Beloved Australian rock band Tumbleweed have released a new single, Drop In The Ocean from last year’s album Sounds from the Other Side, and announced three gigs taking place during November in Victoria, as a tribute to recently departed bassist Jay Curley.
The three new shows from Tumbleweed come somewhat as a surprise. Earlier this month Lenny Curley, Jay’s brother and the band’s guitarist, said Tumbleweed might retire since the “magic” was gone without Jay in the band. “It might be a good time to hang up our guitars, at least for a while,” Curley said.
Frontman Richie Lewis said the passing of Jay Curley has given Tumbleweed resolve to use their platform of music more productively and contribute awareness to issues they feel are important.
“After the recent passing of our brother, friend and bass player Jay, we want to use our time on the planet positively,” stated Lewis. “We want to contribute, we want to do what we can to raise awareness about important issues and to highlight and support people who are dedicated to making the world a better place. Life is too short and too precious to waste any more time.”
Speaking on the band’s new single, Lewis says the song’s lyrical meaning pays homage to the spirit of Curley and the accompanying music video helps spread the message of non-profit conservation, and often controversial, organisation Sea Shepherd Australia.
Lewis says Drop In The Ocean explores “the power of one, how collectively we are a part of something bigger and better” and is a fitting tribute to Jay. The music video (below) aimed at raising awareness of Sea Shepherd Australia, who Lewis says are “in the front line of protecting our oceans from Whaling, Shark Culling and illegal and environmentally damaging activities around the world”.
If you’re interested in checking out what may be the last Tumbleweed shows for quite some time — and who wouldn’t be? — tickets for the Jay Curley tribute shows are on sale now. Check out the full tour details below.
Watch: Tumbleweed – Drop In The Ocean
Tumbleweed Australian Tour Dates
Thursday 13th November 2014
Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
Tickets: via Gasometer Hotel
Friday 14th November 2014
Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
Tickets: via Gasometer Hotel
Saturday, 15th November 2014
River Rocks Festival, Geelong
Tickets: via Oztix
