So much fun!
by Qin on 11/25/23Irving Plaza Powered By Verizon 5G - New YorkWolfmother put on an amazing show! Their opener was fantastic too!
Events0 Results
No more results on this page
About
The trio known as Wolfmother is one of the most exciting and unique rock groups to emerge from Australia in recent years. Their music, while entirely fresh and original, recalls such pioneering '70s-era bands as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. Wolfmother's spectacular live shows and retro sound have already won them a devoted following in their native Australia. U.S. audiences now have chance to enjoy this incredible band with the release of a new EP, Dimensions, on January 31, 2006, followed by the group's debut full-length Wolfmother in May and a U.S. tour in support of the two releases.
Wolfmother's bassist Chris Ross recently spoke with Ticketmaster about the band's history, the new EP and full-length album, and one of the group's favorite pastimes—pinball.
Ticketmaster: There's a nice jam-band quality to the music on your full-length album. Why did you choose to keep a looser, live feel to the recorded songs?
Chris Ross: That's a key element for us. I think that's how we did the EP, and that's pretty much what we wanted to do (with the album). Then (producer) Dave Sardy heard it as well, and he realized these guys are a jamming kind of band and he wanted to keep that vibe in there. So we were always about making is as live sounding as possible and as big as possible.
Chris Ross: That's a key element for us. I think that's how we did the EP, and that's pretty much what we wanted to do (with the album). Then (producer) Dave Sardy heard it as well, and he realized these guys are a jamming kind of band and he wanted to keep that vibe in there. So we were always about making is as live sounding as possible and as big as possible.
TM: Do you enjoy performing live more than recording in the studio?
CR: We really like both, which is cool. We love playing live. That was the thing with the EP as well. People would come and see the show and go, "Oh my God, it sounds so much bigger live." So for the album we had to make it sound as big as we sound live, which we didn't manage to do with the EP. We're quite comfortable working in the studio and playing on the stage. So we're both. We'll do anything.
CR: We really like both, which is cool. We love playing live. That was the thing with the EP as well. People would come and see the show and go, "Oh my God, it sounds so much bigger live." So for the album we had to make it sound as big as we sound live, which we didn't manage to do with the EP. We're quite comfortable working in the studio and playing on the stage. So we're both. We'll do anything.
TM: Tell me how the band got together. Were you all friends before the band formed?
CR: No, we weren't. We met through friends of friends. We should have called our band "Friends of Friends." I met Myles our drummer, who lived with a guy who collected synthesizers...who my girlfriend introduced me to. Myles and I were playing together for a little while. Then we moved into a house together, and we had a jam room. We used to have a lot of parties and Andrew came to a party, because he was a friend of a friend that came to a party, and that was about it. Then we had like three or four years of just hanging out and jamming and trying to avoid doing work. And drinking lots of coffee and just jamming. And then eventually we decided to do a show. Actually, Andrew and Myles decided to do a show. I was never really interested in playing a live show, which is very bizarre now that I think about it, because once we actually did it, I loved it. I loved being put on the spot. You got to do it right here and now or that's it—no one's going to like it. I really enjoyed playing music with them and I didn't realize how exciting it would be to put it in front of an audience. So once we kind of did that I was fully addicted and we all started working on doing more shows.
CR: No, we weren't. We met through friends of friends. We should have called our band "Friends of Friends." I met Myles our drummer, who lived with a guy who collected synthesizers...who my girlfriend introduced me to. Myles and I were playing together for a little while. Then we moved into a house together, and we had a jam room. We used to have a lot of parties and Andrew came to a party, because he was a friend of a friend that came to a party, and that was about it. Then we had like three or four years of just hanging out and jamming and trying to avoid doing work. And drinking lots of coffee and just jamming. And then eventually we decided to do a show. Actually, Andrew and Myles decided to do a show. I was never really interested in playing a live show, which is very bizarre now that I think about it, because once we actually did it, I loved it. I loved being put on the spot. You got to do it right here and now or that's it—no one's going to like it. I really enjoyed playing music with them and I didn't realize how exciting it would be to put it in front of an audience. So once we kind of did that I was fully addicted and we all started working on doing more shows.
