By REBECCA STONE
ONE of Australia’s most renowned rock bands will hit the road for its summertime tour and perform at the Armidale Ex-Services Club on Saturday.
Thirsty Merc hasn’t toured for more than two years and the band says it is keen to showcase its third album Moustrap Heart and perform some of the “golden oldies”.
Bass player Paul Stack has fond memories of Armidale and said he was excited to come back after many years.
“My cousins lived in Armidale and when I used to visit I would go dirt bike riding,” he said.
“This will be our first time performing in Armidale and we are looking forward to playing.”
The four-piece band has come a long way since its inception in 2002.
“We started before global videos and social networking – it was all about getting out there and performing,” Stack said.
“We were practising in garages and doing live gigs for a good couple of years before The Summertime hit the charts.
“A couple of years ago I even got to have a few drinks and do a bass and vocal duo with Michael Buble.”
While Thirsty Merc’s first two albums were considered rock, Stack said its music had changed over time.
“Our first two albums were guitar heavy, but our music is evolving, the only word to describe Mousetrap Heart is funky,” he said.
“We’ve been developing our sound for a long time.”
Thirsty Merc has a busy schedule over the next 12 months and the group plans to bring out another album,
“We do plan to bring out new music and go to America in the near future,” Stack said.
“We have performed showcases in London, New York and Los Angeles, but we would like to tour internationally eventually.”
Tickets are on sale at Servies for Saturday night’s performance.
