The Badloves at the Big House

Once in a while, a reformation in the music world occurs that is worthy of digging through the wardrobe for an old band shirt – Enter The Badloves. The renowned charting rockers with hits like ‘Lost’, ‘Memphis’, ‘I Remember’, ‘The Weight’ (with Jimmy Barnes) and ‘Green Limousine’ are back and in fine form, ready to dazzle crowds and remind them why they achieved such success in Australia and Europe.
Founding member and front-man Michael Spiby is beyond excited at the prospect of getting among the fans once again when The Badloves hit the road in November and join the ranks for the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival 2018 for an exclusive gig.
“It’s pretty humbling to have people’s trust, we’re always grateful to our supporters old and new. It’s lovely to meet the children and family of established fans who know the songs, that’s wild,” Spiby reveals.
It’s been quite some time since The Badloves have graced a stage in Bendigo and the region’s Blues and Roots Music Festival is the perfect opportunity for a memorable return to the scene.“We’ve never had the pleasure to come play before. Long time since we’ve played in old Bendigo town, so we’re very excited at the prospect,” explains Spiby, before commenting on the festival format of their upcoming gig. “I think all bands can thrive in the festival forum, it’s quite an electric and immersive experience to play in a dedicated musical setting. It makes a nice change from playing beer barns that think it’s OK to have horse racing and NRL on the multi-screens while you play!”
While Bendigo’s gig might be a change from the beer barns, the band are far from out of practice, performing a steady run of gigs throughout the year, many with Jacobs Run and even one with a day on the green gig. “Playing with Jacobs Run has been a blast. We’ve had a ball at all our shows. I guess that was something I was looking forward to in getting the band re-invigorated,” he says. “Now, it’s without doubt the best alchemy I’ve experienced on stage and studio in the history of the band.”
So with the the band re-invigorated, it was questioned whether Bendigo festival goers can expect to hear all the 90’s hits like ‘Green Limousine’, ‘I Remember’ and their Jimmy Barnes cover or if there’s something new on the cards. “We’re doing plenty of these songs in our set and whatever else falls under our fingers including new release material,” he smiles, before continuing. “We’ve been recording it’s true,” he laughs, “and we’re dangerously close to release so we’ll be breaking the drought!”

With chief support from multi-award winning blues act John McNamara Soul Band, Aussie blues legends Collard Greens and Gravy, who are known for their repertoire of stripped back, harmonica driven, Chicago blues; and the mighty Spoonful who will be embracing rhythm and blues and soul and rock’n roll, this exclusive gig is a big one for a festival that sees the humble town of Bendigo embrace upwards of 17,000 music lovers as it hosts the eighth annual Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival this November.
The annual festival is a predominantly free, grass-roots, community event that gives music fans and community members the opportunity to enjoy world-class music, with a focus on local and independent talent from the blues and roots genres. The four-day event will again be filled with performances and workshops – by more than 150 artists from all over Australia (as well as some internationals) – conducted in over 50 venues throughout Bendigo and some surrounding areas.
Alongside The Badloves, you’ll be treated to a range of blues and roots with acts coming from the US, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and from every Australian state and territory participating this year.
With a treasure trove of discovery, some worthy mentions include Geoff Achison Trio, Lily and King, Grim Fawkner, Troy Jungaji Brady, The Northern Folk, Hailey Calvert, John McNamara Soul Band, Collard Greens and Gravy and even Canada’s own Tennyson King, with some artists performing before, and other making their Bendigo debut. Regardless of your musical persuasions, the lineup clearly spans a number of genres including everything from the Tash Sultana inspired loop artist Daniel Aaron, to blues muso’s Bill Barber and Alister Turrill, to the folk sounds from John Flanagan Trio and even the indie duo This Way North.
“We’re always look forward to hearing new music,” Spiby comments, referring to Bendigo’s impressive and diverse festival lineup. “You come away recharged with a fresh awareness. There is so much great new music happening here, whether it’s in the city or regional centres.”
You won’t want to miss The Badloves in The Bighouse this November; it promises to be a true a gig for the groovers.
The Badloves will perform at Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo on Saturday November 10 as part of The Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival.
The Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival runs from November 8 – 11.