TM: The album art for Wolfmother was done by Frank Frazetta (a respected science fiction and fantasy illustrator). What made you choose his artwork for your album cover?
CR: I remember in high school I had a friend who loved his stuff. I was never really a big fan, but I had always been exposed to it. Then we were in the studio, talking about what we were going to do for the artwork and Sardy said, "Have you seen Frank Frazetta's stuff?" And I said, "Oh, I remember that. I had this friend in high school who really liked him." We couldn't really visualize any pieces. So Myles and I went to a bookshop and I pulled out a book. As soon as I started flipping through it, I was like, "My God, this is perfect." And I showed it to Myles, and he was like, "Oh my God, this is perfect." And then we showed it to Andrew and it was the same reaction. And everyone who knew us and the music...was like, "Yeah, that's perfect." So that's kind of how it happened.
CR: I remember in high school I had a friend who loved his stuff. I was never really a big fan, but I had always been exposed to it. Then we were in the studio, talking about what we were going to do for the artwork and Sardy said, "Have you seen Frank Frazetta's stuff?" And I said, "Oh, I remember that. I had this friend in high school who really liked him." We couldn't really visualize any pieces. So Myles and I went to a bookshop and I pulled out a book. As soon as I started flipping through it, I was like, "My God, this is perfect." And I showed it to Myles, and he was like, "Oh my God, this is perfect." And then we showed it to Andrew and it was the same reaction. And everyone who knew us and the music...was like, "Yeah, that's perfect." So that's kind of how it happened.
TM: Some of your influences include rock bands such as Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath and AC/DC. You've also cited influences that may not be as apparent: Boards of Canada (experimental electronica), Bob Marley (reggae) and Jon Spencer (indie rock). How do you feel those bands have influenced your own music?
CR: That's something that a lot of people don't realize...we do have a lot of contemporary influences as well. People kind of make the obvious associations...Andrew listens to a lot of folk, Devendra Banhart and things like that. A lot of lyrical, melodic, inspirational stuff. And I listen to a lot of electronic (music)...I like really solid bass lines with a kind of groove that you can dance to as well. And Myles listens to a lot of Boards of Canada and Warp Records stuff and abstract hip-hop...I can see how different elements bring something. We all bring something different. You know, Myles has a very organic style on the drums. It's not something very straight up. There are just little tinges of something different, but I think that it all comes together. It all adds up. It's not very apparent at first, but I think once you realize that, it kind of makes sense.
CR: That's something that a lot of people don't realize...we do have a lot of contemporary influences as well. People kind of make the obvious associations...Andrew listens to a lot of folk, Devendra Banhart and things like that. A lot of lyrical, melodic, inspirational stuff. And I listen to a lot of electronic (music)...I like really solid bass lines with a kind of groove that you can dance to as well. And Myles listens to a lot of Boards of Canada and Warp Records stuff and abstract hip-hop...I can see how different elements bring something. We all bring something different. You know, Myles has a very organic style on the drums. It's not something very straight up. There are just little tinges of something different, but I think that it all comes together. It all adds up. It's not very apparent at first, but I think once you realize that, it kind of makes sense.
TM: You've won tremendous praise from fans and the press. Many have proclaimed Wolfmother Australia's best new rock band. What do you make of the band's success?
CR: It's just great. It was nearly two years ago that we had our first show. It was just the three of us in a room playing this music, going, "Wow, I really love this." All three of us really loved it and we were kind of thinking, "Is anyone else going to like it?" But we liked it so much we didn't really care...No one else was really doing anything like that, especially not in Sydney. So we really didn't know how it was going to do down. And we were on the bill with some glam metal band, which was really cool, because they really loved us. Everyone said that the three of us were like rabbits in the headlights. We were so used to playing these songs. A song would finish and we'd go, "Yeah, I think we should change that song to a G." But instead we had this whole audience going, "Yeah!" And we were like, "Far out!" It's positive. It's cool. It just encourages us to keep doing what we're doing, which we would probably do anyway, but I guess with more intensity.
