Savage Garden Request Line...

News Flash: May 15, 2008

Darren posted this new blog on his myspace...May 13, 2008

Birthdays make me think . .
Current mood: contemplative
Category: contemplative Music

Birfday was lovely.
Extended I guess you could call it.
Got taken to New York and had 4 days of fun fun fun.
Went to the Met, the MoMa, saw a movie, saw dear friends.
Got to sleep in, stay up and disconnect from work stuff.
Strange that I should say that considering I'm 'on a break' but work never really stops does it? Like the DVD's coming out – we literally only just put the 'approved' stamp on the Time Machine Tour (the deluxe one is near to being sold out!) one and we're knee deep in packaging ideas and concepts for the animation DVD coming later this year.

Just those two projects mean that leaving my lap top at home is risky! I came home to a barrage of 'urgent' emails that needed answers – but gosh it was nice not to have the seductive beckoning of the internet to lure me away from, well, living.

It's funny how dependent I can feel on being available online, but it was also very freeing. You realize you are given time off from being marketed to.

On the way home from the airport – we were crawling in morning traffic and I couldn't help but notice the various billboards for albums. Both of the ones I saw were for male artists, who's albums were advertised as 'The Number One Album!'
And I couldn't help but feel cynical. There is always a new artist, who is fawned over when they first arrive – only to be discarded second time out of the gate.
There's a couple of UK artists I'm thinking of here in particular – who were the absolute darlings of the press and radio with their first albums. But the follow ups are sort of ignored.
My point is, I looked at these two artists and just thought 'You wait until next time'.
Is that sad or honest? I'm not sure. But it's a very fickle time we live in.

Now bear with me, but this started me off thinking about the cultural temperature
We live in.

In some ways, I think of our generation as one I'm not too proud of.
We are obsessed with celebrity and we have a memory of a goldfish.
We're determined to stand out but we all look the same.
It used to be that when a fashion craze swept the world – it expressed itself as everyone wearing the same jeans. Now everyone has the same boobs and hair extensions.
We're given these role models who are famous because they wanted to be famous.
They have little intelligence but massive exposure and so contribute to the dumbing down of society.

Wow I'm all grumpy aren't I? hehe.

And I continue! So these people, these 'celebrities' sell us things.
Straight up, before anyone accuses me of hypocrisy – I'm aware I'm selling you my music and concert tickets. I'm honest about that. In fact it's a hands on approach I decided to make when I went independent. If I don't sell records I literally can't afford to make records. Simple as that.

No the stuff I'm talking about is the selling of luxury.
One massively successful hip hop artist has one of the most beautifully presented blogs and websites on the planet – and uses it to tell his readers how much he loves and wants various designer objects.
The irony is, he can afford them.
And gets them.

But the people reading the blog obviously can't.

Don't get me started on red carpets.
And the question 'What are you wearing?'
The truth? 'I'm wearing an extraordinarily beautiful and hideously expensive designer outfit that I am wearing in exchange for publicity. I would never pay cash for this. But the designer is hoping you will'.

It's very weird for me to be in a business like this when I feel so out of place with the Shallow nature of it all.

I guess this is what happens when I'm in between albums. ;)
I start to think a lot and question it all.
Which can only be a good thing, right?

To end on a happier note (please! hehe) I wanted to say thanks to all of those who sent birthday wishes - and how touched I was that some people made donations to the Trevor Project instead of spending money on me.
I've said it a gazillion times before, but I don't ever want presents nor do I expect anyone to donate - but for those who insist, it's a very kind thing to take your generosity and put it to a better use than my ego.

Much love to you..
xxD

New Darren blog - The Time Machine just landed! COME SEE IT WITH ME!

Darren posted a blog on his myspace about the DVD pre-order. Here is what he says...

Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The Time Machine just landed! COME SEE IT WITH ME!
Current mood: thrilled

The trailer and pre order info for the Time Machine Tour DVD is up on my site.
Visit WWW.DARRENHAYES.COM and see it in all it's green glittery glory.

There's two versions available
A Super Duper Deluxe Packaging one released July 1
and a still lovely but standard package one released July 22

You can get the standard one at all music stores in Australia and the UK from July 21 and the U.S from July 21

The deluxe package one is only available from my website because it's so lush and delicious and has a four panel fold out gleaming white box and 32 page color booklet with 300 photos and notes from me.
We only made 2000 of those little suckers and they're gorgeous.

Check out my site and see for yerself.
Ooh I'm excited!
xD

I FORGOT TO MENTION - There's a competition when you pre order the deluxe version where you can win tickets to come to the London Premiere and watch the movie on the big screen with my friends, family and I! Gosh it's all just too much isn't it!

