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Wolfmother

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Reviews

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 308 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Wolfmother SLC

    by Davoe on 9/22/23The Union - Salt Lake City

    Was held at “The Union”. A great venue. I bet Tuesday nights are interesting for touring bands. Never know what the crowd will be like during the work week. Our crowd was pumped and rocking. Everyone knew all the words and were either cheering, clapping along. Andrew and band seemed pretty pleased and really rocked us. It took years for them to make it back. Hope it’s sooner next time. Also really enjoyed the opening band. Fever Dog.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great Show and Better Music

    by Blu X on 9/22/23

    Just saw Wolfmother for the first time at Revolution Hall and what a great show. The music was exceptional tonight and the energy was solid from both bands. Fever Dog started it off with a solid opening and the music was true to what they do great. 70's Rock alive in the 21st Century. Andrew came on next with his band and just took the evening to another level. I had been anticipating this concert for months and was not disappointed in any way. Can't wait for the next trip through the Northwest. The mission is simple......Keep Rock Alive !!!! These bands do just that.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    great show, great venue!

    by AZ_rocker on 9/18/23The Van Buren - Phoenix

    Excellent show! Perfect mix of old & new. Sounded great, strong showmanship. First show at the venue (The Van Burn in PHX). I'd definitely catch them again when they pass back through. Thanks for a great night out!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Such a great band and the opener was awesome too

    by Kyote on 9/18/23The Van Buren - Phoenix

    Such a great band and the opener was awesome too. The venue was great, smaller and intimate with fast drink service.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Awesome

    by Becca on 9/18/23The Van Buren - Phoenix

    We got there tears the end of the show but they were definitely not slowing down.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Wolfmother show rocked.

    by Bucaga on 9/18/23The Van Buren - Phoenix

    Watching Wolfmother perform without all the flashing visual lights and backtracks was refreshing. Singing by Andrew James Kenneth Stockdale was dynamic. The fans rocked too. I'd definitely go see them again!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Blown away so good

    by Sher on 9/18/23The Van Buren - Phoenix

    Second time seeing Wolfmother. Did not disappoint. The venue was full and so much energy. Will be back for their next show.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    A Friday Night well spent!

    by The Fish on 9/18/23The Van Buren - Phoenix

    The Van Buren remains my favorite place to see a real 'rock' show. No seats, Freedom to move around and see the show from different angles. Always easy to get a drink, restroom access. Fever Dog the warm-up band was a perfect opener- actually wanted to hear more after they left the stage, which is rare for an opening act. Wolfmother delivered a clean, hard rocking set with a good mix of songs. I enjoyed the show from start to finish. Was waiting for more.... Awesome venue, awesome show!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Wolfmother

    by Tk on 9/18/23The Van Buren - Phoenix

    Fever Dog and Wolfmother put on an AMAZING show Friday night The Staff at The Van Buren were great! One of my favorite venues in Phoenix to see a show.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great show!

    by Aaron on 9/17/23The Observatory North Park - San Diego

    Wolfmother did not disappoint. They put on a fantastic show and sounded great!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Wolf and the Pony Ride

    by Bogan Mozzie on 6/14/19The Stone Pony - Asbury Park

    Been a fan of Wolfmother since day one and this was the first time seeing them and they did not disappoint. I got to bring my wife and two kids to the show and what a pleasure it was to share that experience with them. I am sure the Band is used to playing in front of larger crowds at bigger venues but to see such a rocking band in such a small setting was a absolute bonus for everyone there. They did exactly what a hard rock band is supposed to do which is kick your ass! I hope they come back because I would not hesitate to see them again. Wolfmother Rules!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Totally Rocking

    by Deb on 6/14/19The Stone Pony - Asbury Park

    Wolfmother has to be one of the best shows I have ever been too.. they rocked the place from start to finish!! I think the mosh pit really got them going!!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Go see them

    by Al on 6/13/19Irving Plaza presented by Cricket Wireless - New York

    One of the best live shows I’ve seen! The sounded great, good energy at Irving Plaza.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Best show ever

    by T. z. on 6/13/19Irving Plaza presented by Cricket Wireless - New York

    Amazing vibes! Had the best time ever! I just love them and their music

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great concert

    by P. L. on 6/13/19Irving Plaza presented by Cricket Wireless - New York

    Great concert, good opening bands, good access to the bar, astonishing sound system.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Better than expected!

    by JDB23 on 4/11/16The Fillmore - San Francisco

    Not that I expected it to be mediocre, but they're not my favorite band. I went because of the venue (Fillmore is always a great place to see any band you have any interest in seeing), and there's so much *bad music out there now, when anything solid comes around, especially at a great venue, I'm game. All that said, the opener was interesting and edgy. And Wolfmother, not to be outdone, ripped off a really nice set. The guitar tone was nice and humbuckery huge, a la Tony Iommi & T Rex. Sound guy did a nice job with balance. Band was energetic. Great time!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great Power Trio

    by calimetal on 3/26/16House of Blues San Diego - San Diego

    Still not sure exactly what happened on Wednesday night - sold out venue, decent opening act Deap Vally (cool presence and a couple memorable songs) and a very powerful show by headliner Wolfmother. It seemed like we were transported back to a time before flashy shows, fancy lights and multi-media displays that typically enhance a show but were certainly not missed tonight at all. Mr. Stockdale and company really know their way around a killer hard rock to metalish song - a bit sloppy at times due to the energy of the show, but it's nice to see a band that just cranks it up and goes for it on every song. Usually when it's time for a bass or drum solo, that's refreshment/bathroom break, but the quick, deft solos were perfect for the night, and the guitar solo really took the crowd to a different level. Speaking of which, this sold out Wednesday night crowd was hitting it hard. Pleasantly surprised that they started off with "Victorious", paving the way for almost 2 hours of less-recognizable but killer songs and jam sessions. It's difficult to adequately describe a Wolfmother show, but they played a lot of old Deep Purple songs before the band took the stage, giving a pretty good indication of the intended atmosphere. I am certain that Mr. Blackmore and company would certainly have approved and then some. Spend the money for Wolfmother tickets, buy the merchandise and support bands that are willing to get out there sans a written set list and give you 2 hours of awesome entertainment...

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    WOW!

    by gsparky on 3/24/16The House of Blues - San Diego

    This is a band that when your at the concert you think to yourself how amazing the show is and the next morning you say to yourself WOW that was a great show I saw last night. This was my first time seeing Wolfmother after being a fan for many years.....Can't wait to see them again in a few months!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Wolfmother rocks!!!

    by lomdalf on 3/23/16Center Stage Theater - Atlanta

    When I say Wolfmother rocks, I mean they literally rock.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    WolfMother takes Houston by Storm!!!

    by WRman on 3/18/16House of Blues Houston - Houston

    It was an outstanding show put on by the 3 members of the Band. Was a great vibe and energy.