Jim Ward (at The Drive- In / Sparta) Australian NYE Shows Supported By Melbourne’s The Smith Street Band

Jim Ward returns to Australia to perform two intimate shows alongside festival dates over New Year’s Eve, and for the first time accompanied by a full band and supported by local’s The Smith Street Band.

It’s been a busy year for founding member of seminal post-hardcore band At The Drive- In and lead guitarist/vocalist of Sparta. Jim has released his debut album ‘Quiet In The Valley, On The Shores The End Begins’ to critical acclaim, toured extensively throughout the USA, performed a handful of solo shows on Australia’s East Coast and announced the reformation of Sparta.

Now, Jim returns with his El Paso based band to perform electric versions of the 14 beautifully crafted tracks featured on his debut. The tour kicks off with spots at Peats Ridge Festival and Pyramid Rock Festival over New Year and finishes up with two intimate shows in Melbourne and Sydney.

Jim said of the tour “I am over the moon to bring Gabe Gonzalez and Gregg Sosa with me so we can have the full band on stage this time- the last few times I have been over it was just me and a guitar and I can’t wait to play these songs in a little different light. I am excited to bring in a new year with my friends in one of my favourite places on earth”.

Hitting the road with Jim and his friends is Melbourne’s The Smith Street Band. Fronted by passionate singer/songwriter Wil Wagner, THE SMITH STREET BAND cut their teeth playing their hearts out in pubs, clubs, house parties, storm drains and everywhere in between, forging a reputation as one of Melbourne’s most infectious and exciting DIY bands.

Recent shows have had media tongues wagging with Beat Magazine saying “These guys seemed to singlehandedly reenergize an entire scene in the space of a 30 minute set.”

A live highlight during his recent visit to Australia, second single MY TOWN is an ode to El Paso. Documenting love and appreciation for both his roots and his hometown is at radio now.

FRI 30 DEC – PEATS RIDGE FESTIVAL, GLENWORTH VALLEY
Tickets on-sale now from www.peatsridgefestival.com.au

SAT 31 DEC – PYRAMID ROCK FESTIVAL, MELBOURNE
Tickets on-sale now from
www.thepyramidrockfestival.com.

TUE 03 JAN – EAST BRUNSWICK CLUB, MELBOURNE – supported by The Smith Street Band.
Tickets available from www.eastbrunswickclub.com or 03 9388 9794 or in person via Corner Box Office (57 Swan St, Richmond)

FRI 06 JAN – SANDRINGHAM HOTEL, NEWTOWN – supported by The Smith Street Band.
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au or 1300 GET TIX