Direct link to where you can buy the DVD: http://www.darrenhayes.com/tmachinedvd/

Darren featured in another Malaysian Magazine
Thanks to Manu for finding another article about Darren on Ebay. This time it's in the April Issue of "Hot" Magazine which says it's "Malaysia's Favourite Celebrity Magazine" . It's a 2 page article with nice pictures. Here is a small scan of the article from Ebay:

And here is the description from Ebay:
Item Name: Malaysia @ HOT Celebrity Magazine
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Issue: April 2008
Cover: Blake Lively
Language: English
Inside the magazine . . . . . . .
Cover Story: Gossip Girl – 6 pages article & pictures.
Others Feature: Darren Hayes – 2 page article titled Put Up With Me.

New myspace blog from Darren - Swirl

I'm at home all nice and cosy.
Outside it's a purple sky pregnant with rain.
It's cold out there and little bits of water fall from the clouds but not enough to qualify as a shower.
Inside the radiators are purring away and tonight's dinner gently bubbles on the stove.
I went to see Shave today for the first time really since the tour ended. We saw each other briefly when I made high tea for his family who were visiting London from Australia. But that didn't really count. Today we got to talk properly and he showed me some of the stuff he's been working on. He has done a film score for a short film and I was blown away by how great it was.
On the way over it was gridlock traffic . I should have been stressed out about it but I was in a kind of dreamy head space. As the storm was coming the wind had picked up and as I sat there in bumper to bumper traffic I watched as the petals of what I presume were once a part of Cherry Trees were blowing in the wind. They swirled around like a flock of birds. They seemed to be animated or controlled by some kind of force. I know it was just a happy accident but it made me smile.

I've discovered some fun new music.
The best of the lot is probably an album by a band called 'Neon Neon' who have made a concept album about the maker of the Deloreon. If you know anything about the 80's or Back to the Future you'll know the car I'm talking about. If you don't, google it.

Anyway, the album is available on iTunes and stuff so you can check it out on their MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/neonx2
I love 'I told her on Alderaan' and 'I lust you' for starters.
The other band (or collective) I'm digging at the moment is from France.
They're called Valerie http://www.myspace.com/valeriejetaime and the track I like is 'Waiting for your call'
Besides, they have a few of my favorite images up on their page including this one :

I can't believe I know where this comes from. It's from the vinyl box set of 'The E.T Storybook' and it's a bonus poster. Ironically these two now look like America's sweethearts. I think I'm going to frame this and hang it up in my house!
The other song I'm really loving at the moment is by a man called Grovesnor.
I think he used to be in Hot Chip. Anyway his song is called 'Drive Your Car' and I think it's adorable
http://www.myspace.com/grovesnormusic

I'm getting very excited about Thursday May 1st.
Yes this is the day that the trailer for the Time Machine Tour DVD is debuted on my site.
I'm so freakin' thrilled it's about to be unleashed. So many people have done such a great job in making it a reality. You know that we were forced to take 'Popular' off the DVD because someone refused to allow any of his holy works to be used in any way even though I offered to give him 100% of the publishing. I won't mention any names but he loves Purple and wears stilettos
So bummer about 'Popular' but yay for the other 21 or so songs.
Anyway makes sure you check in to DARRENHAYES.COM from Thurday to get a taste.
I've seen a few films.
Happy Go Lucky. Still dissecting it.
The Oxford Murders. Walked Out of it.
Listened to the new Coldplay single today.
I love the title.
I've got a real thing for the word 'Violet'.
It's been brewing in my head for a while.
(The word, not the single)
Not sure what that means but do check out the single if you like U2 because they've worked with a lot of the same core people on this project. I can definitely hear Eno in the introduction.
I love the cover art too.
Anyhoo I should go and get my dinner that my lovely made for me.
Love to you!x

Music greats give advice to aspiring songwriters
This is an interesting article that is really about Daniel Jones but he talks about Darren and Savage Garden so I thought you all might to read it.
Parramatta Sun (Sydney, Australia)
Special Features
Music greats give advice to aspiring songwriters
24 April 2008
Here is the link: http://parramatta.yourguide.com.au/Features.asp?feature_id=1190

This blog was posted on Darren's myspace April 24, 2008...

The Countdown has begun
Current mood: Spiffy

You can't stop it.
The Time Machine Tour is coming to DVD.
And now you can be a super geek and cut and paste this uber cool count down widget. The little green birdie has a digital clock countdown to remind you of the awesomeness that will be unleashed on your tellyboxes and in your earholes on July 22nd : the day The Time Machine Tour DVD hits stores in the UK, the US and Australia.

