Today sees the much-anticipated release of the latest album from Ben Lee, ‘This One’s For The Old Headz’. Recorded in just three days straight to tape with legendary power-pop rhythm section of Jon Wurster and Jason Narducy (Superchunk, Mountain Goats, Bob Mould), and produced by Justin Stanley in Pasadena, CA, ‘This One’s For The Old Headz’ is a throwback to classic pop powers albums by artists like Teenage Fanclub, The Replacements, Big Star and The Lemonheads. With an album cover shot by legendary indie party photographer Cobrasnake, ‘This One’s for the Old Headz’ is a blistering, loud guitar and harmony-filled classic Ben Lee album that is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of old heads and young heads alike.
“’This One’s For the Old Headz’ is a spirited, energetic exploration of getting older while staying true to your punk spirit” Ben explains. “Three decades into my career I’ve made the power pop record that I was always destined to make. Shimmery distorted guitars, big harmonies, yearning lyrics. I hope this inspires young artists to believe there is no end to making passionate, electric work. I hope it scares them a little too”.
The album features recent singles Lovers, Heavy Metal, So Damn Hard (To Be So Damn Good), and Positive Energy as well as another 6 unreleased tracks. Album focus track Less Control encapsulates the uplifting spirit of the record with honest lyrics, an uplifting melody and an energetic bridge that you can imagine being screamed back at Ben in an arena setting. “I meet so many artists who are trying to inflict some kind of version of artistic perfection upon the audience – that’s not me” Ben explains. “I want to be surprised, overwhelmed, taken on an adventure I’m not expecting. Everyone else seems to want more control over their lives. I want less. I just wanna take the ride and see where it goes.”
It’s been a huge year for one of Australia’s busiest artists. Ben recently jumped on stage with The Terry’s as a surprise guest to perform Catch My Disease together, joined fellow icon Missy Higgins on stage at the State Theatre for a stunning full circle moment to perform Laid by James together – a song they first covered on tour together back in 2005 – and recently joined Allday on stage to perform his new single Miss You Still that samples Lee’s 1998 hit Cigarettes Will Kill You. Over the last few months there has been a lot of noise generated about Ben online for being super vocal about the Australian music industry and highlighting local artists, as well as a recent video posted by Australian creator Breakfast Shirts from Ben’s Ulladulla show going viral picking up over 235K views on Instagram, and 517K views on TikTok.
To celebrate the release of ‘This One’s For The Old Headz’, Ben will be appearing on Tom Scharpling’s legendary The Best Show for an interview and performance on 24 September, and additionally Ben and wife Ione Skye will be hosting a live podcast recording of their show ‘Weirder Together’ at SXSW Sydney 2024.
With zero signs of slowing down, Ben will be continuing his never-ending tour and taking his new album on the road across Australia, including a run of shows across the country supporting TISM on their first headline tour in over 20 years.
‘THIS ONE’S FOR THE OLD HEADZ’ IS OUT NOW VIA WEIRDER TOGETHER – LISTEN HERE
UPCOMING LIVE DATES
TICKETS HERE
^supporting TISM
Friday 27 September – The Victoria, Bathurst NSW
Saturday 28 September – Riverside Theatre, Parramatta NSW
Friday 11 October – Avoca Beach Theatre, Avoca Beach NSW
Sunday 20 October – Riverstage, Brisbane QLD^
Saturday 26 October – Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Bondi NSW
Sunday 27 October – Resin Brewing, Bulli NSW
Friday 1 November – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle NSW
Saturday 2 November – Royal Hotel, Dungog NSW
Sunday 3 November – Quirkz in the Hunter, Abermain NSW
Saturday 9 November – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne VIC^
Friday 15 November – Longstocking Brewery, Pambula NSW
Saturday 16 November – Smokey Dans, Tomakin, NSW
Sunday 17 November – The Co-Op, Gerringong NSW
Friday 22 November – Norton Music Factory, Caloundra QLD
Saturday 23 November – Miami Marketta, Miami QLD
Friday 29 November – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney NSW^
Thursday 5 December – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave VIC
Friday 6 December – The Shed, Main Ridge VIC
Saturday 7 December – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston VIC
Sunday 8 December – Odessa’s @ Leavers, Creswick VIC
Thursday 12 December – Bendooley Estate, Berrima NSW
Friday 13 December – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool VIC
Sunday 15 December – Piano Bar, Geelong VIC
With thanks to Positive Feedback
