It’s Cosmic Psychos’ 40th anniversary and they are celebrating it the best way they know how – with a big bloody tour of Australia. Kicking off this side of Christmas in South Australia and Western Australia, when the tour hits the East Coast in January, they’ll be joined by none other than legendary US hardcore band ZEKE. It’s been over 20 years since we last saw ZEKE down under, so Cosmic Psychos will show them the sights when they hit metro and regional towns on that side of the country in 2024.
Before that though, Cosmic Psychos are throwing themselves a big birthday bash in Castlemaine. The main shindig takes place at the Theatre Royal on December 1-3 with Cosmic Psychos rounding up all their favourite bands for a wild weekender with a different headliner each night. Friday December 1 will see Sunny Coast punks (and Psychos’ protégé) The Chats heading up a big ol’line up of some of Victoria’s finest. Saturday December 2 the mighty Amyl and the Sniffers will lead a huge bill of international and interstate guests and Sunday December 3 sees the rowdy Brissy trio Dune Rats close out one hell of a bender down at Knighty’s local.
Wait, there’s more! For those keen to kick on, there’s official after parties down at Love Shack with DJ sets from Magic Dirt, Thee Cha Cha Chas and Bad Dreems. Come for a day, stay for the whole weekend. Either way, tickets are flying so grab ‘em while you still can – the Saturday show is completely sold out, as are the weekend passes. Low ticket warnings are in place for the remaining shows, so be quick. See the full extravaganza here.
After that, Psychos will duck off to South Australia and Western Australia to sneak in some shows before Christmas hits. They’ll then launch into 2024 with a jaunt down the East Coast with seminal Seattle band ZEKE. Formed in 1993, the hardcore heavyweights established a more than formidable reputation as “the live band to beat” due to relentless touring that’s on par with the Psychos. From small bars to stadiums, ZEKE have paired up with anyone that will have them, and their stage antics rival even the most notorious. To date, the band have released six records and ZEKE’s essential formula – a manic, methamphetamine lab distillation of early American hardcore, classic rock and punk nihilism – is the stuff of white knuckle dreams. It’s about time they returned to Australia.
As for Cosmic Psychos, for 40 long years they’ve blazed a trail around the world, spreading the gospel of cans with their quintessential Australian punk rock. Statistically speaking, theirs is a union that has lasted three times longer than most marriages and, to date, the band have released 10 studio albums, worked with super producer Butch Vig, are best mates with Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and regular tour buddies with L7. Never wavering from their sound, Cosmic Psychos’ influence has been widespread and continues to shine through the next generation of Aussie bands. Many of them will be on hand to celebrate with the Psychos in Castlemaine.
Tickets for all shows are on sale now via cosmicpsychos.com.
