'If we don't tour, we don't eat': The Drones return after 10 years

Australian rock band The Drones are set to reemerge on the national music scene with their first series of live performances and album recordings in over a decade. Their upcoming tour, scheduled for August and September, has rapidly expanded due to overwhelming ticket demand, reflecting the enduring loyalty of their fanbase.

Formed in the late 1990s, The Drones forged a reputation for intense live shows and incisive songwriting under the leadership of frontman Gareth Liddiard. Their 2005 album, "Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of Your Enemies Will Float By," earned critical acclaim and won the inaugural Australian Music Prize, cementing their place within the country’s alternative rock landscape.

After extensive touring throughout the 2000s, the band entered a prolonged period of dormancy linked primarily to members’ shifting personal circumstances. Drummer Christian Strybosch and keyboardist Stevie Hesketh, both with family commitments, were unable to maintain the rigorous touring schedule that had characterized the band’s earlier years. Guitarist Dan Luscombe and Liddiard acknowledged these logistical challenges as key reasons for stepping back from the group’s usual momentum.

During the hiatus, Liddiard explored other musical projects, including his solo album "Strange Tourist" and the formation of Tropical F*** Storm with bassist Fiona Kitschen, expanding his creative reach while maintaining an active touring profile. Luscombe diversified his career by producing albums for other notable Australian acts such as Courtney Barnett and Amyl & The Sniffers, simultaneously refining his skills behind the scenes.

Despite their absence, The Drones’ reputation as a compelling live act remained intact. Their surprise shows in Melbourne last year sold out almost immediately, signaling a persistent hunger among audiences for the band’s distinct blend of raw energy and lyrical depth. Liddiard’s gritty vocal delivery and confrontational lyrical themes, often addressing Australia’s social and political undercurrents, continue to resonate strongly.

The decision to reunite was driven not only by artistic desire but practical considerations, with Liddiard candidly acknowledging the financial necessity of touring in sustaining the band’s livelihood. While the members maintain close personal ties, they approached the reunion with a pragmatic mindset, balancing enthusiasm with the realities of performing after a significant hiatus.

Rehearsals have been informal and low-pressure, reflecting the members’ familiarity with one another and their music. The group’s chemistry, honed over years of touring, remains intact, allowing them to adapt and reshape their sound dynamically during performances. However, the physical demands of performing extensive sets featuring complex songs present a renewed challenge, especially for Liddiard, now in his 50s.

The band plans to record new material alongside their touring schedule, with Luscombe noting the abundance of equipment and studio access as motivating factors. Liddiard expressed a commitment to innovation, emphasizing The Drones’ history of evolving their sound with each album and avoiding repetition.

The upcoming tour will commence with multiple shows in Melbourne before progressing to other major cities across Australia, including Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Castlemaine, Archie's Creek, Newcastle, and Hobart. This resurgence not only revitalizes The Drones’ presence in the Australian music scene but also offers opportunities for fresh creative output, affirming their status as seminal figures in contemporary rock.

While the coexistence of The Drones and Tropical F*** Storm presents logistical challenges, the band members view their projects as complementary rather than conflicting. Their shared goal remains to maintain artistic vitality through continual exploration and performance. Details regarding the exact nature of forthcoming recordings remain limited, but the band’s reactivation marks a significant moment for fans and the broader music community alike.