After two successful coast to coast runs in 2011 to support his solo album Gathering Mercury, Hay announces 2012 dates beginning March 6th in Madison, WI. He will revisit many of the venues that were sellouts last year, routing through the midwest to the southeast, Texas and the eastern seaboard — with notable shows in Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, DC, and New York. His 11th solo album Gathering Mercury was released last year on Compass Records, and will be issued in vinyl on April 24.
Formerly the internationally known Men At Work frontman, Hay’s 20-year career as a solo artist has introduced him to new generation of fans. TV and film have embraced the timeless appeal of his songs — quizzical, curious, cynical, yet openhearted – and he is also the master of the one-man show. Armed with an acoustic guitar, his rich memorable voice and decades of road experience, he entertains with more than music, taking the audience on a journey through songs and stories.
“Hay is a master storyteller of the hilarious kind. Mostly talking about the early days, his family, and life in America, Hay had the crowd doubling over with laughter for what seemed like half the show. Yes, we paid to hear that pure, raspy voice sing those incredible songs, but this was like getting two shows in one.” The Atlanta Music Examiner.
“Hay is funnier than most stand-up comedians, so he’ll split your sides and then drop a heartbreaking ditty on you.” The Houston Chronicle
In addition to the songs from Gathering Mercury, he performs material from his extensive catalogue as a solo song writer and, of course, from his time with the monumentally successful Men At Work; though he reckons that Gathering Mercury may be the best album of the lot. “These are some of the strongest songs I’ve ever written, the loss of my father last year brought an extra emotional contingent to them. I don’t have an idea of an afterlife, but I do feel like I had his help when I was writing this album,” he shares.
He was invited in May to interview and perform on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and was interviewed at length on CNN. He also performed exclusively for Rolling Stone Live, and was interviewed via video for Popmatters. The tunes on Gathering Mercury are deeply affecting, but never maudlin. Despite the often-serious subject matter, they’re full of optimism. “It’s not a conscious thing and may have to do with the Scottish mentality. We deal with darkness by shining a light on it.” All Music Guide offers, “By this, his 11th solo album, Colin Hay’s records are as comfortable as a pair of old shoes…it speaks to the craft, there’s a lot of thought behind what seems so easy.” And Metro Pulse says, “…his finest post Men At Work tracks. The music is as hooky and well-manicured as anything he’s ever recorded.”
he’s ever recorded.”
2012 Tour Dates
6-Mar Hopkins Center for the Arts Hopkins MN
7-Mar Majestic Theatre Madison WI
8-Mar Turner Hall Ballroom Milwaukee WI
9-Mar GBPAC Great Hall Cedar Falls IA
10-Mar Park West Chicago IL
11-Mar The Vogue Theatre Indianapolis IN
14-Mar 3rd & Lindsley Nashville TN
15-Mar The Melting Point Athens GA
16-Mar Variety Playhouse Atlanta GA
17-Mar WorkPlay Theatre Birmingham AL
21-Mar Dosey Doe The Woodlands TX
22-Mar One World Theatre Austin TX
23-Mar Granada Theater Dallas TX
24-Mar Sam’s Burger Joint San Antonio TX
19-Apr Sound Stage Baltimore Baltimore MD
20-Apr The Birchmere Alexandria VA
21-Apr The Birchmere Alexandria VA
22-Apr Attucks Theatre Norfolk VA
25-Apr The Gallery at Appalachian Brewing Co. Collegeville PA
26-Apr The Avalon Theatre Easton MD
27-Apr Town Hall New York City NY
28-Apr Keswick Theatre Glenside PA
29-Apr Ridgefield Playhouse Ridgefield CT
2-May Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center Old Saybrook CT
3-May Tupelo Music Hall Londonderry NH
4-May Berklee Performance Center Boston MA
5-May Colonial Theatre Pittsfield MA
6-May Higher Ground Burlington VT
8-May Petit Campus Motreal QC
9-May First Baptist Church Ottawa ON
11-May Hugh’s Room Toronto ON
12-May Seneca Niagra Casino Niagara Falls NY
13-May Rex Theater Pittsburgh PA
16-May The Kent Stage Kent OH
17-May 20th Century Theater Cincinnati OH
18-May Wealthy Theatre Grand Rapids MI
19-May The Ark Ann Arbor MI
20-May The Ark Ann Arbor MI
