touring in australia

James Blunt Keeps Up The Cats In Melbourne!

10:02AM Clem Bastow | Never let it be said that the extended Defamer Australia reader community isn’t a caring, sharing bunch. Earlier in the week we put out the call for anyone who might be able to help us/James Blunt KEEP UP THE CATS at his live gig, and look what – wait for it – the cat dragged in (ohh, I kill me!): There he is, on stage at Rod Laver, keeping up the cats! Frances M Benz would be so happy! Thanks to incredible Defamer reader Mel for her exemplary efforts above. You keep up those cats, Mel, you keep them way up! More »

Celine Dion Does Not “Do” Australian Air

2:20PM Clem Bastow | With every passing day we’re starting to realise how much we actually love Celine Dion. A cursory glance through Defamer Australia’s history will reveal as much, but she’s just so lovably crazy we want to eat her up with a spoon! And her first few moments in Australia (on tour) are no exception to the rule, getting about like Michael Jackson (though we’re not sure whether it’s to stop her from infecting everyone else, or vice versa): Celine Dion brought back memories of the SARS days on the Gold Coast yesterday, appearing in a medical mask when leaving her luxury hotel with husband Rene Angelil and son Rene-Charles. The French-Canadian warbler has angered fans by postponing her Brisbane concert, due to a throat infection and “irritated sinuses”. Oh Celine! You had us at It’s All Coming Back To Me Now. Speaking of which, some mid-afternoon power balladry for you, after the jump! Motorcycles! Lightning! Possibly excessive use of wind machines! Enjoy! More »

Attention Australian Madge Fans – Ms Ciccone Is Heading To Oz!

9:06AM Jess McGuire | We are pleased and excited to learn that the Queen of Pop (sorry, Kylie) is apparently planning on heading Down Under for the first time in 15 years, deciding to add Australia to the list of countries she’ll be performing live in during her upcoming world tour. Thank god! The London-based superstar has revealed she would like to perform Down Under as part of her 2008-09 world tour. Her only visit to Melbourne was for the Girlie Show tour in November 1993. Madonna, 50 this year, has been criticised by fans for snubbing Australia on her past three world tours. More »

Good Charlotte Don’t Wanna Be In Love, Do Want To Queue For Avis Rental Cars, Luggage

10:48AM Clem Bastow | The band that are singlehandedly keeping Hollywood’s tattoo artists in business, Good Charlotte, have flown into Australia for their tour, which of course few people would actually care about were it not for the presence of their “glamour fiancees“. Benji (engaged to Our Sophie Monk) and Joel (Nicole Richie’s babydaddy) Madden apparently impressed the local celeb chasers by acting all, well, normal at Sydney Airport. Benji Madden and his leggy babe Monk looked the rock star part but certainly weren’t playing it when they arrived in Sydney early yesterday. Not only was there no entourage travelling with the pair, there was no- one to greet them or even drive them to their hotel. If it wasn’t for her bright red mini dress and sensational pins, actress Monk could have been any other attractive blonde Aussie girl as she patiently joined the queue at the Avis car rental counter. More »

‘Sexy’ To Finally Return To Australia

12:39PM Jess McGuire | Be still our beating erogenous zones. Pants man and consummate entertainer Justin Timberlake is bringing his Jackson-esque dance moves and Timbaland flavoured funk to our fine shores! Pop star Justin Timberlake is heading Down Under for the first time in three years as part of his FutureSex/LoveShow world concert tour. The singer will play Rod Laver arena on November 5 in an extravaganza involving a split-level stage with 360-degree views, a 11-piece band and a team of dancers. He will play his own hits as well as those written for Nelly Furtado and Missy Elliott, among others. Timberlake’s most recent album debuted at number one on the Australian charts and has gone on to sell double platinum in the country. Absolutely nothing in the world could stop us from going to see JT in concert! Tickets will range from $145 for a premium seat to $98 for arena seating and will go on sale August 24 via Ticketek. Except ticket prices. Put us on the guest list, Timberlake! More »