_{Gary Rasmussen (left) with other members of Sonic's Rendezvous Band, Scott Morgan, Fred Smith and Scott Asheton. Joann Uhelszki photo.} 

Sonic’s Rendezvous Band bassist Gary Rasmussen has passed away after a short illness. He was aged 72.

A resident of Howell in Michigan, Rasmussen played bass with some of the region’s most influential bands in the late 1960s and ‘70s. He was a member of Scots Pirates, The Rendezvous Band, The Scott Morgan Group, The Up and more recently, Broken Arrow Blues Band. He also appeared on Patti Smith’s “Dream of Life” album.

After suffering a sore throat and back pain on Tuesday, Gary was admitted to hospital. He was transferred to University of Michigan Hospital where he was put into an induced coma after doctors diagnosed meningitis. He passed on Friday, surrounded by family and friends including longtime partner Marla Swartz.   

High-energy Kiwis The D4 are reforming for a string of dates in their home country in 2025 as well as three shows across the ditch in Australia.

Promising all the hits for their two albums “6Twenty” and “Out Of My Head” as well as a slew of unreleased material, The D4 play Brisbane (February 13), Sydney (February 15) and Melbourne (February 16) with Tape/Off, Hard-Ons and Mach Pelican respectively. 

Australian and NZ tickets are here.

_{Martin Philby photo.}

The band that we thought couldn’t be killed, The Beasts – aka surviving members of the Beasts of Bourbon – are releasing a new studio album and it will be the last chapter.

“Ultimo” was recorded over two days at Melbourne’s Union Studios, during a break from the nationally sold-out Alive Tour earlier this year, and it will be released on December 13 via Slick Productions through MGM.

An 11-track live recording, it includes a collection of Beasts’ classics and fan favourites, none of which appeared on the limited edition “be suburban” EP that was sold on tour.

_{Nashville Pussy.}

Trucker cap rock fans watch out:  It’s a larger-then-life double bill that the promoter promises will “tear Australia a new one” in a florid media release - and who are we to argue? The Supersuckers and Nashville Pussy are due in these parts in January.  And of course they had to call the tour "Superpussy".  

Nashville Pussy headlines Sydney (Manning Bar on January 23) and Adelaide (The Gov on January 26 ) with Supersuckers doing the honours in Melbourne (The Croxton on January 24) and Brisbane (The Zoo on January 25). Tickets go on sale on Wednesday here.

It’s only November but that means it’s nearly December. Soulful American underground rocker Joe Normal is here to remind you that it’s almost Xmas with a song. “Christmas In a Blue Collar Town”,  written for “fans of Phil Spector, Westerberg, Lennon, and Springsteen”.

Joe Normal has been on Pat Todd's Rankoutsider Records label and is endorsed by the I-94 Bar’s Man in America, JD Stayfree, so if you like what you hear, you can check him out here.

Renowned Australian guitar pop band Ups and Downs are playing a special set of shows in March 2025 to celebrate their 40th anniversary. They will be joined by The Crystal Set, another iconic Australian indie rock band from the 1980s, playing live for the first time in more than 25 years.

Formed in Brisbane in the early 1980s, Ups and Downs became known for their jangly guitars, melodic hooks, soaring harmonies and introspective lyrics, cementing their place in the hearts of indie music fans. They gained attention with their breakout single "The Living Kind", which became a staple of the Australian alternative music scene, topping the independent charts.

Their EP “Sleepless” and album “Underneath the Watchful Eye” showcased the band’s ability to blend heartfelt songwriting with infectious guitar-driven sounds, drawing comparisons to the likes of R.E.M. and The Church.

Tracks like "Lit by the Fuse" demonstrate their knack for crafting memorable songs that resonate with fans of thoughtful, melodic rock offering a distinctive blend of indie and post-punk.

Known for their swirling atmospheric sound, The Crystal Set made a name for themselves with key songs like "Benefit of the Doubt," "Wholly Holy," and "A Drop in the Ocean." Led by Russell Kilbey, their distinct dream-pop influences cemented their status as pioneers in the Australian indie music scene. 

Ups and Downs will be releasing a brand-new vinyl compilation album, “Stained Glass Memories”, a collection that spans their entire career,. More information and pre-order details soon.