The Living End Host Q&A Sessions for Fans Before Releasing First Album in Eight Years, ‘I Only Trust …’
Australian punk rock legends The Living End have a clear understanding of their fans’ desires and are committed to meeting them in a grand way. Leading up to the release of their long-awaited album, I Only Trust Rock n Roll, the band has unveiled a series of exclusive Q&A sessions along the east coast of Australia. This provides a unique opportunity for fans to interact with the band in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney, asking burning questions and enjoying close encounters during album and merchandise signings.
The Melbourne event will kick off at The Bendigo on September 28, followed by Brisbane’s Lefty’s Music Hall on September 30, and concluding at Sydney’s Marrickville Bowling Club on October 1. Tickets for these intimate sessions are available for purchase at the designated website. Pre-orders for I Only Trust Rock n Roll are also accessible on the same platform.
The forthcoming ninth studio album by the veteran punk trio features eleven fresh tracks that epitomize The Living End’s distinctive blend of impassioned riffs, raw vigor, and candid lyricism. The introductory single, “Misery,” which just dropped, establishes the tone for the album, alongside previously released tracks like “Alfie,” “Strange Place,” and the title track.
Sharing insights on “Misery,” lead vocalist Chris Cheney expressed, “It’s like a big sigh of relief. It’s about kicking bad habits, shedding negativity and toxic people. That realization and uplifting feeling of turning your life around and choosing a positive path to walk.” He further explained how the main riff of the song set the foundation for the album’s overall energy and vibe.
The album marks a return to the band’s roots, encapsulating the raw punk rock energy that initially propelled them to stardom over 25 years ago. While I Only Trust Rock n Roll showcases the band’s growth and evolution, it continues to pay homage to their foundational sound that solidified their place in Australian rock history.
Following the album release, The Living End will embark on a massive national tour starting from November 8, featuring back-to-back sets each night. The first set will include tracks from the new album and a selection of hit songs from their extensive career, while the second set will comprise a full performance of their multi-platinum debut album, featuring fan-favorites like “All Torn Down,” “Second Solution,” and “Prisoner of Society.”
Additionally, Melbourne fans attending the Live at the Gardens show at the Royal Botanic Gardens on November 22 can look forward to performances by two notable acts: local punk act Private Function and garage-rock power-pop band The Prize.
The tour, presented by Face To Face Touring, will make stops at various venues including Fremantle Prison, Sydney Opera House Forecourt, and the Wanderer Festival. Tickets for all shows are available on the band’s official website, with some already sold out due to high demand.
With over two decades of experience, Chris Cheney, Scott Owen, and Andy Strachan have cemented their reputation as one of Australia’s enduring rock acts. Through their storytelling abilities and high-octane performances, The Living End have cultivated a dedicated fan base and a legacy in Australian music that endures to this day.
I Only Trust Rock n Roll is a testament to the band’s journey over the past eight years, featuring tracks that delve into personal introspection, life’s uncertainties, and the power of positive change. It’s an album that resonates with long-time fans while also appealing to newcomers, offering the gritty, melodic, and honest sound that defines The Living End’s musical identity.