Following the huge response to the news of Eddie Vedder’s return to the solo stage this summer; he has now also named Glen Hansard to warm the stage for him.  An announcement which will bring together two poets and balladeers for what will be an exceptional evening of masterful craftsmanship on the live stage.

Australia proved their devotion to Vedder’s solo work when tickets for the national run of theatre dates sold out in a heartbeat just before Christmas.  With this welcomed addition of his friend and collaborator, those lucky enough to have secured tickets can anticipate a deeply moving experience.

Eddie Vedder’s completely sold out tour will begin with two dates at Perth’s Riverside Theatreon Friday 7^th and Saturday 8^th February, two shows Sydney’s State Theatre on Tuesday 11^th& Wednesday 12^th February and a performance at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday 13^thFebruary, Melbourne’s Palais Theatre on Sunday 16^th, Tuesday 18^th & Wednesday 19^thFebruary, and the QPAC Concert Hall in Brisbane on Saturday 22^nd, Sunday 23^rd & Tuesday 25^th February.

The two musicians’ relationship crosses the boards of friendship and artistry having collaborated extensively in the past; both in studio and on stage.  Last year, Hansard came on board to warm the stage for Vedder’s latest solo tour of North America, and most recently Vedder joined Joe Henry and Jake Clemens (son of mourned E Street Band sax legend, Clarence Clemons) to collaborate with Hansard on his latest four track EP, Drive All Night.  The title track, a song originally written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen for his 1980 album, The River.  A portion of proceeds from each record sold go to Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization that was a favourite of the late Clarence Clemons.

Already a headlining act in his own right, Hansard has sold out multiple theatre shows in Australia (including the iconic Sydney Opera House Concert Hall – twice with The Swell Season and twice, only last year, with The Frames).  This return to our shores marks another sell out string of shows for the Irish troubadour in March, including the Melbourne Recital Centre,Meeniyan Town Hall on, and a return to the Sydney Opera House.

Much loved for his intense and inclusive performances, his searing personal songs offset by a sharp sense of humour, Hansard, aside from his work with The Frames, is perhaps best known for the Swell Season, his collaboration with Czech Marketa Irglova. In 2007 they won an Oscar for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly from the hit film Once. The film was given a Broadway makeover, and duly won eight Tony awards, including best musical. Hansard’s star has risen so high that he’s even voiced an episode of the Simpsons, cast as an Irish busker.  Fancy that!

These shows are set to be something special; an event that punters will be talking about for a long time to come.

Glen Hansard Solo Tour Dates

MELBOURNE SHOW – SOLD OUT
WHEN: Friday 14 March, 2014
WHERE: Melbourne Recital Centre
TICKETS: From $49 + bf http://ow.ly/skoBo 03 9699 3333

SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHOW
WHEN: Saturday 15 March, 2014
WHERE: Meeniyan Town Hall
TICKETS: http://lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au/