Machine Head’s long awaited Australian return has hit an unexpected snag, with the Bay Area heavyweights confirming they’ll take the stage as a three piece for the first trio of shows on their 2025 run.
Robb Flynn laid it out straight on Instagram, explaining that a late breaking chain of personal emergencies has left the band shorthanded just as they land down under, the guitarist initially hired for these six Australian dates has been forced to step away due to a family emergency.
That player had already stepped in for Reece Scruggs, who’s remaining home to support his father through cancer treatment, longtime collaborator Zack Ohren, who helped save the day during past crises was also ruled out after dealing with a health issue of his own.
Instead of scrapping the opening side shows, Flynn says the band are pushing ahead, offering something rare for Australian fans, a stripped back, all guns bare Machine Head power trio set across Perth, Sunshine Coast, and Canberra.
The Good Things/Rob Flynn instagram statement:
‘MH TO PERFORM AUSSIE SIDE SHOWS AS POWER TRIO. Due to an unfortunate series of events, the guitarist scheduled to perform with them could not attend. However, rather than cancel the Good Things Side Shows, Robb explains how Perth, Sunshine Coast, and Canberra are getting some extremely unique performances starting Saturday at the Astor Theater, and how the boyz have performed several times as a 3-Piece over the years including at their 2022 secret show at Bloodstock festival.’
Good Things Festival attendees won’t see the three piece setup, those dates still feature the full Machine Head lineup in full volume, but for the first three stops, Flynn, Jared MacEachern, and Matt Alston are tightening the formation and delivering something far rawer than anyone expected.
Machine Head Australian tour dates
- Saturday, November 29th: Perth, Astor Theatre
- Monday, December 1st: Sunshine Coast, The Station
- Wednesday, December 3rd: Canberra, UC Refectory
- Friday, December 5th: Melbourne, Good Things Festival
- Saturday, December 6th: Sydney, Good Things Festival
- Sunday, December 7th: Brisbane, Good Things Festival
With the tour kicking off tomorrow at the Astor Theatre, WA fans are about to witness a version of Machine Head that rarely leaves the vault.
Find out more and get your tickets here.
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