Iconic Sydney punk outfit the Hard-Ons have announced that You Am I’s Tim Rogers has stepped up to become their new frontman, with a new single, album, and tour dates to follow.
Announced today, the unexpected news sees Rogers filling in as frontman of the group, who celebrate 40 years since their formation this year. The new lineup is set to release their first piece of new music next week, with the single “Hold Tight” on track to be released on August 13th. Meanwhile, a full-length album – I’m Sorry Sir, That Riff’s Been Taken – will be issued on October 8th, with a national tour to be announced shortly.
In a statement released alongside the announcement, bassist Ray Ahn expressed his excitement, noting: “I’m thrilled to have Tim on board, and am loving his contribution!” Meanwhile, guitarist Peter “Blackie” Black was a little more concise, stating: “How fucking good is this!!”
Rogers also expressed his excitement in joining the group, who he had long admired by the time You Am I had formed, going so far as to name 1989’s Love Is A Battlefield Of Wounded Hearts as one of his favourite records.
“I was already the luckiest goof in rock’n’roll and I get asked to make a racket with my heroes?” he mused. “Strewth. Wake me up sometime will ya?”
The news follows on from allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against longtime frontman Keish de Silva back in March, resulting in his dismissal from the group. In a statement released at the time, the group assured fans that “the Hard-Ons will keep on playing, just not with Keish.”
Following de Silva’s departure, it was announced that a fan-funded documentary on the band, Hard-Ons: The Most Australian Band Ever, would not in fact be going ahead – just weeks after announcing its official trailer.
A message sent to fans who had submitted funds to the project noted that “due to extenuating circumstances with members of the band, this project will not be proceeding”.
Hard-Ons’ “Hold Tight” will be released on August 13th, while new album I’m Sorry Sir, That Riff’s Been Taken will be released on October 8th via Cheersquad Records & Tapes.
