Supports announced for select shows when acoustic blues legend Eric Bibb comes Ridin’ on his Freedom Train into Australia on extensive 2023 tour
February (solo) and March (band)
Shane Nicholson (Sydney) | Broderick Smith (Bendigo) | Lloyd Spiegel (Melbourne) | Skipjacks (Albany)
Also announced:
* New date for Byron Bay
* Four sold out shows
* Last tickets available for six shows
* Other shows selling fast
* Advance copies of new album Ridin’ available exclusively at Australian shows
Two weeks before he comes ridin’ onto Australian shores, supports for two-time Grammy Award nominee, Eric Bibb‘s Australian tour have been announced at select shows.
ARIA winning singer-songwriter Shane Nicholson will be special guest at Sydney’s Factory Theatre on Thursday, March 2, while Aussie icon Broderick Smith joins him for the last show of the tour at the Capital Theatre in Bendigo on Friday, March 17. In WA, Albany locals Skipjacks will open Bibb’s solo show at Albany Entertainment Centre on Friday, Feb 17. Previously announced special guest for Bibb’s two Melbourne shows will be Lloyd Spiegel at Thornbury Theatre on Friday, March 3 and Memo Music Hall on Thursday, March 9.
Returning for the Aussie summer, Bibb will perform the classics he is known and loved for, whilst introducing brand new material, including his recently release track Family from his much-anticipated forthcoming album, titled Ridin’. Scheduled for a late March release, advance copies of Ridin’ will be available exclusively to ticket holders at his Australian shows on this tour.
On the Ridin’ tour, Bibb fans are in for a double treat, with intimate solo gigs in February before ramping it up with his sensational band in March. The two month tour will include performances at Port Fairy Folk Festival in Victoria, the Blue Mountains Folk Festival in New South Wales and a slew of metropolitan and regional venues throughout these states, as well as Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia.
Byron Bay ticket holders have been notified that due to flight scheduling, Eric Bibb’s solo show has now moved to a new date and time: Sunday, February 26, 7.00pm at the Byron Theatre.
Eric Bibb fans will need to get their tickets soon because four shows have sold out, six venues have just a handful of tickets left and others are selling fast!
Bibb is the ultimate ‘blues brother’. A fiery singer with true soul, his career spans five decades and almost 40 albums. He is known and revered globally for having carved his own musical destiny with honesty and power. Grounded in the folk/blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities, Bibb’s music continues to reflect his thoughts on current world events, whilst remaining entertaining, uplifting and inspirational. And always relevant.
Whether in solo or full band mode, an Eric Bibb show promises to be a remarkable experience, not to be missed.
As Blues Brother actor, Dan Aykroyd famously declared to the American born singer, ‘You are what the blues in the new century should be about.’
Tickets to see Eric Bibb on his Ridin’ tour in Australia are available now. All licensed venues are 18+, unless accompanied by an adult.
The artist, promoters and venues wish to remind patrons to avoid scam sites such as ViaGogo and only purchase tickets through authorised sites, listed below.
Eric Bibb’s band during the March leg of his Ridin’ tour will be:
Eric Bibb – Guitar and main vocals
Christer Lyssarides – Guitar
Paul Robinson – Drums
Desmond Foster – Bass, backing vocals
Eric Bibb Ridin’ is a Roadsong/Laing Entertainment Tour.
CONNECT WITH ERIC BIBB:
Official website – ericbibb.com
Instagram – instagram.com/ericbibbmusic
Facebook – facebook.com/EricBibbMusic
Twitter – twitter.com/ericbibb
YouTube – YouTube.com/ericbibbofficial
ERIC BIBB RIDIN’ TOUR DATES AND LISTINGS INFO:
Wednesday, Feb 1 – Ulverstone, TAS
Eric Bibb (solo)
Ulverstone Rowing Club, Kings Parade, Ulverstone
Doors open: 6.30pm
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $68.00
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1000673
Thursday, Feb 2 – Launceston, TAS
Eric Bibb (solo)
Boathouse Centre, 55A Lindsay Street, Launceston
Doors open: 6.30pm
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $68.00
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1000679
Friday, February 3 – Euroa, VIC (HURRY – LAST SEATS AVAILABLE!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
Northern Republic (18+)
17 Kirkland Avenue West, Euroa
T: 03 9981 9555
Doors open: 6pm
Show starts: 10pm
Tickets: $130.00+bf Dinner & Show
Bookings: https://www.northernrepublic.com.au/events
Saturday, February 4 – Yackandandah, NSW (HURRY – LAST SEATS AVAILABLE!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
Star Hotel (18+)
30 High Street, Yackandandah
T: 02 6027 1493
Doors open: 8pm
Show starts: 8.30pm
Tickets: $65.00+bf
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=969003&
Sunday, February 5 – Wagga Wagga, NSW (HURRY – LAST SEATS AVAILABLE!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
CSU Riverina Playhouse (All ages)
8 Cross Street, Wagga Wagga
T: 02 6926 9688
Doors open: 2.30pm
Show starts: 3.00pm
Tickets: $68.00
Bookings: https://civictheatre.com.au/whatson/eric-bibb-ridin
Thursday, February 9 – Canberra, ACT (HURRY – LAST SEATS AVAILABLE!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
The Street Theatre (All ages)
15 Childers Street, Canberra
T: 02 6926 9688
Doors open: 6.00pm
Show starts: 7.30pm
Tickets: $65.00+bf
Bookings: https://au.patronbase.com/_StreetTheatre/Productions/EBSR/Performances
Friday, February 10 – Milton, NSW SOLD OUT
Eric Bibb (solo)
Milton Theatre (All ages)
69 Princes Highway, Milton
