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Amendment Bar Presents

the tasting, you’ll have the chance to savour a selection of WhistlePig’s finest Rye Whiskies, guided by David Denton WhistlePig Brand Ambassador. Learn about the history of the brand and its 500 acre farm as well as the story behind each distinct farm-to-bottle expression.

Immerse yourself in the enticing aromas, complex profiles, and smooth finishes that have made WhistlePig a favourite among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. Expand your palate and discover why WhistlePig Rye stands out as one of the best in the industry. Spaces for this exclusive event are limited, so secure your spot now for an unforgettable evening of whiskey appreciation.

date: June 28th time: 7pm–8:30pm price: $40 per person

EDITOR

Talia Rinaldo

PARTNERSHIPS & CAMPAIGN MANAGER

Matt Wilkinson

DESIGN

Riley McDonald

DIRECTOR

Greg Pettinella

GIG GUIDE

Alex Callan

CONTRIBUTORS

Benjamin Lamb, Tammy Walters, Alex Callan, Tyler Jenke, Anthony Morris, Chester Ogilvie, Jacob McCormack, Luke Carlino, Chloe Cicero

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ACCOUNTS accounts@furstmedia.com.au

ENQUIRE ABOUT HAVING FORTE MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED AT YOUR BUSINESS OR VENUE distribution@fortemag.com.au

PUBLISHER

Furst Media Pty Ltd

03 9428 3600

Æ During her 1989 World Tour, Taylor Swift made this statement about her idol Natalie Maines from The Chicks, the groundbreaking country-music trio formerly known as the Dixie Chicks. A major influence in her life, The Chicks modelled the kind of spirit and career Swift - the multi-Grammy award-winning US country-turned-pop superstar - aspired to.

Speaking their mind and channelling their anger and frustrations into their music, The Chicks paved the way with unapologetic boldness, performing outspoken songs, and playing to hundreds of thousands at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, earning universal recognition as the biggest-selling US female band of all time.

Music lovers will see these global superstars when they return to Australia this October for the first time since their sold-out 2017 tour. In a win for the region, they’ll also make their A Day on the Green debut at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong, adding to the impressive collection of musical acts we’ve been privileged to see on local soil. For our cover story, our writer Tammy dives into the history of this inspiring power trio ahead of the show.

Like a blanket on a wintery eve, this month our curated content will keep you toasty with interviews with feverish punk rockers The Hard-Ons, gold-suited Melbourne cosmic-country-rocker Ben Mastwyk, local favourites Bones and Jones, and the genre-defying force of award-winning opera singer, composer and songwriter Jess Hitchcock.

As usual, we’ve also got a bunch of gigs, exhibitions, stage shows, and unforgettable events to get to, some top-tier foodie spots you’ve just got to try, and some ripper new albums if you’re looking for a musical treat.

Buckle up because things are about to get interesting.

Acknowledgement Of Traditional Owners

Our magazine is published on the lands of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation, and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.

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DISTRIBUTION

Forte Magazine will be distributed for free monthly to hundreds of regional Victoria locations. To enquire about having Forte Magazine at your venue email distribution@fortemag.com.au

Foo Fighters Announce Australian Stadium Tour For 2023

15-time Grammy winners Foo Fighters will return to Australia this summer, bringing their unrivalled live show to stadiums in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane. The tour will be Foo Fighters’ first headline tour of both countries since 2018 following their special one-off gig in Geelong back in March 2022. Catch them on 4 December at AAMI Park, Melbourne.

Asleep At The Wheel Headline Out On The Weekend Oneday Festival

Grammy Award-winning and ultimate American Western swing supergroup Asleep

At The Wheel will make their Australian debut at Out On The Weekend. The one-day festival couples Americana and alt-country aural treats with tasty eats and drinks on 14 October, brought to you by Love Police in the sweet seaside suburb of Williamstown.

Falls Festival Cancels Its Summer Festival Run

After an impressive 28 years ringing in the New Year with some of the world’s biggest acts, the beloved Falls Festival team have announced they won’t be going ahead with a run of festivals this year, switching on their OOOs and taking this New Years’ season off to “rest, recover and recalibrate”.

Coldplay Announce Two Exclusive Australian 2023 Stadium Shows In Perth

JESSICA MAUBOY LEADS GEELONG ARTS CENTRE’S MONTH-LONG GRAND OPENING FESTIVAL

The Geelong Arts Centre will host a huge four-week-long opening festival, kicking it all off with two opening night events (19 August) featuring stellar headliners; celebrated multi-ARIA-Award winning R&B-pop artist, Jessica Mauboy, and an Australian comedy triple-header, featuring Dave Thornton, Dilruk Jayasinha and Lizzy Hoo.

