To celebrate 20 years of indie stalwarts Spunk Records, The Middle East will reignite headlining two nights in the Joan Sutherland Theatre with very special guests.

Spunk Records 20th Anniversary Ft. The Middle East

Location:

Bennelong Point
2000 NSW
Australia

Venue:
Sydney Opera House
Spunk Records
Spunk Records

Access and Inclusion

  • Companion Card Acceptance - The Companion Card is for people with a significant permanent disability, who always need a companion to provide attendant care type support in order to participate at most available community venues and activities.
  • Hearing Loop - A hearing loop (sometimes called an audio induction loop) is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to 'T' (Telecoil) setting. Many venues have an induction hearing loop system. Check if your venue has this system.
  • Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.

Event Details

Indie label Spunk Records celebrate their 20th anniversary in well-earned style, with a two-night stand in the magnificent Joan Sutherland Theatre headlined by folk rock favourites The Middle East, who will reform for one-off performances of their most enchanting songs plus new and unreleased music.

In a whirlwind few years that saw the Townsville spawned collective go from lo-fi obscurity to capturing the world’s attention with the heartbreaking torch songs ‘Blood’ and ‘The Darkest Side’ and overseas tours including spots at  Coachella and Glastonbury, The Middle East burned brightly until their surprise demise in 2011 shortly after the release of the slow-burn folk rock magnum opus, I Want That You Are Always Happy.

After years of whispers, solo projects and one-off collaborations with each other, the full band have now re-grouped in honour of Spunk Records’ illustrious history that has brought Australia the likes of Arcade Fire, Aldous Harding and Vivid LIVE alumni Sufjan Stevens, Bill Callahan, Antony & the Johnsons, Bat For Lashes and Tiny Ruins.

The band will be joined on the Friday night by Machine Translations, performing their beloved album Happy in full, and a double act featuring Jack Ladder and Holly Throsby. Saturday’s show will feature label mates The Ocean Party playing their last ever show, plus Emma Russack performing songs from her intriguing new album, Winter Blues.

Founded by Aaron Curnow in 1999, Spunk established itself as one of Australia’s premiere indie labels, releasing music from such acts as Arcade Fire, Sufjan Stevens, Joanna Newsom, ANOHNI, Mogwai, and Bonnie “Prince” Billy, in addition to countless local favourites. Twentieth anniversary reissues of Spunk classics will be available on the night.

General Public tickets on sale Friday 22 March 2019.

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Access and Inclusion

  • Companion Card Acceptance - The Companion Card is for people with a significant permanent disability, who always need a companion to provide attendant care type support in order to participate at most available community venues and activities.
  • Hearing Loop - A hearing loop (sometimes called an audio induction loop) is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to 'T' (Telecoil) setting. Many venues have an induction hearing loop system. Check if your venue has this system.
  • Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.