It was 15 years ago that Thirsty Merc gave Australians 20 good reasons for them to love a little band from Dubbo.
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Thirsty Merc bounded onto the music scene with their summertime sounds and made their mark on the nation’s radio and television programs, music venues and events.
To celebrate the 15 year milestone, the band are hitting the road with their Take Me Back tour.
“It’s thanks to the fans that we’re still here, loving life and music, 15 years later,” lead singer Rai Thistlethwayte said.
“This tour is a big thank you to everyone who’s sung along with us over the years, as well as a great opportunity to dust off some songs we’ve never included in our shows.”
Dubbo friends Phil Stack, Karl Robertson and Matthew Baker welcomed lead singer Thistlethwayte to the band in 2002 and Thirsty Merc was formed.
The following year, in 2003, Thirsty Merc released their debut LP with the song that took them to number one in the Australian music charts, 20 Good Reasons.
The band’s big break came in 2004 with the release of their debut, self-titled album which included the hits Someday Someday and In the Summertime.
In the Summertime has been used as the theme to television show Bondi Rescue since 2006.
Matt Smith joined the band in 2010, replacing Baker.
Robertson also faded away from the band leaving Thistlethwayte, bassist Stack and guitarist Smith to carry on the name and legacy the band had begun building.
Two more studio albums followed the debut – Slideshows in 2007 and Mousetrap Heart in 2010 which included radio staples 20 Good Reasons, Mousetrap Heart and Tommy and Krista.
In 2015 Thirsty Merc released Shifting Gears. It was the band’s first wholly independent album and first new material in five years.
Besides the hits, the Take Me Back Tour is a celebration of all the music along the way and fans can expect to hear songs they’ve never heard the band perform live before.
Thirsty Merc will tour Take Me Back to Shoal Bay Country Club on Saturday, March 3. Door open at 8pm.
It is a show for ages 18 and above.
Tickets, available online from BigTix, cost $34.70 (including booking fee).
The Examiner has one double pass to give away to the show. To win, send your name and daytime contact number in an email titled “Thirsty Merc” to portstephens@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
The winner will be notified by 5pm on Wednesday, February 28.