There’s a massive changing of the guard announced for one of the country’s most beloved acts, The Cat Empire.
Today (September 16th), the group shared the news with fans that they will perform their final shows with their long-standing lineup. Moving forward, audiences will be introduced to a new iteration of The Cat Empire, led by Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill.
Understandably coming as a shock and a bittersweet moment for long-time fans of the group, plans for The Cat Empire’s future have undoubtedly been in plans for some time.
Along with the departure of musicians Will Hull-Brown (drums), Harry James Angus (trumpet, vocals), DJ Jumps (Jamshid Khadiwhala) and Ryan Monro (bass – who had officially left in March), The Cat Empire has also parted ways with long-time manager Correne Wilkie.
“We have so much to celebrate,” the group has said in a statement.
“We leave each other with full hearts, healthy relationships, and a deep respect for each other and the musical journey we have shared together, and with the world. We firmly believe The Cat Empire has an enduring mission to continue to bring great music, exemplary musicianship, and joyful moments to the world.”
“The spirit of the band will flow through to the next chapter as Felix and Ollie and many guest musicians grow The Cat Empire into a global collective with new and exciting music set for release in 2022.”
With the lineup news, The Cat Empire have revealed tour plans for the summer: a victory lap, if you will. As an opportunity for fans to farewell the group’s current lineup, The Cat Empire will perform a string of shows across W.A., QLD and Victoria. They will also broadcast a global virtual concert in December.
To mark the occasion, The Cat Empire are also releasing The Adelphia Sessions, a selection of tracks from 2002’s The Sun and 2001’s Live @ Adelphia in October.Their 2006 album Cities will also be made stream-available in November.
With more new music on the way from The Cat Empire in October, the group is very much ensuring that fans will not be left hanging.
“…Deepest thanks for sharing this journey with us, for your devotion, for playing our music,” the have said.
“Sharing it with your friends and family, carrying it around the world in your backpacks, allowing it to be the soundtrack to your big life moments, for attending our shows, and for making it all so worthwhile and enriching.”
Tickets are on sale for the December shows from 10am local time, Tuesday September 21st.
The Cat Empire Final Original Lineup Tour
Sunday, December 5th
Sandstone Point Hotel, Queensland (18+)
Tickets: The Cat Empire Website
Saturday, December 11th
Red Hill Auditorium, Perth (U18’s permitted with a guardian)
Tickets: The Cat Empire Website
Thursday, December 16th
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne (All Ages)
Tickets: The Cat Empire Website
Saturday, December 18th
Virtual concert of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Tickets: The Cat Empire Website
