Shot Notes
Frontman, Zeppelin Hamilton with Velvet Trip on the Jambalaya stage at the 2024 Bluesfest in Byron Bay. The following day Zeppelin did an overlapping set on the Delta stage with Dan Sultan on the far side of the festival site. Thanks to an efficient backstage shuttle service, he did both sets without any problems. Bluesfest has a global reputation for running like clockwork. Regulars are used to artists onstage the exact time they are listed. In 10 years the only delay I remember was the Prime Minister who delayed Jimmy Barns by 2 minutes to give an election pitch. No politician will risk that again as the boo’s made the news.
If you like the French bands “Air” and “Daft Punk” but prefer your psychedelics home-grown “Velvet Trip” is for you. They are part of a growing psychedelic pop scene in Australia along with “Tame Impala”, “Parcels” and “Pond”. Maybe there is something in the water? Velvet Trip is a good description of this retro-chill-pop band. Dreamy reverb vocals, guitar jams and a sprinkle of synths. Imagine “Pink Floyd” without the deafening crescendos.
The last frontman to do earnings and tattoos with this much style was Prince, and even Prince did not show off his tatts like Aussies do. Few have the confidence to make such a bold fashion choice, but when you have a name like Zeppelin, anything is possible, so the gold chain and shades are naturally essential for the full Rockstar look.
Velvet Trip have been confirmed for the final Byron Bay Bluesfest at Easter 2025, tickets are available via the Bluesfest Website.
UPDATE: In 2026 Bluesfest will be the last in a line of major festivals closed from increasing headwinds. This began before covid, with the previous state government’s legislative “war on festivals“. The new government risks letting this trend continue through inaction. However, you can change this. If 20,000 signatures are received, the NSW Parliament must debate Bluesfest’s future. #savebluesfest if you live in the state Sign up here. For everyone else, there is an international petition on change.org Sign up here.
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