Augie March marks 20th anniversary of “Moo, You Bloody Choir” with nationwide tour
Augie March is set to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of their iconic album, Moo, You Bloody Choir, in April 2026 by embarking on a national tour. This tour will mark the first time the band performs the entire album live, alongside some of their other well-loved tracks. Originally released in 2006, Moo, You Bloody Choir quickly became a revered Australian classic, propelling the Shepparton-born band from underground acclaim to mainstream success.
Reflecting on the passing years, Augie March approaches this milestone with a touch of humor. The band members express that they feel more skilled and confident in their musical abilities today compared to when they first recorded the album. They anticipate the live shows as a shared experience of affection between themselves and their audience, envisioning rooms filled with connection and positivity.
The album opens with the poignant track “One Crowded Hour,” which set the stage for the emotional depth and intricate storytelling present throughout Moo, You Bloody Choir. The song not only reached high positions on music charts but also resonated with audiences, earning the top spot on the triple j Hottest 100. Beyond this standout track, the album boasts a collection of fourteen songs that masterfully blend restraint and ambition, traversing through folk, pop, and indie rock genres with artful precision.
Central to the album’s richness is its detailed songwriting and innovative production. Augie March recall the challenging recording process, which included a stint in Chicago where the band encountered distressing events in the surrounding area. The band discusses these moments with a touch of nonchalance, highlighting the sense of relief and newfound momentum that followed. They position themselves as subtle, introspective, and distinctive within the Australian music landscape.
Formed in Shepparton in 1996, Augie March, comprised of Glenn Richards, Adam Donovan, Edmondo Ammendola, and David Williams, drew inspiration for their name from Saul Bellow’s novel The Adventures Of Augie March. With early EPs, the band established themselves as a literary and original force within Melbourne’s music scene in the late ’90s. Their debut album, Sunset Studies, garnered critical acclaim and four ARIA Award nominations, setting the stage for further success with their subsequent releases.
The journey of creating Moo, You Bloody Choir was marked by challenges and uncertainties, with the band questioning if the album would ever come to fruition. However, the unexpected success of “One Crowded Hour” altered the course of their career, leading them to accolades, extensive touring, and continued explorations in their subsequent albums. With new material in the works and Glenn Richards preparing for a future release, the twentieth-anniversary tour serves as a bridge between past achievements and forthcoming endeavors for Augie March.
Approaching the performance of the album with reverence and a fresh perspective, Augie March aims to deliver a blend of intensity and intimacy to their audiences. Through these shows, the band intends to maintain a dialogue with their fans, creating memorable moments of connection and musical camaraderie.