Marty Casey the runner-up on the TV show ROCK STAR: INXS -- has been tapped with his band, the Lovehammers, to open INXS´ highly anticipated "Switched On" tour, which kicks off in January 2006.
"Being the opening act is really the best possible scenario for me," Casey says. "I´ve been with my band for 15 years and now I get the best of both worlds."
The 32 year old Chicago singer describes his band´s performances as a "high energy, fast-paced, big-time rock and roll show." He knows it will have to be that and more in order to set the stage for INXS. "I want to get out there and get people excited," he says. "We have to work 15 times harder to get to the level that INXS bring on every night."
It´s the least he can do for the multi-platinum Aussie rockers, who not only gave Casey advice and encouragement on the TV show, but have offered to continue their counsel as the tour progresses. "It´s the ultimate gift," says Casey.
"Marty is a fresh edgy performer who is captivating," says Tim Farriss of INXS. "He´s compelling to watch and listen to."
Casey would like to have won the competition, but is happy about this latest turn of events, too. "I respect their decision," he says. "And I have more admiration for INXS by giving Marty Casey & the Lovehammers a chance. People are going to be blown away." The public is already responding. Caseys song TREES is the number one download on MSN this week.
For INXS, the success of ROCK STAR has also meant sales. Recently, THE BEST OF INXS (Atlantic) reached number one on Billboard´s catalogue chart, and INXS´ new single PRETTY VEGAS, (Epic Records) hit number four with over 20,000 downloads via iTunes. The band recently shot a video for the song with director Scott Duncan.
Tickets for INXS SWITCHED ON tour, which is produced nationally by Metropolitan Talent Presents, go on sale the weekend of October 15. Up-to-date tour information is posted at http://www.inxs.com/.
The tour begins on January 18, 2006 in Vancouver and will extend to more than 20 U.S. cities and two stops in Canada. INXS is Andrew Farriss (keyboards/guitar), Tim Farriss (guitar), Jon Farriss (drums), Kirk Pengilly (guitar/saxophone), Garry Beers (bass) and new lead singer J.D. Fortune.
INXS SWITCHED ON TOUR ITINERARY 2006
Jan 18 - Vancouver, BC - Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Jan 19 - Seattle, WA - Paramount Theatre
Jan 20-21 - Lincoln City, OR - Chinook Winds Casino
Jan 23 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre
Jan 25 - Pala, CA - Pala Events Center
Jan 26 - Highland, CA - San Manuel Casino
Jan 27 - Los Angeles, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre
Jan 28 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay Events Center
Jan 30 - Denver, CO - Convention Center
Feb 1 - St. Charles, MO - Family Arena
Feb 2 - Kansas City, MO - Midland Theatre
Feb 3 - Minneapolis, MN - Orpheum Theatre
Feb 4 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
Feb 7 - Toronto, ON - Massey Hall
Feb 8 - Detroit, MI - Masonic Temple Theatre
Feb 10 - Boston, MA - Wang Center
Feb 11 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Feb 12 - New York, NY - Avery Fisher Hall
Feb 15 - Reading, PA - Sovereign PAC
Feb 16 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun
Feb 17 - Philadelphia, PA - Tower Theatre
Feb 18 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
