Peter Garrett has spent a lifetime exploring the beaten and unbeaten tracks that run through this country and its people. In March 2024 he will release a new solo album called ‘The True North’ recorded with his band The Alter Egos (which includes Martin Rotsey from the Oils on guitar). It’s a deeply personal reflection on his singular journey, drawing inspiration and sustenance from the living colours of Australia’s natural environment and the sights and sounds of modern Oz.
Today, Peter announced an Australian tour in support of this release. Presale tickets will go on sale to members of the PG mailing list from 10am local time next Tuesday, October 24 with General Public on sale from Thursday October 26. For dates and all other info please (click here/see below).
The first official single from ‘The True North’ was also revealed today – an uplifting track called Innocence Parts 1 & 2 which urges, “it’s never too late!” Like the rest of this album the song was produced and mixed by Tony Buchen (Smashing Pumpkins, Montaigne, G-Flip, Tim Finn). The single is Peter’s first solo release since his 2016 debut with The Alter Egos, ‘A Version Of Now’, which made the top 3 of the ARIA Album chart.
‘The True North’ will be released on Friday March 15, 2024 but a series of limited edition pre-order bundles were unveiled today featuring evocative artwork by Peter’s daughter, Grace Garrett. To view those items and the album track listing (click here/see below).
The core band involved in making the album was Martin Rotsey (Midnight Oil) on guitar with Heather Shannon (The Jezabels) on piano and keys, Evan Mannell on drums and Rowan Lane on bass. Freya Schack-Arnott on cello and Ollie Thorpe on pedal steel joined in too as did two of Peter’s daughters, May and Grace who sang on some of the key tracks.
“With the Oils, and even the first solo record, there was plenty of banging down the doors and speaking out about the things that need to change”, Peter reflects. “There’s still a bit of that in this album too of course but generally these songs are reflective of the special things we need to cherish; the natural world as well as our always spinning internal compass, that helps us navigate the unruly passage of life.”
Peter Garrett is one of our most prominent living Australians. A renowned activist, former politician, and lead singer of Midnight Oil he is a long-time campaigner on a range of local and global issues including improving the life opportunities of Indigenous Australians, ending the climate crisis, and the AUKUS agreement.
He served as president of the Australian Conservation Foundation for two terms, which saw significant additions to natural protected areas. As Minister for the Environment he instigated the successful historic case against Japanese whaling. As Minister for Education he introduced the national curriculum, and legislated a new needs-based funding system for all Australian schools. He is the only Australian politician to receive the ‘Leaders for a Living Planet’ award from the World Wildlife Fund and is a member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the music industry and environment.
Presented by Select Music & Eleven: A Music Company
PETER GARRETT & THE ALTER EGOS – THE TRUE NORTH TOUR 2024
w/ special guests
PRE-SALE?via www.petergarrett.com.au
Runs 24 hours from: Tuesday 24 October (10am local time) or until pre-sale allocation exhausted.
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE
Begins Thursday 26 October (10am local time)
Thursday 14 March – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
Friday 15 March – The Factory Theatre, Sydney **
Wednesday 20 March – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne **
Friday 22 March – Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide **
Saturday 23 March – The Regal Theatre, Perth
Thursday 28 March – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns ***
Saturday 30 March – The Tivoli, Brisbane
ALSO PERFORMING AT:
Friday 10 November 2023 – Clearly Music & Arts Festival, Kiama (Keynote Speech)
Saturday 11 November 2023 – Clearly Music & Arts Festival, Kiama
Wednesday 29 November 2023 – Always Live: Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre, Wangaratta
Thursday 30 November 2023 – Always Live: Soundbox Performance, Arts Centre Forecourt Podium, Melbourne
Saturday 17 February 2024 – Riverboats Music Festival, Echuca, Victoria
Sunday 31 March, 2024 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
All ages except **18+ / ***15+
‘THE TRUE NORTH’ WILL BE RELEASED FRIDAY 15 MARCH, 2024. PRE-ORDER NOW
With thanks to Sony Music Australia
