Grinspoon are BACK with face-melting new single, 'Unknown Pretenders', new album announcement, and massive tour!

Photo credit - Michelle Grace Hunder

National rock treasures, Grinspoon are back with a brand new single, album announcement, and one hell of a tour to celebrate all of this.

‘Unknown Pretenders' marks the first new music from the band in 12 years. The track’s unbridled power is quintessentially Grinspoon - packed full of heaving riffs, pounding drums, and that gobsmacking rock vocal take from Phil Jamieson.

This single ushers in a new era for Grinspoon: their 8th studio album titled ‘whatever, whatever’ will arrive on August 9. It’s an album of ferocity; an injection of adrenaline that marks a period of rejuvenation and a new peak for the band, who’ve spent recent years touring nationwide celebrating their untouchable seven album-strong discography and legacy to date. 

The band have also today announced they’re heading out on an extensive 45 date ‘whatever, whenever, wherever’ tour across the country, kicking off in September, with a fan presale live from 10:00am (local time) Thursday 23 May and general public tickets on sale from 9am (local time) Monday 27 May. Tickets available from grinspoon.com.au/. The mega run of dates will see Press Club jump in as main support for all shows, and fans can check out the tour dates here.

‘Unknown Pretenders’ is high-octane, speaker-tearing heavy rock pulled straight from the Grinspoon braintrust, mosh-pit ready, and primed to sit within the band’s more intense set lists. Pat Davern’s super-crunch that pushes amps to their limit is ever-present, as is the heavy weight rhythm section combo of Joe Hansen and Kristian Hopes. And, of course, Phil Jamieson, easily one of Australia’s most charismatic frontmen, belting with effortless rock swagger. The only complaint would be that ‘Unknown Pretenders’ is over too soon - but it’s a song designed to push our limits and drain us to our last breath. Just be sure to do some stretches before Grinspoon bust this one out on the upcoming tour.

The new single kicks off this new chapter in Grinspoon’s enduring story. With 13 ARIA nominations and 2 wins, countless Platinum accolades and a live reputation that is untouchable, contemporary Australian rock bands regard the band as a blueprint of enduring success. It’s clear with ‘Unknown Pretenders’ that the band were ready to unleash some pent-up creative energy. 

“It’s with a curious trepidation but ultimately a feeling of unfulfilled wonderment that we reach into the caverns of our beings for a new journey of recorded endeavours, one which we are proud but tentatively a little scared of releasing”, Phil said when asked about releasing a new single and record.

On the new single, Phil said that “Unknown Pretenders was written in the dawning of the pandemic in a small studio in Adelaide February 2020, with a number of other tunes as well. It’s a magical riffy song about the end of the world and who will actually survive”.

For ‘Unknown Pretenders’ and ‘whatever, whatever’, the band enlisted Oscar Dawson (Holy Holy, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers) as producer, working with him over the last couple of years to shape the sound of this record. Speaking about this, Phil said that; “Oscar is an incredibly talented creative, engineer and producer. We hadn’t worked with an Australian producer for a very long time, and it was a refreshing change. Recording with Oscar became very collaborative, he’s humble and understands the different dynamics within the band”.

Grinspoon’s influence on the Australian scene has extended beyond the success of their early material; the band contributing to the blueprint of Australian rock music that has celebrated the embrace of different sounds and influences.

Excited to hit the road, Phil said, “This thing ain’t for the faint hearted, we’re really trying to get to as many places as possible, it kind of harks back to the olden days of touring; 4 guys in a van with some guitars. With the release of new music we wanted to give everyone the opportunity to see Grinners, and we’re going back to some venues we haven’t played in 20 years!”

Phil continues, “To say we’re excited is a massive understatement! Over the last 6 years we have played arenas and stadiums and theaters and what not, and it’s all been tremendous and we have loved every minute of it, but there is nothing like the 3 hour drive after a show, the 9am checkout from the hotel, and the first stop to get a chicko roll and strawberry milk - black coffee for me, I am now an adult. These gigs will be madness - sweaty Tuesdays, taking the day off work on a Wednesday, remembering the reason you go to pubs. Our venues are suffering out there in the regions so we are bringing the show to them. We can’t wait to see you all!”

It’s a most welcome return from an Australian favourite. Be sure to get your tickets for the ‘whatever, whenever, wherever’ tour, and check out ‘Unknown Pretenders’ now on all streaming platforms.

Grinspoon ‘whatever, whenever, wherever’ tour

Presented by Triple M, with Press Club as main support

 

TUE 17 SEP | BALLINA RSL, NORTHERN RIVERS | NSW | 18+ GA / AA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from the Club &  www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

WED 18 SEP |SOPO- SOUTHPORT RSL, GOLD COAST NRTH | QLD | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from the Club &  www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

FRI 20 SEP | THE TIVOLI THEATRE, BRISBANE | QLD | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30 pm

Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | 1300 446 925 | All Ticketmaster Outlets

SAT 21 SEP | THE POWERHOUSE, TOOWOOMBA | QLD | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

SUN 22 SEP | MIAMI MARKETTA LANEWAY, GOLD COAST | QLD | 18+ GA Floor O12+Guardian | 4-8pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

