The Vines have have cancelled all upcoming shows – the Homebake, Pyramid Rock and Big Day Out festivals, as well as their upcoming Japanese tour.

Craig Nicholls’ health has deteriorated and it has become necessary that he take time out to receive some urgent medical assistance.

Fellow band member, Hamish Rosser commented:

“On behalf of The Vines we would like to extend our sincerest apologies to those of you who have bought tickets to see us perform and will not get to do so” said Hamish. “We are all absolutely devastated that we’ve been forced to cancel all upcoming shows as there’s nothing we love more than playing on stage before an enthusiastic audience. We ask for your understanding in this situation.”

Understanding? Of course!!

It might be a shame for fans, but far more importantly, let’s hope Craig gets all the help he needs and gets his health back on track.

I’d have to say seeing The Vines MySpace Secret Show down in Melbourne in June was certainly one of this year’s surprising highlights.  Their shows are full of high energy and mayhem!

If you need a fix of the boys playing live, check out the recording of The Vines @ The Metro last year via Moshcam.

Review: The Vines .. “He’s a Rocker”

(updated: MySpace video below)

If you’re a fan of live music AND you have a MySpace profile, you’d be silly not to befriend both MySpace Secret Shows and Music Zoo.

Having done this myself only last week, I noticed a competition on the Music Zoo profile for the next MySpace Secret Show. The Secret Shows are just that – you have no idea where they’ll be, when they’ll be or even – who will be playing.

Sounds exciting doesn’t it, so of course, I entered …

AND WON!! Woohoo!

Flights to Melbourne, put up in a swanky hotel and going to see The Vines.

Hundreds of fans and supporters lined up outside the venue had to be turned away, as The Tote (a funky little pub with so much history) holds only about 200-250 punters.  (We didn’t catch sight of the resident “ghost” thankfully)

The Vines burst back onto the live scene, playing a mix of new tunes off the upcoming fourth album (‘Melodia’ out July 12) and some old favourites. They put on one hell of a set that had the packed in crowd screaming for more.

Thanks to Optus and MySpace for a fantastic night of music and my re-appreciation of The Vines.

Comments:

It’s difficult to articulate but The Vines have that little piece of something special that makes them stand out from the rest. An outstanding Secret Show from an outstanding band and all present will agree it’s sometimes refreshing to just hear a brilliant, loud, rock ‘n’ roll band do what they do best. MySpace Secret Show’s review

The next stage of The Vines career begins here and it’s a safe bet to say that anything goes. In fact, based on the last six years, it’s possibly best not to assume anything other than it’s going to be a hell of a ride… The Vines site

Photos

Credit to the photographer on the night, Kane – outstanding work! Check out the The Vines MySpace secret show pics on the MySpace Secret Show page or check out Kane’s myspace profile to see more of his work.

Our amateur pics (via mobile phone):

ps The boys were really nice to meet too **gush**

(images used for descriptive purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners)

Updated:  MySpace TV Video of the Vines Secret Show
MySpace Secret Show : The Vines, Melbourne 26 June 2008