Sparta return to Australia

Sun 20th May, 2007 in Local News

Every now and then, a personal cataclysm and inner adversity is required to awaken artistic inspiration and reawaken dormant genius. Or rather, a case of crash-testing two Vans.

Fortunately for fans of Sparta, vocalist/guitarist Jim Ward’s two-month meltdown in 2005 resulted in inarguably his best work to date in the form of the band’s new album Threes.

“I walked out in the middle of a tour. I needed to get away from everything and everyone. I didn’t feel my life or the band was where wanted it to be. I needed to step back and reassess everything.”

For two months, he retreated to his home without speaking to anyone. In a previous interview, Ward confirmed: “When I left, I honestly didn’t know if I was going to continue the band or not”. When he did eventually emerge, Ward did so with renewed determination, recharged batteries and a palpable growth spiritually and artistically – reflected in both the album and the subsequent live shows.

July 2007 will see the newly reinvigorated Sparta mark their first return to Australia since Big Day Out 2003 with three intimate shows.

Tickets go on sale Friday May 25.

Friday July 20 – Hifi Bar (Melbourne; 18+)
Tickets will be available from Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849, HiFi Bar www.thehifi.com.au or 9654 7617 and Missing Link

Saturday July 21 – Metro Theatre (Sydney; 18+)
Tickets will be available from Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

Sunday July 22 – The Arena (Brisbane; 18+)
Tickets will be available from Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849, Arena Online www.arenaonline.com.au, Rocking Horse, Skinny’s Music and Moshpit Music