CR: It's just great. It was nearly two years ago that we had our first show. It was just the three of us in a room playing this music, going, "Wow, I really love this." All three of us really loved it and we were kind of thinking, "Is anyone else going to like it?" But we liked it so much we didn't really care...No one else was really doing anything like that, especially not in Sydney. So we really didn't know how it was going to do down. And we were on the bill with some glam metal band, which was really cool, because they really loved us. Everyone said that the three of us were like rabbits in the headlights. We were so used to playing these songs. A song would finish and we'd go, "Yeah, I think we should change that song to a G." But instead we had this whole audience going, "Yeah!" And we were like, "Far out!" It's positive. It's cool. It just encourages us to keep doing what we're doing, which we would probably do anyway, but I guess with more intensity.
TM: I hear the band loves to play pinball. How did your pinball obsession begin?
CR: Oh, this is good question. You directed this at the right person, because I love pinball. I remember as a kid going on family holidays down the coast and I remember my brother used to like pinball. I liked my brother and I wanted to be like him, so I wanted to play pinball. I remember he used to listen to The Who and the song "Pinball Wizard" and stuff. I kind of was idolizing my brother and all The Who music. So that's where it really came from for me. And I love it. I just feel an affinity with the machine.
CR: Oh, this is good question. You directed this at the right person, because I love pinball. I remember as a kid going on family holidays down the coast and I remember my brother used to like pinball. I liked my brother and I wanted to be like him, so I wanted to play pinball. I remember he used to listen to The Who and the song "Pinball Wizard" and stuff. I kind of was idolizing my brother and all The Who music. So that's where it really came from for me. And I love it. I just feel an affinity with the machine.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Rating: 5 out of 5 From another dimension!
by Arctic on 11/25/23Irving Plaza Powered By Verizon 5G - New YorkAll I have to say it's thank you. From Perú to NYC just to see you guys!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Awesome concert
by Alex17 on 11/25/23Irving Plaza Powered By Verizon 5G - New YorkThe concert was great. Andrew was amazing. Love all the songs they were performing. It was so much fun to see this band again. Fever dog was great too. I would definitely love to see them again.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Catch Wolfmother Live!!
by Jeff on 11/24/23Lincoln Theatre - WashingtonExcellent live performance by this band with a strong setlist. If you love Wolfmother, you will love this show!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Rock n Roll at its finest!
by ThrillGil on 11/24/23Lincoln Theatre - WashingtonI've been a fan of Wolfmother since their debut album. Unfortunately I need was able to see them live. I saw them at The Lincoln Theater this past Tuesday and what a show it was. The whole theatre was on its feet and it was glorious! 🤘
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great Great Great Rock’n roll Concert
by Moacir on 11/24/23Lincoln Theatre - WashingtonMan oh man!!! I was supposed be in Philly for 11/24 concert, but Im really glad that I changed to DC’s concert on the 11/21. What a great theater and the atmosphere was top top top night, this band is amazing good. Yo! “For those about to rock, we salute you” 🤟🏿 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Rating: 5 out of 5 Better than you could imagine
by Jukebox Charlie on 11/20/23Emo's Austin - AustinWolfmother is one of the BEST live shows I have ever seen! And I’ve seen over 300+ bands live. I only knew a few of his songs. But dang it…I rocked out to every single note. 11/10 will go again every time he’s in town.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great show
by Ray on 11/20/23Emo's Austin - AustinThe opening band (Fever Dog) was way better than expected. They put on a great show showcasing their skills as musicians. Wolfmother was excellent even though they were missing the keyboardist. It was raw and refined musicianship at its finest. The crowd was thorough enthralled. Can’t wait to see them again.
Rating: 5 out of 5 WOLFMOTHER
by Huertas on 11/18/23Emo's Austin - Austin10/10!!! 5⭐️’s!!! I’ve been wanting to see Wolfmother since the release of their first album, and man he did not disappoint, not one bit! What amazed me is how AWESOME he sounded singing. If you closed your eyes you thought you were listening to it on the radio. Voice was spot on. Band was spot on. I’m so glad I attended this show! Will definitely be seeing them again if they ever come back to Texas!!! “I’ll tell you all a story about a Joker and a Thief in night!!!”
