It has been more than half a century since American folk-singer Arlo Guthrie first performed the 18-minute anti-establishment anthem ‘Alice’s Restaurant Massacre’, but this satirical song still resonates with audiences worldwide. Guthrie will be performing his seminal commentary on counterculture – his 1967 debut album Alice’s Restaurant – as well as other hits on Australian stages ahead of his appearance at the 2019 Bluesfest.
The singer-songwriter will tour the country, celebrating the festival’s 30th year of staging classic rock and blues and highlighting contemporary artists who are making waves in the genre. The year also marks the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, where Guthrie performed his chart-topper ‘Coming into Los Angeles.’
Woodstock epitomised Guthrie’s use of music as a vehicle for social change and political protest, reflecting his connection to his father, Woody Guthrie, who was one of America’s leading folk musicians and who fought for social justice. Arlo Guthrie will be bringing his 60 years of experience in storytelling through song to Melbourne's Recital Centre on April 23, just after his Bluesfest appearance.