Don't forget to check in to WWW.DARRENHAYES.COM on May 1st to see the world premiere of the trailer. You'll be able to pre order both the standard or deluxe versions and find out about an exclusive competition to attend a friends and family screening of the DVD with Darren and co. in London on June 13th.

It's all happening.

You can cut and paste the HTML thingies for your very own neon birdie widget by clicking HERE

Australian Idol news and picture from Tina Arena's website
Check out this news and picture about Darren's Australian Idol judging experience that was posted on Tina Arena's website...
To see the picture, follow this link: http://tinaarena.com/index.php?module=news§ion=newsdetail&secid=77&lang=
Idol days
Yesterday saw the London auditions for Australian Idol, series 7.
Hundreds of expat and travelling Australian hopefuls were culled down to a top 50 who were then lined up to perform in front of Dicko, Darren Hayes and Tina at the Tate Modern Gallery in London.
A spokesperson for the show said, "Tina and Darren were absolutely brilliant, I couldn't imagine a more qualified judging panel for Australian Idol in this stunning London setting. Along with our very own 'Dicko', they have a collective knowledge of both the international music market and those unique quirks and qualities that are only seen in Australia. It's been a magical day."
The show will air in Australia in August.

This blog was posted on Darren's myspace Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Peeking Out
Category: Music
Originally posted for members of Delicacy on 18th April 2008

I think when the tour ended I was so tired I didn't even think about anything other than wanting to run away and sleep. Or hide maybe. But certainly I wanted to take a step out of the spotlight. I also thought that I would take a much longer time being silent. But after a while I thawed out and wanted to post a thought, so I did (about Anthony Minghella) and then today, I saw images from a show that just debuted and I got so excited I wanted to talk about it. Hence me writing.

In a lot of ways, I think that the climate we live in encourages a culture of constant connection. And that can be exhausting. We live so much in front of our computers now that we forget to live. Just blogging every day for the last album built up an expectation that I would continue on doing the same even after the album was finished. Obviously that's not possible and had I done that, I would have been completely spent creatively. I think it's much easier to involve the outside world in your journey when you're on it. But when you're planning it, I think sometimes that has to be in private. So I've decided that in terms of what I plan to do next musically I'm not going to start writing about until I'm in the thick of it.

That leaves me open to being able to write about other things on here if I feel like it. Things I'm thinking, watching or feeling. It won't be anywhere near as frequently as before - but it's actually a cool outlet for me and hopefully it might inspire other questions or discussions on your end. Just as long as you don't expect me to be working on a new album any time soon! I can pretty much assure you I won't be making a new record any time this year. A few people have been overly dramatic and sent me messages or left comments on myspace thinking I'm retiring from music.
That's absurd. I could never stop making music or performing. I'm just changing the way it gets to you and I'm certainly going to take as long as it takes to want to write more music. I want to make some changes in my life as well in terms of disconnecting from the rat race of this industry. I keep harping on about it but it's true - the older I get the less I want to fit into the mainstream.

In the mean time I've got a couple of DVD's to oversee and I continue exploring other writing opportunities. More than anything I'd like to just blab on when I feel like it and if I find inspiration in things. The one thing I have decided to do is keep the messages turned off on myspace - until I'm ready to start being one on one. It's a tiny thing that lets me feel like I'm unaccountable and I like that. There was a while there where I started to feel a little bit like I was rude if I didn't read or answer every single note and that's not what I want to be connecting about. So for the time being, blogs it is!

The picture above is of Katy Perry.
Which brings me to the things that got me excited.
There's two really.
The first is the dog kisser above. She's going to be huge so she doesn't need my help but I'll tell you a funny story. I heard this song 'You're so gay' and I was mildly offended by the use of the word 'gay'. i.e. gay as an insult. Then I listened to the lyrics and realized in fact in the context of the song she actually wasn't being insulting, but taking the piss out of an emo ex boyfriend. Moving on I checked out her site. And heard the song 'I kissed a girl' And I was obsessed. OBSESSED do you hear me? Then I looked at some footage of Katy and realized I'd met her.

Years ago I wrote some songs with Glen Ballard (Alanis Morrisette).
The songs never saw the light of day ('I've Been There' was one of them and 'The Wrong Way' was the other) as they didn't really fit on my albums but I had immense admiration and a wonderful time working with him. On one of the nights during dinner break this hurricane breezed into the studio in the form of a woman and introduced herself as Katy. She was honestly someone who had such a presence that I was simultaneously afraid and in awe. She struck me as a sort of raven haired Cyndi Lauper really. Anyway she talked about how she was signed to Columbia (someone give me a bucket!) and Glen talked about how she was going to be a big star.

