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Stephen Cummings National Tour 2014

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by Jenny Esots (subscribe)
A freelance writer and traveller who likes to explore the spiritual, literary and hidden gems of Adelaide and beyond.
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A soul kind of feeling
Stephen Cummings made a name for himself as the lead singer of the Sports.

The Sports for the uninitiated were a 70's pop/rock group that originated in Melbourne.

They had punchy radio hits like Don't Throw Stones and Who Listens to the Radio. In addition to several well received albums on the Mushroom label.

They toured extensively in Australia and overseas.

Don't Throw Stones
Don't Throw Stones

Then it ended for the Sports.

People moved on.

Stephen Cummings never left music and reports it as his only 'job'.
I was given the pleasure of interviewing Stephen Cummings in the midst of his new album tour – Nothing to be frightened of. He did say he had an attempt at uni life after the Sports but reverted to his real love of music.

In his memoir, released in 2009, called 'Will it be Funny Tomorrow Billy', he relates not being cut out for fame. Stephen describes feeling hemmed in by endless touring. When the music is what he is really obsessed by. There are many tales of his early explorations of the Melbourne music scene as a teenager.

Stephen Cummings
Stephen Cummings

He has since made his mark as a musicians' musician.

As a pop music devotee I have kept all my vinyl records and singles. Occasionally dusting off the turntable to have a listen. Nostalgia for my teenage years in which the Sports were played on high rotation.

Stephen Cummings has not related to his Sports back catalogue in his music for some decades. Preferring to break new ground and collaborate with other musicians.

He has released a number of albums over a number of decades, each one recorded with a core of musician friends who possess the same savvy.

Playing live
Playing live

Also releasing a work of fiction entitled Wonderboy in 1996. When asked about writing further books Stephen was dismissive of the idea, but who knows? He is a prolific reader and former chain smoker.

All these experiences are reflected in his voice, style and music.

Looking at Stephen's bio I noticed his birth date swooping on to an upcoming 60th birthday milestone. Stephen was quite matter of fact about this, but was looking forward to getting his seniors card!

There are more projects in the pipeline from Stephen for the public to see.

A documentary recently premiered at the Melbourne Film Festival, which focuses on interviews with people he has worked with and feature in his memoir. He relates it is as an honest right of reply from friends and colleagues and does not always portray him in a good light. Entitled Don't Throw Stones it will gain a release on ABC TV.

A rock fanzine from the past - RAM, feature on the Sports
A rock fanzine from the past - RAM, feature on the Sports
2014 sees Stephen release his first album for three years, 'Nothing to be frightened of' which was recorded and mixed by Shane O'Mara in two days. Asked about the style of music he describes it as soulful and catchy. Make up your own mind as he tours Australia in September. Themes on the latest record include loss and death. Stephen also looks forward to a theatrical or rockin' gig in Adelaide on September 11th and beyond.

Back cover of the album - Don't Throw Stones
Back cover of the album - Don't Throw Stones


Good news for The Sports fans with two albums being re-released by Warners, with the added bonus of 50 additional songs. These include some live tracks. Stephen slips in a few Sports songs in his new set list, but curiously enough, didn't perform The Sports songs for twenty-five years. He relates he prefers the less obvious Sports tracks in his shows.

Looking forward to revisiting this voice from the past and into the now.

Stephen will be touring nationally in September to launch 'Nothing to be frightened of'.

STEPHEN CUMMINGS NATIONAL TOUR DATES

Sep 4 Café Deus, Sydney
Sep 5 The Caravan Music Club, Melbourne
Sep 11 The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide
Sep 13 Junk Bar, Brisbane

Sep 18 Brass Monkey, Cronulla
Sep 19 Smith's Alternative, Canberra
Sep 20 Milton Theatre, Milton
Oct 2 Yarra Hotel, Melbourne
Oct 4 The Piping Hot Chicken Shop, Ocean Grove
Oct 5 The Republic Bar, Hobart


Nothing to be frightened of is in store on 5 Sept 2014
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*Jenny Esots was invited as a guest
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Why? Good news for The Sports fans
When: National tour dates throughout September.Sep 4 Café Deus, Sydney Sep 5 The Caravan Music Club, Melbourne Sep 11 The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide Sep 13 Junk Bar, Brisbane Sep 18 Brass Monkey, Cronulla Sep 19 Smith’s Alternative, Canberra Sep 20 Milt
Where: National tour dates
Your Comment
From Stephen Cummings back catalogue.
When Love Comes Back to Haunt You. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SM_eeN-EYo
by Jenny Esots (score: 3|1998) 3201 days ago
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