The Black Sorrows set for Lorne gig

AUSTRALIAN music legend Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows will revisit 40 years’ worth of hits this weekend in Lorne.

The roots-soaked blues rockers will play at Lorne Theatre tomorrow evening (Saturday, 7 March) as part of their Quintessential Black Sorrows tour.

Renowned for their high-energy live performance and infectious raw rhythm, the ensemble has evolved into one of Australia’s most sophisticated outfits.

The Black Sorrows have written some of Australia’s most classic songs including Harley & Rose, Chained To The Wheel, Hold On To Me and Never Let Me Go.

They have toured Europe several times, have had multi-platinum albums, collective sales of more than three million records worldwide, ARIA award and nominations, and Hall of Fame honours.

Their newest material on last year’s The Quintessential Black Sorrows double album reveals the band is still hungry to write, record and perform with power and purpose.

Camilleri, 77, said his return to Lorne was a sort of “homecoming” for him and his bandmates.

“I love Lorne. It’s young adult memories for me. I spent most of my holidays there growing up and renting places in Allenvale. It was a time before high-rises and all the big buildings went up.

“I played all those venues down there; they were wild times to have in a wild part of Australia.

“Many of my songs with the Falcons [Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons] and so on were actually written there. I felt free about being down there and hanging out.”

He said the audience at tomorrow’s gig could expect plenty of energy “as always” and a handpicked journey through the soul, grit and timeless art of songwriting.

“They can expect an older guy, that’s a definite, but one with a lot more energy. I’m feeling better than I was five years ago.

“I’ve found another gear, and I think it’s my attitude to music. Nothing matters any more, the show is the show and people are going to come down and be joyous.

“I love to tell stories, and the gig is never the same as one you’ve seen before. I’ll be working off the crowd’s energy. It’s all about the crowd and not about me.”

Supporting Camilleri and The Black Sorrows on the night will be roots and blues artist Andrea Robertson.

Last-minute tickets can be found via Oztix.