A year passed and then I went in to record 'So Beautiful' and blah blah and then another tour and then another year and then 'Delicate'.. You get the picture.

But as I was looking at her picture it all came flooding back to me. Turns out she'd been dropped by Columbia records (honestly, such wankers!) and then gone on to become someone that just last week Madonna mentioned on national radio as the person she was listening to on her iPod. I just felt so happy and spent hours checking out Katy's video blogs and getting up to date on her music and I felt so happy that amongst the usual drivel of manufactured crud we had finally unearthed a genuine 21st century pop star.

Now the other thing that made me happy this week. Kanye West launched his 'Glow in the Dark Tour'. Here's a man who lost his mother last year and had an epiphany about what really matters in life - i.e. happiness. He consequently spent a wad of cash on a fanfuckingtastic tour and stage design for a show that is essentially a concept show (erhem I DID just do this recently btw..but it made me feel like I was on the right path!). His show involves a creature from Jim Henson's muppet factory and a stage that looks like a chunk of Mars.

I'm somewhat obsessed with Kanye's style and taste. It's not even really about the music for me but his choices. I love that he is an intelligent man making bold statements in a world full of cliche's.

Anyway just those two artists this week inspired me and reminded me to stay true to my boldness too.

Here's some snaps form the Kanye show.

If anyone finds any decent YouTube clips of the opening of the show, I wouldn't mind it if they perhaps posted them somewhere. Not that I approve of that kind of thing. Anyhoo I'm off to get some schleep.
Bye!

xD

Lime Magazine
Thanks to Manu for the scans of the article about Darren that was in Lime Magazine in March. Sorry it took me so long to send it out, but I wanted to type up the text to go along with the scans for those of you that need to use a translator in order to read the article.
You can see the scans and read the article here: http://www.darrenhayesfans.com/articles/limemalaysia0308.html

Darren posted this blog on his myspace Sunday, April 20, 2008

Erhem!

You might want to check out the landing page on my website

Woot!

xD

http://www.darrenhayes.com

In case you can't see his site, here is what it says on his homepage...

The Time Machine Tour on DVD
Trailer and Pre-Order May 1st
Deluxe Version July 1st
Standard Version July 22nd

This news was posted on Darren's website in the news section...

Darren Hayes Guest Judge On Australian Idol

Wednesday, 09 April 2008

Darren Hayes will be a guest judge on an upcoming Australian Idol episode. He will be talking to local radio in Australia on April 10th.

In an interview with Syndey Confidential Darren said "As an Australian entertainer living in London I definitely have a soft spot for Aussies trying to make it overseas.

"Rather than judging people, I'm going to be looking for that little bit of magic that someone once saw in me."

"I think potential is a huge criteria for a musical career and hopefully Tina and I can help discover some."

"I love Dicko and Tina so I'm sure I'm going to have a blast."

Read the article on the News.Com.Au website [here]

Visit the Australian Idol website [here]

Darren posted this new blog on his myspace Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Truly Madly Deeply

In December 2005 I attended a screening of a documentary about singer George Michael at a cinema in London.

I didn't know much about the evening or what the film was. I just knew that his publicist had invited me to attend a friends and family screening of the film.
If you know anything about me you'll know I'm notoriously terrible at the job of celebrity. I've famously uninvited myself from many a dinner with many a star – simply because I always feel fraudulent (don't we all?).

But I wanted to attend this event because George was quite simply someone who really inspired me to want to sing. I'd met him a couple of times in the past and he always struck me as such a shy and sensitive soul and more importantly I felt he'd been down a few roads I was about to travel.
So I took my then assistant and now amazingly successful author Lana Penrose as my date.

As we pulled up in our taxi – I saw a line of paparazzi and a crowd of about a hundred in front of the Curzon theatre. My immediate reaction was to tell the cabbie to keep driving and take me home. I had no idea it was a gala event and I was in my 'in between albums' state of not wanting to be in the public eye.
But we got out and just before we went in, Lana tried to say something supportive about making sure we smiled for the cameras.

Bless her heart, she had assumed that I would step out of the car and the press would instantly recognize me and cameras would start flashing. Little did she know that when you're someone like me – you're usually 'announced' to the press before you hit the red carpet. Without a manager or publicist or anyone from a record label this was simply not going to happen. My first thought was to just get in as quickly as we could. We approached the front door and the most humiliating thing that can ever happen to a personality happened : the gaggle of photographers took one look at Lana and I and dismissed us. Cameras that were actually on high alert suddenly relaxed and they all looked past us in the distance to see who else might turn up.

