HITMEN DTK in Melbourne, 21st July 2017

HITMEN DTK – FRIDAY 21 JULY THE TOTE HOTEL, MELBOURNE + The Pro-ToolS. The Hitmen were brash, bombastic and inventive. They were one of the first in a long line of underground bands of the early and 80’s to cross the battle-lines and take their rock and roll campaign to the suburbs. The Hitmen peddled a broad mix of metallic pop, flamethrower Detroit rock and re- vamped ’60s standards, as well as their own wide range of originals. With their roots in the ground breaking Radio Birdman, the Hitmen sought overground success and clearly influenced dozens of bands that followed in their wake.

That their status as one of the Australia’s hardest-working bands never translated to huge record sales probably came down to the fact that the major labels that courted and signed the band had no idea what to do with them.

But the thousands of fans whose ears they opened to new sounds did – and voted with their feet by packing venues the length and breadth of Australia.

The Hitmen have left a lasting mark on Australian Rock n Roll.

Too rockin’ to be pop, and too hooky for the metal- heads, they similarly confounded record company marketing departments but delighted a generation of gig goers all over

2017 – DIVINE PROVIDENCE!

Call it what you like, but there’s no doubt that history, good fortune and destiny have conspired to deliver in 2017 the cleanest, most pre-determined HITMEN line-up since 1981. Drawing together ONLY members with previous service to the HITMEN, (or bands with only one degree of separation), these five men have truly earned their Rock ‘n’ Roll commissions.
•Johnny Kannis and Tony Robertson all return as original rock n roll soldiers.
•Tony Jukic (switching to lead guitar) is re-called to active service from The Johnny Kannis Explosion and previous HITMEN DTK duties. Tony has been with the band since 2007.
•Muzz Shepherd, chief Tribesman and brother of original member Brad Shepherd (currently serving in another war), now proud to serve in his stead. Murray has been with the band since 2007.
NOT a loose collection of musicians, I say!! Rather, a genetically spliced SupaHuman, featuring both original and family DNA. With the recent inclusion of new Member, 2nd Guitarist Vince Cuscuna (Ex Buffalo Revisited), this is truly the Next Generation of THE HITMEN DTK

The Creature is Re-Born!
We are now happy to advise that our “Solid as Rock” BEST OF Album is out in iTunes Store and all worldwide digital outlets – proudly brought to you by Zeus Entertainment Group through Laneway Music. An Australian Tour will follow in July with Special Guests THE PRO TOOLS (Ex-Exploding White Mice and Bloodsucking Freaks)

2017 HITMEN DTK Lineup
Johnny “Zeus” Kannis – Vocals
Tony “The Kid” Robertson – Bass
Tony “Juke” Jukic – Lead Guitar
Murray “Muzz” Shepherd – Drums
Vince “Wiz” Cuscuna – 2nd Guitar

NOTE: Chris Masuak will not be appearing on this Tour. We wish him all the best with his solo career and fantastic new album.

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