Me & the stars

The ARIA Hall of Fame event was held for the second time as a stand alone function on Wednesday, August 16 at Melbourne’s breath-taking Plaza Ballroom. It was a magical night; from the red carpet entrance, to the stunning table settings - complete with dimly lit candles placed in mystical, multi-coloured glass holders; the cocktail listing featuring such flavours as the “Daddy Rock” and the “Angry Rose”; the photographers, the artists, the industry greats...and then others, like myself.

There was magic in the air. Such local International stars as Toni Collette and Hugh Jackman added a glamorous, Hollywood-esk component to the local crowd. All where there to honour the industry greats, who were to be inducted into the 2006 ARIA Hall of Fame.

Daddy Cool – Inducted by Tim Finn
Helen Reddy – Inducted by Toni Collette
Lobby Loyde – Inducted by Billy Thorpe
Rose Tattoo – Inducted by Sarah McLeod
The Divinyls – Inducted by Hugh Jackman (who was introduced by Natalie Bassingthwaite)
Icehouse – Inducted by Tim Freedman

Jet’s performance of “We Can’t Be Beaten” in tribute to Rose Tattoo was easily the stand-out moment of the night. Even Angry Anderson approved, and he "doesn't usually like other people singing Rose Tattoo songs".

Although, another highlight was The Divinyls acceptance speech(s). They were also enjoyable...because they were sooo wrong!

Whilst not a huge Daddy Cool fan, to be sitting within meters of them performing “Eagle Rock” was pretty special. I was watching Australia's musical masters at their best...and whilst each generation has its own heroes, itis easy to acknowledge why these guys are considered legends to an older generation.

I was disappointed that Icehouse didn’t play “Electric Blue” or “Obsession”, but perhaps that is because I am a little younger than the rest of the crowd was??? I lovwed that they bought Ian Moss out to play with them. Mossey is a legend!!! :o)

A special mention needs to be made about Chrissie Amphlette’s legs…it is wrong for a woman of that age to have legs as good as she does! Lucky, lucky lady. I wouldn't dream of wearing a dress that short, but she pulled it off better than half of today's stars would have. RESPECT.

Rose Tattoo must have arrived just in time, after my fiance had just been watching them in Germany at the Wacken Festival only nights before. Talk about endurance!

It was an amazing night and I am thrilled to have been able to be a part of it.

Pop Princess xoxox

It's all about the music!

So much good stuff going on at the moment I haven’t had time to blog! I have a pretty good excuse, I’ve been to see the Arctic Monkey’s, Bob Evans and Lily Allen in the space of a week or so. Each of them was amazing, but in very different ways...

I was impressed by the Arctic Monkey’s and their “no frills” approach. They came out, played the tracks, and left. No encore, very little small talk, no fancy props or tricky lighting, just the band and their songs. The crowd also seemed pleased with this approach, it is fair to say the boys would be welcomed back with open arms, should they wish to return in the near future.

Bob Evans, at the Spanish Club was lovely. As a former Jebediah fan (back in the day), it is nice to see Mr. Mitchell taking a more mature, and for want of a better word…musical, approach to his music. The songs are just beautiful. I love ‘Surburban Song Book’ and you should all go out and buy it!

Lily Allen…what can I say accept, debut - #7 on the ARIA chart, played to 200 excited fans, whilst another 1,000-odd waited in the freezing cold on the off chance that they may be able to sneak in to catch a glimpse of the UK’s latest pop sensation during her show case in Melbourne. She rocks! She also has collaborated with a legend recently…watch this space for news…

I’ve been listening to the new Robbie Williams album, over and over again trying to figure out which are my favourite tracks (at the moment I’m probably going to have to say “She’s Madonna”, “Viva Life on Mars” & “Kiss Me", but I change my mind with each listen). The album is now likely to be released in October, which is really now that far away now!

I’ve been adoring the new Jet single, which you have no doubt heard by now. The boys are back, better than ever? Will let you know after I hear some of the new stuff live on Tuesday night…

Gotta run,

Luv Pop Princess xoxox

Shakin' the Rudebox!

I love Snow Patrol, but I especially love them live. I swear since seeing them in 2004, my expectations for live music performances has risen. They were sensational at The Metro on Tuesday night. Their music has such power and depth, it is amazing. It is just a shame I couldn’t understand a bloody thing they were saying in between songs…I think I caught something about wanting people to “Take their clothes off” and a bit of a rant about how they have heard it is so warm here, but every time they come it is freezing. Just a wild guess, but they may be because they tend to come in the depths of our Winter!

My preyers were answered and they played the sublime “Chasing Cars” (which is tipped to be the next single). As expected, “Run” was another highlight, with the whole venue singing along to this under-rated anthem. “All That I Have” rocked, and showed another, poppier, light hearted side to this band. I can’t fault the gig. I loved every second of it.

To further improve my mood this week would be tough, as “Rudebox” also went to radio this week. How infectious is it! I must admit, I was a little surprised when I heard Robbie was going to do a dance album, surprised and just a tad nervous. I guess I expected if he was going to shift in styles, it may have been more towards the rock side of things. But, never the less, “Rudebox” is in a league of its own, I can honestly say it is quite unlike anything I have heard before. What do you liken or compare it to? I know I am extremely biased where Robbie is concerned, but I think it is a smash! It is also a fantastic contrast to his work on “Intensive Care” and proves that he is far more than a one trick Pop pony. Respect!

Oh, and just a side point. Does anyone else melt just a little when he says “Are we going to have sex?” I know he is not asking me directly…but it does something to me! Whoa!

Pop Justice (popjustice.com) has a 30 second teaser of the new Scissor Sisters single “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’,” more of the good stuff. It’s a shame Melbourne didn’t gig this week whilst they were in the country for Splendour, but rumour has it the band will tour here before Christmas…and if not are looking at the Big Day Out. Bring on the new album “Tah-Dah"! Jake and Ana's interview on Rove was one of the better ones I have seen on the show.

Pop Justice also has Justin’s “Sexy Back” clip, and that crap song of Fergie’s clip too. Great website!

Til next we meet….

Pop Princess xo

P.S. Camilla to win BB'06!

P.P.S Am I the only person in the world that thought that Marissa’s death on The OC was lame and a total let down?

P.P.P.S Check out Lily Allen! More info to follow...