QUEENSLAND ACTS ROCK THE RAINBOW ROOM

NEW YORK: Queensland acts Tyrone Noonan, Transport and Dead Day Sun have rocked one of New York’s historic big band establishments in a sensational showcase of Queensland’s musical talent.

The Queensland performers were the feature acts to top off the Queensland Advance Expatriate Awards ceremony in The Rainbow Room, which sits atop of the famous Rockefeller Center.

“The Rainbow Room has long been recognised as the social centre for New York’s elite to drink cocktails, dine on fine cuisine and dance to the strains of legendary big bands on a revolving floor,” Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said.

“Last night it rocked to a different type of band that is making a big splash on the world’s music scene – the Queensland rock band.”

The Empire State Building provided the backdrop for Tyrone Noonan, going solo after his success with the big selling ARIA award-winning band george. He started things rolling with an acoutsic set of tunes from his recently released mini-album “Heavy Soul Part 1”.

Noonan’s songs treaded the line of funk, soul and pop, demonstrating strong hooks, touching melodies and strong arrangements that are radio-friendly and deeply personal.

Transport then cranked up the intensity with an energetic performance of songs from their debut album “The Inner Chimp”.

The patrons were treated to their melodic British New Wave sound combined with powerful, riffy guitars, evident in “Sunday Driver” and “People Have Spoken”.

Five piece Dead Day Sun then rocked out across the New York skyline with hits from their debut album “Bless This Brooding Heart” including “Aimee” and “Truth Kills”.

Dead Day Sun has enjoyed a string of commercial radio hits and are quickly emerging as one Australia’s foremost contemporary rock groups.

Mr Beattie said it was the perfect stage for three up-and-coming Queensland artists to present their credentials to the New York music scene.

“You walk into the Rainbow Room, and it’s like being on a movie set for big bands like Glenn Miller and patrons like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire,” Mr Beattie said.

“But last night belonged to the Queenslanders. Our artists showed why Brisbane was nominated by the Billboard Magazine as one of the five international music hot spots for 2007.

“Tyrone, Transport and Dead Day Sun are set to continue the great tradition of Queensland musicians doing great things around the world. Our musical alumni includes The Saints, The Bee Gees, Savage Garden, Powderfinger, The Go Betweens, The Veronicas and Keith Urban.”

Media Contacts: Premier’s office 3224 4500

Editors note: Photos available on request