TUE 24 SEP | THE DAG PUB, D’AGUILAR | QLD | 18+ GA / AA+ Guardian | 7-10pm

Tickets available from  www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

WED 25 SEP | BROTHERS SPORTS CLUB, BUNDABERG | QLD | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from the Club &  www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

FRI 27 SEP | HARVEY RD TAVERN, GLADSTONE | QLD | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

SAT 28 SEP | GREAT WESTERN HOTEL, ROCKHAMPTON | QLD | 18+ GA /AA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

TUE 1 OCT | SEABREEZE HOTEL, MACKAY |QLD | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

WED 2 OCT | MAGNUMS HOTEL, AIRLIE BEACH | QLD | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

FRI 4 OCT | QUEENS BEACH HOTEL, BOWEN | QLD | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

SAT 5 OCT | DALRYMPLE HOTEL, TOWNSVILLE | QLD | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

MON 7 OCT | HINCHINBROOK SHIRE HALL, INGHAM |QLD | 18+ GA | 5:30-9pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

FRI 11 OCT |BURDEKIN MEMORIAL HALL, HOME HILL | QLD | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets from www.burdekintheatre.com.au/burdekin-memorial-hall Box Off:07 4783 9880

 

SAT 12 OCT |BROTHERS SPORTS CLUB, CAIRNS | QLD | 18+ GA / AA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from the Club www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

WED 16 OCT | THE STATION, BIRTINYA, SUNSHINE COAST | QLD | 18+ GA/AA/VIP | 6:30-9:30pm

Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | All Moshtix Outlets


FRI 18 OCT | RACEHORSE HOTEL, IPSWICH | QLD | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

SAT 19 OCT | THE PRINCESS THEATRE, WOOLLONGABBA | QLD | 18+ GA Floor/ AA seated balcony | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | 1300 446 925 | All Ticketmaster Outlets

 

SUN 20 OCT | DISTILLERY RD, BEENLEIGH | QLD | 18+ GA Floor / 12+ AA | 4:30-8pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

TUE 22 OCT | METRO THEATRE, SYDNEY | NSW | 18+ GA Floor, AA RES Balcony | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets

 

FRI 25 OCT | SAWTELL RSL, COFFS HARBOUR | NSW | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from Club & www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

SAT 26 OCT | WEST TAMWORTH LGS, TAMWORTH | NSW | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from  www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

SUN 27 OCT | FINNIAN’S TAVERN, PORT MACQUARIE | NSW | 18+ GA | 5-8:30pm

Tickets available from  swww.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlet

 

TUE 29 OCT | UNI – BAR ON THE HILL, NEWCASTLE | NSW | 18+ GA /AA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

WED 30 OCT | DRIFTERS WHARF, GOSFORD| NSW | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

FRI 1 NOV | SYDNEY COLISEUM, ROOTY HILL| NSW | 18+ GA & RES / AA balcony | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets

 

SAT 2 NOV |THE CUBE, CAMPBELLTOWN | NSW | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from https://www.thecube.net.au Box Office Ph 02 4625 0000

 

SUN 3 NOV | WAVES TOWRADGI BCH HTL, WOLLONGONG |NSW | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | All Moshtix Outlets

 

TUE 05 NOV | 170 RUSSELL ST, MELBOURNE | VIC | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au |All Moshtix Outlets

 

FRI 8 NOV | BRIDGEWAY HOTEL, POORAKA, ADELAIDE | SA | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

SAT 9 NOV | THE GOV , ADELAIDE | SA | 18+ GA / AA+ guardian | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

SUN 10 NOV | NORTHERN SOUND SYSTEM EVENT CENTRE, ELIZABETH | SA| LIC/AA | 5-8pm

Tickets available from NSS Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | All Moshtix Outlets

 

TUE 12 NOV | COMMERCIAL HOTEL, SOUTH MORANG |VIC | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

WED 13 NOV | VILLAGE GREEN, MULGRAVE | VIC | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

FRI 15 NOV | PIER BANDROOM, FRANKSTON | VIC | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

SAT 16 NOV | ALL SEASONS, BENDIGO | VIC | 18+ GA | 7:30-10.30pm

Tickets from www.moshtix.com.au | www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | & All  Outlets

 

SUN 17 NOV | BARWON HEADS HOTEL, SURF COAST |VIC | 18+ GA / AA TBC | 6:30-9:30pm

Tickets available from  www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

THU 21 NOV | DISCOVERY, DARWIN | NT | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from  www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

FRI 22 NOV | NOONAMAH TAVERN BEER GARDEN AMPHITHEATRE | NT | 18+ GA | 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

TUE 26 NOV | ASTOR THEATRE, PERTH | WA | 18+ GA Floor, AA Balcony | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets

 

FRI 29 NOV | MUNDARING WEIR HTL AMPHITHEATRE, MUNDARING | WA | 18+ GA | 6:30-10:30pm

Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

 

TUE 3 DEC |COUNTRY CLUB TASMANIA, LAUNCESTON | TAS | 18+ GA & RES/ AA Balcony | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | 1300 446 925 | All Ticketmaster Outlets

 

WED 4 DEC | FRANKIE J’s, DEVONPORT | TAS | 18+ GA | 7-10pm

Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | All Moshtix Outlets

 

FRI 06 DEC | ODEON THEATRE, HOBART | TAS | 18+ GA Floor, RES Balcony AA | 7:30-10.30pm

Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | All Moshtix Outlets

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