MAGIC DIRT ANNOUNCE ‘YOUNG AND FULL OF THE DEVIL’ 25TH ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Celebrating 25 years and the enduring legacy of ‘Young And Full Of The Devil’, Magic Dirt will embark on an 18-date national tour, performing the acclaimed second album in full, plus a selection of their most loved hits. Catch them in Melbourne, Castlemaine, Ballarat, Belgrave, Geelong and Rye in August and September.

ED KUEPPER IS BRINGING ‘THE EXPLODING UNIVERSE OF ED KUEPPER’ LIVE SHOW TO QUEENSCLIFF

Fresh from releasing reissues of classic albums Electrical Storm and Honey Steel’s Gold , the legendary Ed Kuepper has announced The Exploding Universe of Ed Kuepper tour. This will be the first live band experience of Ed Kuepper’s solo material since 2009. Locally, you can witness the magic at the Queenscliff Town Hall on 8 September 2023.

After a triumphant 2022 where Coldplay sold more concert tickets than any other artist and broke attendance records around the world, the iconic band will bring their spectacular stadium show, bursting with lasers, fireworks and LED wristbands to Perth for the first time since 2009 for record-breaking Music Of The Spheres World Tour. They will play at Perth’s Optus Stadium on 18 & 19 November.

ICEHOUSE, JON STEVENS LEADS WERRIBEE’S ONE ELECTRIC DAY FESTIVAL

Melbourne’s sing-along favourite One Electric Day Festival is back this year for its huge 10th-anniversary edition featuring ICEHOUSE, Jon Stevens, Belinda Carlisle, Daryl Braithwaite, Mark Seymour and Boom Crash Opera, all heading to Werribee Park on Sunday, 19 November.

The Superjesus Announce The Lights Out Australian Tour For 2023

Adelaide rock band The Superjesus are back with a brand new single ‘Lights Out’ and will be heading out on a 15-date tour across Australia to celebrate. Locally you’ll be able to catch the band at the Barwon Club Hotel in Geelong on 16 September, Volta in Ballarat on 17 November and Golden Vine Hotel in Bendigo on 18 November.

THE WOLFE BROTHERS ANNOUNCE SHOWS IN GEELONG, WARRNAMBOOL AND MORE

Australian country rockers The Wolfe Brothers have just announced their Australian tour dates for 2023, hot on the heels of the release of their 6th studio album ‘Livin’ The Dream’ which entered the ARIA charts at #1 Country album, #1 All Genre Australian Artists chart and #8 on the overall ARIA Chart. Catch them at Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on 12 August and The Gateway Hotel, Geelong on 25 August.

Yours And Owls Announce New Festival Location For 2023

Off the back of a wild few years for Yours and Owls, with floods, revolving stages and Autumn dates, the New South Wales festival has announced a brand new home in 2023. This year, the festival will welcome patrons within the grounds and surrounds of the University of Wollongong on the new date of 14 & 15 October.

Winter Sounds Festival Returns To Daylesford

Taking place from 17-20 August, Winter Sounds is returning to Daylesford and the surrounding hills with a lineup including Mo’ju, Gareth Liddiard, Jen Cloher, Tex Perkins & Matt Walker, Adalita, Watty Thompson, Jess Ribeiro, Martin Frawley, Leah Senior, Coda Chroma, Skyscraper Stan and Jarrah Olive.

Dz Deathrays Announce National Album Tour

DZ Deathrays have dropped their game-changing sixth studio album R.I.F.F. alongside the news of their national album tour for July – September, with a series of major city and regional performances supported by Press Club and dust. See them at the Torquay Hotel on 18 August and at Volta in Ballarat on 31 August.

TORQUAY HOTEL CROWNED AS VICTORIA’S BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

Honouring and celebrating the industry’s strengths and successes, the Torquay Hotel was one of the local feel-good stories of the 2023 Australian Hotels Association, Victoria (AHA Vic) State Awards for Excellence, taking out gold in the Best Live Entertainment Category, beating out the likes of the Corner Hotel in Richmond, the Croxton Bandroom in Thornbury and The Westernport in San Remo.

The Presets Bring Special 20th

BOY & BEAR ANNOUNCE MASSIVE REGIONAL TOUR FOR 2023

SOUTH GIPPSLAND’S NYE ON THE HILL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES RETURN FOR 2023

Off the back of a huge event last year, featuring the likes of Hockey Dad, Northeast Party House, Tess Birch, Birdz, Ruby Fields and heaps more, NYE on the Hill will return from 30 December 2023 to the 1 January 2024, welcoming a bunch of bands and performers into its space, as well as late night DJs, a deck disco, comedians, art installations, morning yoga, curated food trucks and licensed bars.

