AROCKALYPSE now returns to the Westernport in 2024 with more bands, beers and big bad riffs! Nick Carver and the team have put together a huge lineup of bands from Gippsland and Naarm for all fans of explosive live music.
Now in its third year, Arockalypse always delivers the goods, with great vibes over two stages, you can rock out till late in the evening and beat the wet winter blues off with the drumsticks of nine bands, featuring: RIFF RAFF, SUPER AMERICAN EAGLE, Foggy Notion, HOGWASH, The Alley Stranglers, Ozone Street, Lost Atlas, Blue Sabbath and Jungle Jim Smith.
Arockalypse Now, is a proud PBS sponsor, thanks to the grant funding from Bass Coast Shire Council and Regional Arts Victoria who are equally supporting live music in small regional towns, with extended support from Mountain Goat Beer, an official sponsor for the annual event.
Live music is a vital part of many communities, providing entertainment, cultural enrichment, and economic benefits, and in regional towns – like San Remo - live music can be particularly important as it brings people together and helps to create a sense of community, and Nick Carver and the Arockalypse Now team have tremendous support from the Westernport Hotel owner, Nick Say.
Supporting live music in regional towns can help to boost local economies by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and most importantly help to showcase local talent and provide opportunities for aspiring musicians to gain exposure and experience.
Opportunities like Arockalypse Now, help to foster a sense of inclusivity and diversity within the local music scene, and in an interview with the Sentinel-Times Nick Carver shared his 25 years’ experience in the music industry and his desire to help live music thrive in regional towns for years to come. “I moved to Inverloch eight years ago and after working as a musician both here and the city, I wanted to bridge the gap between regional and city gigs for those locals that play rock music – because that’s what I love,” Nick explained.
“And by putting this kind of festival together, we’re showing these bands how to sell their music, how to manage their own gigs and this gives them the opportunity to learn from one another as well.”
Ozone Street will return for the 2024 festival after playing the first show in 2022. Ozone Street is not just any band; they're a vibrant force to be reckoned with on the local music scene. Comprised of a dynamic group of 20-somethings, Ozone Street brings a refreshing blend of vintage blues and surf-inspired melodies that transport audiences to sun-soaked shores and dimly lit blues bars.
“The venues got a 500 capacity – we doubled our audience last year and we hope to double it again this year,” said Nick. “We have bands that have recently formed in the past two years, including The Alley Stranglers, as well as some bands who have been on the Melbourne scene and around the country.”
The Alley Stranglers are a crusty bunch of punk rock surfies from Phillip Island who prioritize a good time more than a long time. With musical chops reminiscent of Pennywise and Mudhoney combined, their energetic tunes capture the spirit of good times and freedom and are a true representation of the surfy culture of their part of the world. Strictly no acoustic guitars allowed!
Melbourne power trio, Super American Eagle deliver manna for heavy rock fans craving detours into noise, psych, pop and sludgy dank, herbal grooves. A union delivered via chance, Brent DeBoer of The Dandy Warhol’s, Dave Mudie from the Courtney Barnett band and Bob Harrow of Immigrant Union, played an impromptu Immigrant Union NYC show as a three-piece. “The Super American Eagle are going fantastic things at the moment, supporting Jet around the country. We’ve then got a really hot ACDC tribute band Riff Raff and they’re playing last – it’s almost like having the after party at the festival!”
The RIFF RAFF will take you back to 1976 Bon Scott era ACCA DACCA - loud, raw, rock n roll. Featuring Melbourne’s cream of musos led by Willie J and the Bad Books front man WILLIE J plus members of Thunderstruck, Hot Machine, Serotonia and Tequila Mockingbird! After sold out shows in 2023 at Cherry Bar and LuliePalooza, the bands taking the show to the next level on stages across Victoria and Australia in 2024.
“This festival is designed to present an opportunity for those bands that are still cutting their teeth to get out and play to a live audience. That’s how every band starts, but I’ve always thought that this is what was lacking in the music industry – the opportunity for bands to tour regionally!”
Arockalypse Now 2024 is on at the Westernport Hotel on August 3. Tickets are available at www.thewesternport.com.au
