Launceston band THE SLEEPYHEADS will officially launch their new EP into the world this weekend. Cold Hands Hold It Together will be launched at Launceston’s Royal Oak, on Saturday night. They’ll be supported by Paper Thin, who are coming all the way from NSW, plus local legends Squid Fishing, and Trent Buchanan. The gig kicks off at 8pm. Entry is $10.

Australian hip-hop artist URTHBOY is performing not one, but two shows in Tassie this weekend. He’s in the state on his Crushing Hard national tour. He was scheduled to perform on Saturday night at the Republic Bar in Hobart, but has added a second show on Sunday night (hello, long weekend) off the back of popular demand. Tickets for both shows are $30, available online at musicglue.com/urthboy/

Hobart band RIDE THE TIGER are back on stage at the Brisbane Hotel this weekend. The band will be joined at their hometown venue by fellow Hobart bands Skate Wounds, and Cashman on Saturday night. Doors for the show open at 9pm, and entry is $10.

Moving on, metal madness is on track to take over the Greenwood Bar in Launceston on March 18. The night will feature the brutal offerings of NOSCE TEIPSUM, Satanicus, Atra Vetosus, Plague of Sickness, and Interitum. Entry is five bucks, and it all kicks off from 8pm.

Melbourne-based musician BEN SALTER will be in Launceston for his 40^th birthday. To celebrate, Salter will be playing an intimate solo show on March 23, at Saint John Craft Beer. He’ll be supported by Emma Anglesey. Tickets are on sale now through Oztix, for $13.30.

The original Chopper made a name for himself in Tasmania for completely different reasons. But next month, HEATH FRANKLIN’S CHOPPER is coming to town, and he’s infamous on a whole different level. The comedian is here as a guest of Fresh Comedy, and will perform a special show at Launceston’s Tramsheds function centre on April 28. He’ll be supported by Chris Franklin (no relation – that we know of). Tickets for the show are on sale now at Trybooking.com for $30.