T: 02 4455 3056
Doors open: 7.30pm
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $69.00
Bookings: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/poxps/eric_bibb.aspx
Saturday, February 11 – Bulli, NSW (SELLING FAST!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
Heritage Hotel (18+)
240 Princes Highway, Bulli
T: 02 4284 5884
Doors open: 7pm
Show starts: 7.30pm
Tickets: $65.00+bf
Bookings: https://heritagehotel.oztix.com.au/
Sunday, February 12 – Newcastle, NSW (SELLING FAST!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
Lizotte’s (18+)
31 Moore Street, Lambton
T: 02 4946 2066
Doors open: 1.30pm (show only); 12.00pm (lunch bookings only)
Show starts: 2.00pm
Tickets: $70+bf (show only); $113+bf (Meal & show)
Bookings: https://lizottes.com.au/live/shows/booking/3464
Sunday, February 12 – Newcastle, NSW (SELLING FAST!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
Lizotte’s (18+)
31 Moore Street, Lambton
T: 02 4946 2066
Doors open: 7.30pm (show only); 6.00pm (dinner bookings only);
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $70+bf (show only); $113+bf (Meal & show)
Bookings: https://lizottes.com.au/live/shows/booking/3467
Thursday, February 16 – Bunbury, WA (SELLING FAST!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
BREC (All ages)
2 Blair Street, Bunbury
T: 08 9792 3111
Doors open: 7.30pm
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $75.00+bf
Bookings: https://www.bunburyentertainment.com/whats-on/eric-bibb/
Friday, February 17 – Albany, WA (HURRY – LAST SEATS AVAILABLE!)
Eric Bibb (solo) + Skipjacks
Albany Entertainment Centre (All ages)
2 Toll Place, Albany
T: 08 9844 5000
Doors open: 7.30
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $65.00+bf
Saturday, February 18 – Perth, WA
Eric Bibb (solo)
Regal Theatre (All ages)
474 Hay Street, Subiaco
T: 08 98388 2066
Doors open: 7.30
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $65.00+bf
Bookings: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=ERICBIBB23
Sunday, February 19 – Adelaide, SA
Eric Bibb (solo)
The Gov (18+)
59 Port Road, Hindmarsh
T: 08 98340 0744
Doors open: 7.30
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $72.45
Bookings: https://thegov.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/cf159a85-6b19-4d85-b5fc-e649ceb41a76
Tuesday, February 21 – Mooloolaba, Qld (HURRY – LAST SEATS AVAILABLE!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
Mooloolaba Music Centre (All ages)
Minyama Place, 2 Nicklin Way, Minyama
T: 07 5444 8889
Doors open: 7.30
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $65+bf
Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/d/australia–minyama/mooloolabamusic/
Sunday, February 26 – Byron Bay, NSW (AMENDED DATE!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
Byron Theatre (All ages)
69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
T: 02 6685 6807
Doors open: 6.30pm
Show starts: 7.00pm
Tickets: $65+bf
Bookings: https://byron.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/79931
Thursday, February 23 – Townsville, Qld
Eric Bibb (solo)
Townsville Civic Theatre (All ages)
41 Boundary Street, South Townsville
T: 07 4727 9013
Doors open: 7.30pm
Show starts: 8pm
Tickets: $65+bf
Bookings: https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/ticketshop/events/eric-bibb-hold-the-line
Friday, February 24 – Cairns, Qld
Eric Bibb (solo)
Tanks Arts Centre (All ages)
46 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
T: 07 4032 6600
Doors open: 8.00pm
Show starts: 8.30pm
Tickets: $65+bf
Bookings: https://www.tanksartscentre.com/whats-on
Saturday, February 25 – Brisbane, Qld (SELLING FAST!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
Old Museum (All ages)
480 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
T: 07 3257 4089
Doors open: 7.30pm
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $65+bf
Bookings: https://oldmuseum.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/79801
Thursday, March 2 – Sydney, NSW
Eric Bibb (with band) + Shane Nicholson
Factory Theatre (18+)
105 Victoria Road, Marrickville
T: 02 7208 4482
Doors open: 7.30pm
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $88.30
Bookings: https://aucentury.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/79747
Friday, March 3 – Melbourne, Vic
Eric Bibb (with band) + Lloyd Spiegel
Thornbury Theatre (18+)
859 High Street, Thornbury
T: 0433 140 796
Doors open: 7.30pm
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $86.70
Bookings: https://thornburytheatre.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/d0df8f98-c414-485d-a113-5d4a6452e843
Saturday, March 4 – Melbourne, Vic
11am Special guest at Melbourne Guitar Show
Saturday, March 4 – Meeniyan, Vic SOLD OUT
Eric Bibb (with band)
Meeniyan Town Hall (All ages)
97 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan
T: 03 5664 9239
Doors open: 7.30pm
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $84.40
Bookings: https://lyrebirdartscouncil.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/b252acda-08b3-47bc-82eb-d31b918498f6
Sunday, March 5 – Gippsland (Archies Creek), Vic SOLD OUT
Eric Bibb (with band)
Caravan Club @ Archies Creek Hotel (18+)
89-91 Archies Creek Rd, Archies Creek
T: 03 5678 7344
Doors open: 2.30pm
Show starts: 3.00pm
Tickets: $75/$80/$85
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=976132&
Thursday, March 9 – Melbourne, Vic
Eric Bibb (with band) + Lloyd Spiegel
Memo Music Hall (18+)
88 Acland Street, St Kilda
T: 03 9534 3556
Doors open: 7.00pm
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $84.40
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?embed&eid=969532
Friday, March 10 – Queenscliff, Vic (SELLING FAST!)