Rating: 5 out of 5 Fun Rock Show
by Henry on 10/2/23The Belasco - Los AngelesEnjoyed Wolfmother, Amber Wild, and Fever Dog on Friday night. Security and staff were efficient and friendly. Props to the stagehands assisting the musicians onstage.
Rating: 4 out of 5 70's Throwback
by Spunk on 10/2/23The Belasco - Los AngelesI was onboard with Wolfmother when they came out in the early aughts. Their first album was great, I haven't kept up with them since. Most of the songs they played were from that first album. The support band 'Feverdog"were cut from the same clothe. Their Lead Guitar player had an overinflated ego, but was very talented and sang great. He will be the first one to leave the band. All in all a great show in a nice small venue.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Amazing night with amazing vibes!
by Roxie on 10/2/23The Belasco - Los AngelesWolfmother never disappoints! I never miss a show when they play in LA and now I took my 8 year old to experience them too! He also rocked all night long!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wolfmother - incredible show!
by Chado on 10/2/23The Belasco - Los AngelesThe title says it all, Wolfmother was an incredible show! Andrew’s vocals and guitar work was amazing. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen! Great openers with Fever Dog and Amber Wild! Would check out all three bands again!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great concert
by Downtown Concerts on 9/28/23Ace of Spades - SacramentoLoved the interaction with the crowd and the energy that was given back to the band! Great venue as always!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wolfmother brings the Energy!
by RocknRoll Traveller on 9/28/23Ace of Spades - SacramentoBeen waiting a VERY long time to see Wolfmother live. Drove 600 Miles (round trip) to see them at Ace of Spades (what an awesome venue!). Was afraid that after 20 years Mr. Stockdale might have lost a bit of energy and pep.... NOPE! This was one of the best shows I have seen in a very long time. He delivered every single song a Wolfmother fan would hope for, with energy, gusto, bravado and a bit of a twinkle in his eyes! He was clearly having fun performing for the near sellout crowd! What a fun show! I only wish I would have opted for going the next night to see them in S.F., even though S.F. is a straight-up Hellscape! Thank you Wolfmother! The show was well worth the 10 hours of driving it took me to get to the show! Please come again soon!
Rating: 5 out of 5 One of the best shows I've ever been to!
by JenBadass on 9/28/23Neptune Theatre - SeattleI've seen many concerts throughout my lifetime and this was one of the best rock shows I've ever been seen! They sounded even better live than they did on their studio recording. The vibe of the band was total rock star but not pretentious at all. Can't wait for them to come back to Seattle!🤘🏼
Rating: 5 out of 5 Awesome!
by Jak on 9/26/23Commodore Ballroom - VancouverFirst time seeing the band live after 10 years and being a fan! It was everything I hoped for. Down to earth honest performance! With a healthy amount of rock your socks off energy.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wolfmother with Fever Dog
by Dawgbro on 9/25/23Neptune Theatre - SeattleA packed Neptune Theatre in Seattle's U-District rocked hard for Wolfmother. Most fans knowing all the songs, sang at the top of their lungs to an admiring Andrew Stockdale who seemed very grateful to be performing before the sold out crowd. Fever Dog opened and reminded all of us about the seventies. Long hair & polyester makes for glam rockers who aspire to be the next Led Zeppelin. They were fun if nothing else. All in all an extremely entertaining night of rock-n-roll!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Best concert I have been to in over a decade
by lf on 9/23/23The Union - Salt Lake CityI loved this night so much. I have wanted to see Wolfmother live for over 15 years. They did not disappoint. I recently went to a concert in the Delta Center and the sound was HORRIBLE. This concert at the Union sounded great though.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Blew My Mind
by Bobby on 9/22/23The Union - Salt Lake CityFor a weekday concert there were actually a lot of people. The rockin’ sounds and searing riffs made for a high energy show! Never seen Wolfmother in concert before but I am definitely interested in seeing them again!