best of everything at Chocolate Starfish show

LONGEVITY in the music industry is by no means guaranteed, but Australian band Chocolate Starfish seems to have it.

To celebrate their 30th anniversary, the band is embarking on a four-month, 24-show, five-state national tour called Best of Everything, which includes a date at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre on July 27.

“So many iconic Aussie bands were formed in the ’80s and ’90s and were an inspiration to us,” frontman Adam Thompson said.

“There’s not a huge list of them still performing like we are, and with most of their long-term members.

“We’re great mates and all love performing live – anyone who has been to a Starfish show can

feel that.”

Featuring the hits of their self-titled debut album and favourites from Box, Spider, Primitive and The Beautiful Addiction along with selections from entries in its Classic Album Series Bat Out of Hell, INXS Kick and Thompson’s Bohemian Rhapsody concert, the tour promises to literally deliver the best of everything.

“We’re doing some big shows in grand venues like the State Theatre in Sydney, and will also do some smaller regional shows that will have a more intimate vibe and include places close to our hearts like my own region of Shepparton,” Thompson said.

“Thirty years in, we know where our fans are, and the spaces we love to work. We can’t wait to hit

the road.

“It’s a real pinch-me moment when we walk out to huge crowds. Thirty years in you might think crowds would be dwindling, but we’re finding quite the opposite.

“Our fanbase is growing, and I think that’s because we’ve evolved and give our fans a very physical, theatrical show.”

Thompson – who will celebrate his 60th birthday before the tour – said it sometimes felt like the band had just been warming up for the last three decades.

“This truly is the best of everything we have to offer… for now,” he said.

Tickets for the Bendigo show are available from the band’s website, chocolatestarfish.com.au.