Eric Bibb (solo)
Queenscliff Town Hall (All ages)
50 Learmonth Street, Queenscliff
T: 03 95258 4816
Doors open: 7.00pm
Show starts: 7.30pm
Tickets: $65+bf
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=969423&
Saturday March 11, Sunday March 12, Monday March 13 – Port Fairy, Vic
Eric Bibb at Port Fairy Folk Festival
Thursday, March 16 – Swan Hill, Vic
Eric Bibb (with band)
Swan Hill Town Hall Performing Arts Centre (All ages)
53-57 McCallum Street, Swan Hill
T: 03 5036 2384
Doors open: 7.30pm
Show starts: 8.00pm
Tickets: $67+bf
Bookings: https://swanhilltownhall.com/events/eric-bibb/
Friday, March 17 – Bendigo, Vic
Eric Bibb (with band) + Broderick Smith
Capital Theatre (All ages)
50 View Street, Bendigo
T: 03 5036 2384
Doors open: 8.00pm
Show starts: 8.30pm
Tickets: $80.00+bf
Bookings: https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/arts-culture-theatres/event/eric-bibb
Saturday March 18, Sunday March 19 – Blue Mountains, NSW
Eric Bibb at Blue Mountains Folk Festival
About Eric Bibb
How do you measure a person’s life? There are a lot of metrics; success, awards, wealth, to name a few. But there are other ways to leave a legacy. It isn’t always having the right answer for every occasion. What if we evaluated our lives not by the answers we give but by our questions? The deep things we ask ourselves if we are brave enough to try.
Eric Bibb puts those queries to music, singing, “Am I the change I long to see?”
It is easy to point to Eric’s accomplishments. A five-decade career recording with folk and blues royalty. Two Grammy nominations and multiple Blues Foundation awards. A following that not only crosses borders, it crosses continents. But what Eric Bibb is after is much, much larger than that.
To meet Eric is to be struck by both his humility and his warmth. There is no pretense in him. He is remarkably centred, his convictions based in the values of the civil rights movement of the sixties. Eric’s music works in service of that dream, holding out a hope for a new world. He challenges us to do better, to reach higher, and strive harder. Like Mavis and Pops Staples, he wants to take us there.
Eric carries this mantle honestly. His father, the late Leon Bibb, was an activist, actor, and folk singer who marched at Selma with Dr. Martin Luther King. Eric’s youth was spent immersed in the Village folk scene. Names like Dylan, Baez, and Seeger were visitors to his home. He was deeply influenced by Odetta, Richie Havens, and Taj Mahal. And he has synthesised all of that into his very own style.
Eric is an artist who preserves the best traditions of pre-war blues, even while he expands his own oeuvre.
Marketing tags him as a bluesman, but troubadour is the word that best describes him. He slides neatly between genres as he builds bridges with musicians from the UK and Europe, pickers from North America, and Kora players from West Africa. His collaborations with the likes of Michael Jerome Browne, JJ Milteau, Danny Thompson, and Habib Koite have produced music that is both ecstatic and exquisite.
Fortunately for us, Eric shows no signs of slowing down. Prior to the pandemic, he had been touring a stage show he developed entitled Tales of a Blues Brother. The program intersperses photographs and film clips with gripping oral tradition and rapturous song, tracing Eric’s personal journey through the heady days of the sixties folk music and civil rights movements. In one moment he manages to entertain, educate, and motivate us.
Eric provides a grounding in the truth which we desperately need in these days of rancour. A vision we need in a world of divisive rhetoric and veiled allusions to “the other.”
“When I think about my musical journey so far, I’m mostly grateful and amazed at where and who I am today. I also realise how many musical dreams of mine have come true. Listening to my earliest recordings I’m immediately aware of how my voice and guitar playing have evolved. I keep getting closer to the goal, even though the goalposts seem to continually move,” Eric remarked recently.
Eric sings of the Freedom Train. He believes it. He lives it. He wants to take us on that ride. Maybe you already have your ticket. But if you haven’t, no need to worry. There’s still time to get on board.
