Every year, The Red Hot Summer Tour sells out when it comes to Launceston and 2018 was no exception.
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About 5000 people rocked out on the putting greens at Country Club Tasmania, which had been transformed for the day.
The crowd pushed to the front of the stage as headliner Suzi Quatro rocked out for the final set of the event.
Earlier in the afternoon, The Angels, fronted by The Screaming Jets lead singer Dave Gleeson, asked if “am I ever going to see your face again” to a roared response.
Tour promoter Duane McDonald said Tasmania’s response to the show was as strong as anywhere else in the tour.
“It’s their big day out. Yes you can see a band every day of the week at pubs and clubs, but to get five or six acts like this on the one bill, it’s great,” he said.
“We took a risk and tried to do a second show, which we rarely do.”
However, it paid off with tickets for the March show, featuring John Farnham, Daryl Braithwaite and Baby Animals, already sold out, he said.
Baby Animals guitarist Dave Leslie said the band loved being down in Launceston
“It’s awesome to play to a sea of smiling faces and music fans.”
While the band traditionally played more night gigs, the Launceston crowd had a good vibe and plenty of enthusiasm, he said.
Growing up with Suzi Quatro, Leslie said it was amazing to be sharing the same stage on the day.
“We’re absolutely honoured to be playing alongside these bands.”
The Screaming Jets, Moving Pictures and Chocolate Starfish had the crowd on their feet earlier in the day.
Country Club Tasmania general manager Jackie Hutchinson said it was incredibly exciting to be hosting the tour again, especially with the talent on show.
“I have many fond memories of Suzi Q.”
Set on the club’s golf course, the stage was surrounded by people dancing or sitting in deck chairs, enjoying a day in the sun with live music, she said.
“We’re more than happy to give up the golf a couple of days a year to get the best of Australian and international musicians to play.”
Hutchinson wanted to thank the people of Launceston and beyond for supporting the event, which continued to attract world-class musicians to the area.
The staff did an extraordinary job to keep up with the demand for food and drinks throughout the day, she said.
She was excited for Australian rocker John Farnham to headline the second tour in March.