Rocktober at ANU with special Midnight Oil gig

Aussie music royalty Midnight Oil will bring their blend of pulsating rock and politics to The Australian National University (ANU) this October as part of their last-ever tour.

Taking place at Fellows Oval on the ANU campus on Saturday 1 October, the gig makes up for previously cancelled shows due to COVID and raging storms.

“We were very frustrated that COVID cost us two gigs up north and that Canberra safety officials then pulled the plug on that show due to lightning,” said Midnight Oil frontman, Peter Garrett.

“We said at the time that we would do everything possible to make it up to everyone in those places who missed out, so now we’re making good on that promise.”

The show supports Midnight Oil’s latest ARIA number one album, Resist, and is presented by Frontier Touring.  Pre-sale tickets are available to Frontier members from 12pm Canberra time on Thursday 14 July, with general public tickets available from 12pm on Monday 18 July.

ANU Vice-Chancellor, and occasional French horn player, Professor Brian Schmidt said the entire campus was excited about the upcoming gig.

“Midnight Oil hold a special place in Australian music and popular culture,” he said.

“For decades their catchy tunes and socially conscious lyrics have captured the imagination of generations of listeners on vital issues like the environment and reconciliation with Indigenous Australians.

“The band also have a long history with ANU, with frontman Peter Garrett graduating from the University with a degree in arts and politics in 1976. He received an honorary doctorate in laws in 2019.

“In fact, Peter joined the band when they were known as The Farm and while he was studying at ANU. They also played an unforgettable gig here in 1979.  

“It is amazing to see the band’s journey come full circle with a final farewell on Fellows Oval.

“This should be one of the best gigs ANU and Canberra will experience in years. We are honoured to host it and can’t wait!”

Midnight Oil will be supported by special guests Emily Wurramara, King Stingray and Moaning Lisa at their Fellows Oval concert.