ANNIVERSARY DJ TOUR

To Torquay And Frankston

Sydney electronic kings The Presets have announced a huge national DJ tour throughout July, August, and September in celebration of their 20th anniversary. Armed with a huge DJ set, they’ll be playing at small clubs and bars, reconnecting with the electric spirit that got them making music in the first place. Catch them at Pier Bandroom, Frankston on 15 July and Torquay Hotel on 19 August.

BY

The C Brings

JIMMY BARNES, THE LIVING END, BIRDS OF TOKYO TO TORQUAY

Taking to the Torquay Common on Saturday, 2 December, By The C returns for a musicdrenched soiree with some of the best Aussie favourites featuring Jimmy Barnes, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Pete Murray, Kasey Chambers and Mahalia Barnes and the Soul Mates.

Australian ARIA-award-winning act Boy & Bear are coming out swinging with their self-titled fifth studio album and a huge list of regional Australian tour dates across September to November, following their national headline tour dates in June and July. Catch them locally at Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on 13 September, Pier Bandroom, Frankston on 15 September and Torquay Hotel on 16 September.

Ash Grunwald Announces Special Show In Queenscliff

Australia’s foremost bluesman Ash Grunwald is heading to the beautiful Bellarine this October with an intimate show. Taking place on 14 October, the legendary singer-songwriter will take to the stage at Queenscliff Town Hall – a music venue created by the team at QMF – the music jewel of the Bellarine.

EVANESCENCE ANNOUNCE ‘FALLEN’ 20TH ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Iconic American rockers Evanescence are coming to Australia in 2023 to celebrate 20 years of one of their finest albums – their 2003 debut Fallen. A critical and commercial triumph, the band will be bringing the gothic beauty of the 2003 debut release and a career-spanning set of fan favourites to cities across Australia. Catch them at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on 30 August.

Borealis On The Lake Brings The Northern Lights To Daylesford For Winter 2023

Created by internationally renowned Switzerland-based artist Dan Archer, the captivating display is set to transport Victorians to the Arctic Circle in an experience that will be unique to Daylesford every Thursday to Sunday from 20 July to 1 October 2023, beaming lasers over Daylesford Lake to recreate the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights this winter.

Kiss Announce One Final Australian Farewell Show In October

KISS is set to make their last-ever appearance in Australia this October, giving fans one final chance to see them live before they finish off their massive career with a performance in their hometown at Madison Square Garden. They’ll be saying goodbye to our fair nation at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on October 7 2023.

POLARIS ANNOUNCE ‘FATALISM’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR FOR SEPTEMBER

With their third album Fatalism around the corner, Sydney-heavy icons Polaris are heading out on the Fatalism Australian Tour this September with special Guests August Burns Red, Kublai Khan TX and Currents. See them at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on 9 September.

Red Hot Summer Tour Returns To Bendigo In 2024

Aussie-centered music festival Red Hot Summer Tour has announced it will return this summer for eight events across the country as part of its Series One instalment, including Bendigo Racecourse on 10 February 2024. The show will feature the legendary Jimmy Barnes, as well as The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Pete Murray, Kasey Chambers and Barnes’ daughter’s band Mahalia Barnes and the Soulmates.

GRINSPOON ANNOUNCE ‘EASY DETENTION’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Grinspoon has announced an extensive Australian tour to support the release of their second and third albums, Easy and New Detention , on vinyl for the first time ever. Heading to Melbourne’s Forum on 6 November, they’ll bring two local heavy hitters with them – Melbourne’s Private Function and Byron Bay’s Cupid & The Stupids.

Matchbox Twenty Announce Huge 2024 Australian Tour

Matchbox Twenty will make their longawaited return to Australian stages in 2024 for an extensive 10-stop tour in February in support of their new album “Where The Light Goes”, released in May and marking the band’s first new music in 11 years! Joined by the Goo Goo Dolls, see them at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on 16 February and Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley on 17 February.

What So Not Announces First Australian Headline Tour In Five Years

Following his sensational 2022 album release, Anomaly, one of Australia’s largest exports and highly respected EDM producer What So Not (AKA Emoh / Chris Emerson) has announced his highly anticipated Anomaly: Live Mode Australian Tour. A triumphant return to the live stage in Australia, this marks What So Not’s first local headline tour since 2018. See it at Northcote Theatre, Melbourne on 12 August.

Def Leppard And M Tley Cr E Announce 2023 Australia Stadium Tour

The world’s most iconic and celebrated rock legends Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe are heading to Australia with their ‘The World Tour’. The icons will join forces for three exclusive dates in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Catch them when they head to Melbourne for a show at Marvel Stadium on 14 November.

