Rock revolve-alution

Jon Stevens enjoys fishing and would love to take a trip to beautiful Tasmania to do just that, unfortunately on most tours there just isn’t time to see much of the place. Jon has been to Tassie many times, touring Hobart, Launceston and Ulverstone, both as part of Noiseworks and more recently, last year on some solo tours.

Jon will be touring Tassie again this week with his new band Dead Daisies. The name, as well as a lovely piece of alliteration, is a reflection on Jon’s experience of heart problems with a blocked artery, now thankfully overcome. Jon explains it was a close call with his doctors telling him he might not make it. The experience has given Jon has a new enthusiasm for life and making the most of every second which includes doing the best work he can as a songwriter,performer and of course spending time with his family.

Jon, together with David Lowry, formed ‘The Dead Daisies’ with part of its uniqueness founded on the premise of the revolving ‘rocker’ door. The band formed in Australia is Australian, but is also made up of the cream of rock depending on where they are touring in world and who can showcase.

It was Guns ‘n’ Roses band member and good friend of Jon’s, Slash who co-wrote the bands new single ‘Lock N’ Load’.

The band has returned from a successful tour of the US, Canada, UK, Scotland, Ireland and Jerusalem. The latter particularly impressed Jon as he had not toured there before. Having stared in Jesus Christ Superstar it was an experience to actually visit what is considered the tomb and place of resurrection of Jesus.

The UK Jon has seen before, but not so much this time ,when he was surprised that it was pitch black in the afternoons!

Jon says that returning from a successful world tour before touring their homeland of Australia is doing the opposite of what Australian bands normally do with a tour here in Australia first before testing the waters overseas. But this should be corrected soon with the band set to embark on a national tour.

You can see the Dead Daisies on 25th of February at Launceston Country Club and 26th of February at Hobart Wrest Point Casino.
Paula Xiberras