Steve Poltz (USA)

Southern California’s Steve Poltz is one of the most beloved songwriters of his generation. His music–as both a solo artist and with cult legends The Rugburns–hasenjoyed long stretches in the Billboard top ten, gobbled up acres of mainstream radio and appeared in scores of television shows, commercials and movies. He has collaborated with everyone from Jewel to Glenn Tillbrook to Mojo Nixon. His legendary live show has earned him a ferocious global fan base that makes soccer hooligans seem coquettish and reserved and we are very delighted to have him pay a visit to the Flying Saucer Club.

Most people see the number 13 as unlucky, but Southern California’s Steve Poltz isn’t most people. Not even close – In fact he is in a whole category of his own, like if you were looking for him in a supermarket, he would be that snack that was stacked on the wrong shelf and you put in your trolley by mistake, and took home. You tasted it, not to waste it, not even knowing what it was, in truth you probably not even if it was eatable? To your surprise, amazement and pure uplifting joy you were taking in to all that was Poltz and then some. And that’s how it starts…

Yeah, so back to the 13. He likes it so much that he has aptly named his upcoming Australian Tour – Lucky 13 – to celebrate his 13th time Touring Australia. This tour coincidently has over 13 dates, over 13 songs, with over 13 albums and over 13 costume changes (ok maybe not the costume changes) but with all that 13 – man it has to be lucky.

“Poltzy” – as his dedicated Australian fans have loving named him, have adopted him as one of their own – a true larrikin, a bit of a scallywag who likes to push the boundaries, make the audience think or feel a little strange, uncomfortable, unsure if they should laugh or frown at times and did I mention LAUGH?! But that’s one of the things that makes him so damn good, his ability to make you feel. His live shows draw in new fans and have the originals coming back for more, with his own unique chunk of irrational and slightly outlandish humour, mixed with amazing and somewhat politically incorrect tales of love, war, murder, divorce, Johnny Cash, transvestites, sewing machines, Heroism, death – actually you name a topic – Steve Poltz has probably written a song about it – and if he hasn’t then I’m sure he could on his next tour in a 24 hour song challenge.

Steve Poltz is one of the most beloved songwriters of his generation, highly regarded and has collaborated with the industries best. He has one very impressive resume working with the likes of Jewel to Glenn Tillbrook to Mojo Nixon and Poltz has enjoyed plenty of success including long stretched in the Billboard Top Ten.

But to see Steve Poltz on stage is something to truly behold – and hard to explain. It’s certainly what you‘ll be talking about the next day at work. With a smile on your face beaming from ear to ear and sometimes a cringe when you think back to his show. Poltzy always brings something new, he always entertains.

And this tour is no exception if anything I think you will need to hold onto your hats as Poltzy is going to take you on the ride of your life. And with him once quoted as saying “…It’s fun to lie in songs” you have no idea how bizarre that can be until you have experienced a Steve Poltz show – there are just some lies you would have never thought of.

But in amongst the wit, humour and eccentric elements that are Steve Poltz, no one can deny his sheer brilliance in the written word or his skills as an accomplished musician and storyteller. He is truly a man that will move you, one way or another.