NEW YORK, NY (Metropolitan Talent Presents) - 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. Casey's song "Trees" is the No 1 download on MSN this week.
For INXS, the success of "Rock Star" has also meant sales. Recently, "The Best of INXS" (Atlantic) reached No 1 on Billboard's catalogue chart, and INXS' new single "Pretty Vegas," (Epic Records) hit No 4 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 https://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 on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.ca
Jan 19 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
Jan 20-21 Lincoln City, OR Chinook Winds Casino on sale 10/15 via TicketWest.com
Jan 23 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre on sale 10/16 via Ticketmaster.com
Jan 25 Pala, CA Pala Events Center on sale 10/13 via Ticketmaster.com
Jan 26 Highland, CA San Manuel Casino on sale via 800.359.2464 x2832
Jan 27 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre on sale 10/16 via Ticketmaster.com
Jan 28 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Events Center on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
Jan 30 Denver, CO Convention Center on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
Feb 1 St. Charles, MO Family Arena on sale 10/15 via Metrotix.com
Feb 2 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
Feb 3 Minneapolis, MN Orpheum Theatre on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
Feb 4 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
Feb 7 Toronto, ON Massey Hall on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.ca
Feb 8 Detroit, MI Masonic Temple Theatre on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
Feb 10 Boston, MA Wang Center on sale 10/15 via Telecharge.com
Feb 11 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
Feb 12 New York, NY Avery Fisher Hall on sale 10/15 via Lincolncenter.org
Feb 15 Reading, PA Sovereign PAC on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
Feb 16 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun on sale via Ticketmaster.com
Feb 17 Philadelphia, PA Tower Theatre on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
Feb 18 Washington, DC Warner Theatre on sale 10/15 via Ticketmaster.com
