‘80s indie rockers The Stems are heading a poptastic bill that’s set to wend its way down the east coast of Australia. Called Oz Vegas Wig-Out ‘04, the mini-fest of guitar-driven hummability, fantastic fringes and more jangle than a bag of spurs will be hitting venues for three nights only.

The tour is special not only because it marks the return of the legendary Stems (as well as garage-bashers The Crusaders), but also because it’s the first tour for Melbourne’s The Cants. Melburnian gig-goers will receive a special treat, too – The Stoneage Hearts will perform with lead singer Dom Mariani.

The Stems are a band who, like Hoodoo Gurus, were steeped in the sounds of the ‘60s. They were instrumental in bringing melodic, intelligent pop – with a good dose of punk energy – to punters in the ‘80s, and their discs have, aside from achieving alternative chart success, remained staples of best-of lists ever since they were released. Many are still mystified over why the band split, suddenly, just as they reached the pinnacle of their success.

The band have been lightly making a comeback since early ‘03, have decided to take their return to the stage a little more seriously. This became more impressed upon them when Little Steven Van Zandt (who’s played with Bruce Springsteen, as well as holding down a role in The Sopranos) personally asked The Stems to fly to New York to join in his Underground Garage International Festival. They duly jetted off and held their own on a bill populated by the likes of Iggy & The Stooges, The Strokes, The Dictators and The Pretty Things.

They liked it so much that Oz Vegas Wig-Out ‘04 is the result – a night that’s promised to be chock-full of rare film, raw rock and go-go dancers. Get along!

Dates are as follows:
Friday, November 5: The Zoo, Brisbane
Saturday, November 6: Manning Bar, Sydney University
Friday, November 12: Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Bands playing in each city (as of publication) are as follows:
Brisbane: The Stems, Even, The Cants, The Jennys, The Hakawiis
Sydney:  The Stems, Even, The Cants, The Crusaders, The Booby Traps, The Clear Spot
Melbourne: The Stems, Even, The Cants, The Stoneage Hearts, The Crusaders, The Doll Squad