Rogue Traders reunion tour returns to Tweed

ELECTRIC rock popsters Rogue Traders grace the Twin Towns stage on January 25 on a reunion tour like no other.

Shooting to stardom with international success, the band released seven top 20 hits on the ARIA Singles Charts and sold over one million records worldwide, winning an MTV Award for smash hit Voodoo Child, as well as two APRAs and an ARIA Award.

Formed in 2000 by UK DJs James Ash and Steve Davis, Natalie Bassingthwaighte joined the band on lead vocals in 2004, with Tim Henwood on guitar and Cameron McGlinchey on drums.

During the band’s break, the members were busy pursuing other projects. Talking with this masthead, Ash said that the decision to regroup had happened organically.

“We had all stayed in contact with each other over the years, then one day, the phone rang, and we were offered the chance to perform a show,” he said.

“We chatted, and it all seemed very natural, so we thought this would be fun.”

In the interim, Ash produced Original Sin, the 12th and final studio band for INXS.

“That was an incredible honour and learning experience,” Ash said.

“Getting to know those guys is something I will always treasure, and I’m proud of the work we did.”

Bassingthwaighte released a #1 ARIA Charts solo album, 1000 Stars, and returned to television as host of So You Think You Can Dance and became a judge on one of The X Factor.

The triple-threater is now on the cusp of her season of the one-woman play Shirley Valentine, and work/life balance is something the performer is still perfecting.

“I love what I do and am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities,” she said.

“It’s never easy to balance. I have been prioritising day-to-day wellness more, and the kids being a bit older helps. I have a great support network which helps the wheels turn.”

On the 20th anniversary of Voodoo Child, audiences can expect the big hits and a few surprises.

It has been years since the group toured the Tweed, and the artists look forward to the return.

“It was many moons ago we performed at Twin Towns, and it was huge,” Bassingthwaighte said.

“We can’t wait to do it all again. Regional audiences have a get-up-and-go attitude, which we love. They are all in, every time.”

For tickets to tomorrow night’s show, visit twintowns.com.au/events/rogue-traders