It’s a great trivia question: what was Baby Animals’ first release?
It was a song called ‘Break My Heart’, released as a B Side on The Angels’ single ‘Dogs Are Talking’ in 1990. Following the release of the single, Baby Animals went on to support The Angels on their ‘Dogs Are Talking’ tour, which was Baby Animals’ first big tour.
Nearly 30 years later, the bands are hitting the road again, for a massive co-headline tour. And to celebrate the tour, they’re releasing a brand new single – with a twist.
The split single sees The Angels covering ‘One Word’ from Baby Animals’ chart-topping self-titled debut, while Baby Animals deliver a blistering version of The Angels’ Face To Face classic ‘Marseilles’.
‘One Word’ was one of five hit singles from Baby Animals’ self-titled album, which spent six weeks at number one. ‘Marseilles’ was The Angels’ highest-charting single in the US, where it became a favourite of Guns N’ Roses, who have covered the song live.
The Angels guitarist Rick Brewster has been a big Baby Animals fan since that initial 1990 tour.
“They were one band that I watched every night, I was just so impressed,” Rick says. “And I feel the same way about them now. Suze [DeMarchi] is just a monster, an incredible singer. Davie Leslie is one of a handful of guitarists in Australia that I really admire – I just love the way he plays and performs. Dario Bortolin is a fantastic bass player, and he even filled in with us once when Sam [Brewster] couldn’t do a gig. And Mick Skelton is a great drummer and a great mate. We’ve always said “wouldn’t it be great to do another tour with Baby Animals”, and now it’s finally happening.”
When The Angels set out to cover ‘One Word’, there was some slight nerves. “I think Dave [Gleeson] was worried that he wouldn’t be able to reach the high notes,” Rick says. “But he did it in three takes and we could have used any one of them, he just blitzed it.”
Baby Animals guitarist Dave Leslie says The Angels were his “childhood heroes”. “That 1990 tour with The Angles was massive for us – it really was our big break.” Covering ‘Marseilles’ was exciting for the band. “It’s such a legendary song,” Dave says. “And there’s so much guitar in it! When you analyse the song and play it, you realise how brilliant Rick is.”
And now all these years later, the two bands are heading out on tour again. For Australian rock fans, this is unmissable.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Rick promises. “And I can see a great finale coming, with ‘One Word’ and ‘Marseilles’ and the two bands on stage together.”
“Standing next to Rick Brewster and playing ‘Marseilles’ – I’ll take that opportunity any time,” Dave smiles.
‘One Word’ out now through Bloodlines Available here
‘Marseilles’ out now through Bloodlines Available here
TOUR DATES
Friday 1 November – 170 Russell | Melbourne, VIC – moshtix.com.au
Saturday 2 November – Wrest Point Entertainment Centre | Hobart, TAS – ticketmaster.com.au
Friday 8 November – Doyalson Wyee RSL | Doyalson, NSW – doylo.com.au
Saturday 9 November – Toronto Hotel | Toronto, NSW – trybooking.com
Friday 15 November – The Gov | Adelaide, SA – oztix.com.au
Saturday 16 November – The Gov | Adelaide, SA – oztix.com.au
Friday 29 November – Astor Theatre | Perth, WA – ticketek.com.au
Saturday 30 November – Metropolis | Fremantle, WA – metropolisfremantle.com.au
Friday 6 December – The Tivoli | Brisbane, QLD – ticketmaster.com.au
Saturday 7 December – Southport RSL | Southport, QLD – seatadvisor.com
Friday 13 December – Waves | Wollongong, NSW – moshtix.com.au
Saturday 14 December – Metro Theatre | Sydney, NSW – ticketek.com.au
