Stevens sings just the hits
Acclaimed rock singer Jon Stevens is promising “pub rock at its finest” when he performs in Warragul on Thursday, December 19 at 7.30pm.
Jon is known for pulling out the best classics from “Noiseworks” when touring. But this show will also offer the rare opportunity to hear greatest hits from “INXS” performed live.
Speaking to the Gazette, Jon said the tour, “The Noiseworks and INXS Collection”, has attracted an amazing response since starting in Western Australia in August.
“It’s every song you know, every song you grew up with,” he said. “It’s great fun to play. It’s just hit after hit.”
Jon said the tour came after a conversation with Andy Farriss of INXS at a charity concert for farmers in Tamworth.
Jon had performed two or three INXS songs in the set and Andy wanted the songs performed live again.
With the blessing of the man who wrote them, Jon thought why not.
Jon said crowds go bananas when he plays songs from the two bands.
“It makes you realise you have to keep playing them,” he said. “People want to hear Noiseworks and INXS. My job is to make sure everyone has the maximum best time possible.”
Jon hasn’t really stopped working – touring, writing or recording – since he first started in the industry. But he wouldn’t have it any other way.
In the early 1980s with five mates, Noiseworks smashed onto the Australian airways with singles such as “No Lies”, “Love Somebody”, “Take Me Back”, “Touch” and “In My Youth”.
After Noiseworks went on hiatus, he made solo albums, stints with stage productions such as “Jesus Christ Superstar” and earned worldwide acclaim with “INXS”.
Reflecting on his career, Jon said he was grateful to still be doing what he loves.
“I’ve been in music since I was a kid. I don’t know anything else and I don’t want to do anything else,” he said.
“I have a deeper sort of respect and appreciation for the great songs that were all through that era in the 80s. It’s only on reflection that you see all that.”
Jon believes he is now a way better singer and person, stating “I still feel I haven’t peaked yet”.
All tickets to the show at the West Gippsland Arts Centre are $54.50.
For bookings or further information, contact the West Gippsland Arts Centre box-office on 5624 2456 or visit wgac.com.au.