Are we ever gonna see their face again?
THE ANGELS returning to Mount Isa, where that epic call-and-response first started!
It’s one of Australia’s greatest rock anthems, from one of Australia’s greatest rock bands – Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again, by The Angels.
You all know the response. It’s legendary.
But did you know that Mount Isa is the birthplace of that response, and when the band takes to the stage on Saturday night, August 12 at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo concert, there’ll be more history in the making!
Firstly, they are headlining a huge lineup of music makers including Jessica Mauboy, The Screaming Jets, O’SHEA, Furnace and the Fundamentals, and Luke Geiger performing over four days in the Queensland Outback. That’s enough to pack your swag and hit the road right now, and we haven’t even mentioned the lineup of champion rodeo riders competing in that famous red dirt arena!
Secondly, let’s talk about The Angels!
Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again is one of their hits about grief and love. Released in 1977 it only made it to 58 on the Australian charts, however, over the decades audiences of all ages have come to love this rock ballad because of one of the most iconic audience call-and-responses ever.
Picture this: you’re down at the local pub and this song comes on. There’s a knowing nod among patrons but nothing too energetic until the chorus kicks in - am I ever gonna see your face again – and suddenly, in a perfectly timed execution, the entire bar replies, “no way, get f**ked, f**k off!”
This call-and-response is an Australian cultural phenomenon, and in March last year, band frontman, Dave Gleeson revealed its origins in an interview on Triple M Rock
AND TAKE A BOW MOUNT ISA!
In 1983, six years after the song was released, The Angels were playing at Mount Isa to crowed of 2,000 people, and as they were rapping up the performance with their third encore of the night, Chris Baily (bass) suggested “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again”. They began playing, and when they got to the first chorus, the entire audience screamed back, in unison “No Way, Get F**ked, F**k off!” leaving the band in complete shock, thinking the audience were asking them to get off the stage. Turns out, this was a bit of an in-joke in Mount Isa which started at Blue Light Discos!
News of the Mount Isa crowd response swept across the country like a flock of seagulls on a discarded carton of hot chips at the beach, (and this was before the internet), and when the song was re-released in 1988, it went to number 11 on the charts!
40 years later, the band is returning to where it all began!
C’mon, you know you have to be there! Tickers here Isarodeo.com.au
Mount Isa Rodeo Festival highlights include:
Saturday 5th August: Bell and Moir Toyota Rodeo Arena Ball
THE MOST glamorous country hoedown, held on the famous red dirt of the open-air rodeo arena, raising funds for Mount Isa-based charities. Prepare your rhinestones and sequins and get ready to boot scoot ‘til late!
Tuesday 8th August: Isa Rodeo Hall of Fame BBQ Dinner
Celebrating the pioneers and champions of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo with four new inductees announced.
Wednesday 9th August: Isa Street Festival featuring Darryl Braithwaite
A street parade for the ages in Mount Isa, headlined by the man himself, Darryl Braithwaite, who will pay tribute to the horses of the rodeo with his most famous song.
Thursday 10th August: Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships featuring Jessica Mauboy
- The second year of the Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships will see more records set, and indigenous riders celebrated, before Jessica Mauboy takes to the stage, with DJ Deadly Jacob hosting.
- A Welcome to Country and cultural performance by the Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers and the spectacular Komet Torres Strait Islander Arts and Culture Dance Group.
- Don’t miss Dancing Dexter in the Red Dirt Arena, the crowd-pleasing Bull Fighter from last year’s Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships!
Friday 11th to 13th August: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
- Returning champions and contenders go ride for ride in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest rodeo and the third largest rodeo in the world.
- Entertainment includes The Angels, The Screaming Jets, O’SHEA, Furnace and the Fundamentals, ad Luke Geiger
- The Shank Brothers return with their infamous Hot Chilli Wing Challenge - register for one of their HEATS!
- NEW – Bell and Moir Toyota Kalkadoon Bar & Grill for lunch and dinner – a new dining offering which includes a two course menu prepared by Chef Jason Peppler, beer and wine and outstanding views of the rodeo arena hosted by Channel Seven’s Kimberley Busteed and a bunch of good friends. Bookings essential.
- An incredible 5m high inflatable boot as part of our Kids Zone – perfect for rodeo selfies!
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo FESTIVAL: August 5 to 13, 2023
After a record-breaking event in 2022, which saw entries top out at 956, a highest ever purse of $300,000 and the staging of the first ever Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere is back!
Website: Isarodeo.com.au
This event is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland
For media enquiries, images, interviews and more please contact Kath Rose | 0416 291 493 | kath@kathrose.com