A SERIES OF PIANO BAR POP-UP SUNDAY SESSIONS IS COMING TO TORQUAY AND OCEAN GROVE

For selected Sundays until August, Piano Bar Geelong, known for its vibrant atmosphere and talented musicians, will set the stage at Blackman’s Brewery for an epic afternoon of singalongs and drag queens. The sessions run from 2pm to 5pm and tickets are $25 which include your first pot of beer or seltzer and a magical afternoon of entertainment.

MONTY PYTHON AND FAWLTY TOWERS’ LEGEND OF COMEDY JOHN CLEESE IS COMING TO GEELONG

The legendary British comedian John Cleese has announced a run of shows across Australia this year, including a local stop in Geelong. Cleese will take over Costa Hall in Geelong for one night only on 29 July, reporting on his experiences in the afterlife, and what the audience can expect when they get there.

‘EGO: THE MICHAEL GUDINSKI STORY’ DOCUMENTARY WILL MAKE ITS WORLD PREMIERE IN MELBOURNE

50 years in the making, Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story will make its world premiere at Melbourne International Film Festival on 10 August and hit cinemas nationwide on 31 August. Famed for his eccentricities and boldness, the film dives into Michael’s psyche and unorthodox tactics as he became the frontman of a cultural movement and built a music empire whose artists created the soundtrack for a nation.

THE MAGICAL WINTER WONDERLIGHTS RETURNS TO BALLARAT’S SOVEREIGN HILL

Running from 24 June to 16 July, expect ever-changing projections to Sovereign Hill’s streetscape, ‘snow’ falls, pantomimes and theatre shows, Christmas-themed arts and crafts, the chance to share a photo with St Nick, and wonderful wintry treats like mulled wine and gingerbread at Winter Wonderlights 2023.

THE LUME’S ‘CONNECTION’ IS A BREATHTAKING AND IMMERSIVE FIRST NATIONS ARTIST-LED EXHIBITION

In partnership with the National Museum of Victoria, the Lume has assembled more than 550 original pieces created by over a hundred First Nations artists and musicians to be proudly displayed in the 3000-square-metre gallery. The exhibition brings together the oldest culture in the world with futuristic technology. The Lume will open Connection: Breathtaking Stories Through First Nations Art and Music on 23 June.

PUFFING BILLY’S IMMERSIVE TRAIN OF LIGHTS NIGHT-TIME EXPERIENCE RETURNS THIS WINTER

Puffing Billy’s immersive Train of Lights experience is back from 23 June to 9 July for its second-ever run. Taking place as soon as darkness takes over, the mesmerising winter steam train will become adorned with thousands of dazzling lights and stunning visual effects, illuminating the trees, tracks, and passing towns, captivating passengers with its magical charm.

THERE’S A SHREK-THEMED RAVE COMING TO GEELONG

Celebrating the pop-culture phenomenon, the ogre-themed party combines the infectious energy of a rave with the beloved characters and memorable soundtrack of the Shrek film franchise. Expect ‘cooked Shrek’ visuals, a Shrek DJ set, the Smash Mouth sing-alongs, rave bangers, ‘Shrek’themed drink specials and thousands of free green glow sticks. It’s all due to go down at The Deck on 5 August.

PAINT AND SIP DELICIOUS GIN AT FLOW STATE’S BRILLIANT WATERCOLOUR SOCIAL SESSIONS

Local artist Natalie Martin has partnered with Torquay distillery Flow State to bring a series of Watercolour Social Sessions to Torquay, a paint and sip style evening running on the last Thursday of every month. Everything is provided, including watercolour materials, a drink of your choice and light snacks.

Civic Are Heading To Torquay This July

Melbourne’s CIVIC have gone from strength to strength since the release of this year’s visceral new full-length studio album Taken By Force – an album the band aptly sums up as “1984 meets Endless Summer”. Heading out on a regional Aussie tour, catch them on 28 July at the Torquay Hotel.

GEELONG’S ICONIC CALENDAR PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION IS NOW OPEN FOR 2024

The City of Greater Geelong is calling for amateur and professional photographers to help showcase the beautiful region for the 2024 Geelong Calendar. All ages are encouraged to get creative and submit their ‘uniquely Geelong’ images for a chance to be featured in the next calendar. Entries close at 5pm on 11 August.

COMEDY REPUBLIC IS BRINGING MELBOURNE’S FAVOURITE COMEDIANS TO HEPBURN SPRINGS

Taking place on 23 June, comedians Daniel Connell, Lizzy Hoo, Bronwyn Kuss and Bron Lewis will be performing at the heritage-listed Palais-Hepburn, all hot off the back of successful runs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.