They say life begins at 40 – and that may just be true for Boom Crash Opera.
Over the past four decades, Dale Ryder and the boys have provided a soundtrack to a generation with classic hits such as Great Wall, Onion Skin, Dancing In The Storm, The Best Thing, City Flat, Get Out Of The House and Bettadaze.
Thankfully, the band’s members are showing no signs of slowing down either.
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Ryder, Pete Farnan, Peter “Maz” Maslen and John Favaro will embark on a massive national expedition in 2025, Hands Up In The Air – The Singles Tour, with a couple of Hunter dates locked in.
With special guest Nick Barker also on deck, Boom Crash Opera is set to perform at the Belmont 16s (Friday 7 November) and Wallsend Diggers (Friday 28 November).
“We’re looking forward to it,” the frontman told the Newcastle Weekly.
“It’s been a while since we’ve taken on a full-blown tour, with regional gigs.
“But, for Pete, Maz and I [the originals], it’s a blessing.
“We’re all doing really well, we’re all healthy, we’re playing good and we’re still having a lot of fun.
“So, as long as that’s the case, and people want to hear our music, we’ll keep going.
“Also, it’s a pleasure touring with each other because we’re all good friends.
“When we do get together, it’s a charming experience… we understand our jobs much more now than we used to.
“I guess that comes with age,” he added with a laugh.
“For me, I find touring awfully, awfully great fun, too.
“I listen to musicians who say they hate living in hotels and stuff, but I just love it.
“I’m a gamer, so I break out the PlayStation when I’m on the road.
“Honestly, I love being on stage.
“I hate studios… it’s boring.
“I’m very impulsive, so when I’m out in front of an audience, I can be myself.
“Otherwise, what’s the point.
“It’s funny, back in the old days, I was so nervous and anxious about everything.
“If one person seemed like they weren’t enjoying a show, I’d focus on them and spoil the entire gig.
“Now, it’s completely different.
“I get to enjoy it with the crowd, seeing them smile while singing along to Great Wall or Hands Up In The Air.
“It’s fantastic.
“And, these days, a lot of young kids are at the venue, which is great.”
The upcoming concerts will feature Boom Crash Opera’s new single, Latest Hustle, as well.
It’s a stomping glam rock treat, which Ryder and Farnham both describe as like “Onion Skin but with a contemporary twist”.
“People can’t pigeon-hole us, can they?” he said.
“It’s very 70s.
“We do like the glam stuff a bit, such as Gimme and Latest Hustle.
“However, they’re great to dance to and great to sing to.
“But, we also boast other numbers like Talk About It and In The Morning, which are pure pop or rock.
“That’s what this tour is all about, having fun.
“We also get to perform a bunch of songs we don’t normally do… for instance, we’ve had calls for Holy Water.
“We’ll give it a go at rehearsals and see if I can still hit those notes, it’s very high.
“I totally understand why people want to hear certain tracks though; Her Charity is another example.
“Those songs are part of their lives or bring back relevant memories.
“It might have got someone through a dark period or been a joyous occasion.
“That’s why music from the 80s and 90s remains popular compared to material today.
“Nowadays, it all seems very computerised and very digital… with no soul.
“I don’t find it interesting and, I suppose, I’m not alone.”
So, can fans expect more milestone Boom Crash Opera gigs in the future?
“I hope so,” Ryder said.
“I’m going to tour until I can’t sing anymore… it’s that simple.
“I am still pretty healthy and still in good nick; well, I think I am,” he laughed.
“Plus, we don’t tune down or anything.
“So, as long as nothing changes and my voice holds, I’m happy to keep going because I enjoy it so much.”
Tickets are on sale at boomcrashopera.com
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