We walked in and Lana, rather like a child who can not lie, blurted out 'Oh God How embarrassing!'. To which my face flushed. I explained to her what I just explained to you and she got it.

We made our way to our seats. In front of us, a very rude D list UK 'celebrity' was being snooty to the poor usher who was showing people to their seats. All around me it felt like the audience was filled with people just looking to see who was in the room. It was a bad vibe and once again I just wanted to leave.
We sat down and I don't know possessed me but I decided to say hello to the person sitting to my right.

I never do this.
I always assume no one knows who I am and so I said 'Hello, I'm Darren'.
The man looked at me and said 'Hi I'm Anthony'.
He asked me how I'd ended up at the event and I told him I had met George once at a Pavaroti and Friends performance in Italy.
'Are you Darren Hayes?' he asked.
'Yes!' I said, rather shocked he knew.
'I'm Anthony Minghella' he said.
My mind flooded with all of his movies. The English Patient. The Talented Mr Ripley. And of course a tiny beautiful little film called Truly Madly Deeply.

Then he said 'I've always wanted to ask you, did you name your song after the movie?'.

And I don't know that I'd ever told a living soul that in fact, yes, I had.
I think at the time I was worried someone would sue me for using the title. But simply put the movie had a profound effect on me and naturally when I wrote the lyrics to my ultimate love song that was the phrase that fit.

I explained the above to him, told him how much I'd loved the movie.
He explained how it had been his first ever feature film and how much hard work it was and how much it changed his life.
I made the same comparisons about writing the song and we sat there for a moment both realizing that this one phrase had in fact completely defined our futures.

'We must keep in touch!' he said and actually meant it.
He told me how he felt we were clearly meant to meet and wished me all the best in the world.

It put such a wonderful spin on the evening.
Suddenly I felt a substance in a room that was full of insincerity.
I was struck by just how much grace he had and how genuine he'd Been. When we left the theatre, the paparazzi decided that I was newsworthy and snapped away to the point of almost bringing on epilepsy.
But I didn't care.
I'd met a genius. That's all I came away with.

I think I texted him once, and he texted me back.
Something kind and polite and that was the end of it really.
Life got in the way and people go off and do things and then two weeks ago I woke up to the news he had suddenly passed away.

The Times wrote an article about it here.

I can't say that I knew him very well.
Nor do I have the history to have been deeply traumatized by his passing.
But I was deeply saddened that the world lost this beautiful man in such a trivial way. I kept thinking about how worse off films will be now without his vision. I kept thinking of how much his particular grace and beauty will be missed and how cut short his amazing life was.

I don't know why I wanted to bring it up now – but I feel a sort of debt to Anthony and his delicate artistry and I wanted to write something to say how grateful I am to have met such a genius lovely gentle and great man.

New Video from Darren's Youtube page - Recording 'The Only One' added April 1, 2008

Also, on his youtube page, check out the video of "Darren Hayes at the Soho Revue Bar in 2007".
If you missed his intimate shows last year in London, it's a sampling of the songs he sang. Very cool. :)

NEW SINGLE CASEY OUT NOW!!

A favourite of both fans and critics alike (it was Entertainment Weekly's download recommendation when released in the U.S late 2007) new single 'Casey'from Darren Hayes is available via digital format now through iTunes Worldwide and the Official Darren Hayes Download Store (CLICKING HERE). (Please note all tracks purchased from the official download store are encoded in a high quality 320kbps MP3 format.)

During ''The Side Two Tour' Casey was recorded each evening during the UK shows and every individual one off performance is now available for fans worldwide to purchase and download to own forever by CLICKING HERE.

ADDITIONALLY - FANS IN THE UK CAN PURCHASE THE LIVE TRACKS THROUGH YOUR MOBILE VIA SMS. SIMPLY TEXT THE NUMBER AND CODE FROM THE LIST BELOW AND UPON CONFIRMATION USE YOUR COMPUTER TO GO HERE WHERE YOU ENTER THE MOBILE NUMBER YOU SENT THE SMS FROM AND RECEIVE YOUR DIGITAL DOWNLOAD.

Casey - Live In London, Feb 3 Text CASLON1 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In London, Feb 4 Text CASLON2 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Manchester, Feb 6 Text CASMAN1 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Manchester, Feb 7 Text CASMAN2 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Bristol, Feb 11 Text CASBRS and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Brighton, Feb 15 Text CASBRI and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Birmingham, Feb 17 Text CASBIR1 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Birmingham, Feb 18 Text CASBIR2 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In London, Feb 24 Text CASLON3 and send to 82822

In addition to the Live versions from 'The Side Two Tour', there are 3 unique digital bundles available to fans worldwide with EXCLUSIVE never released before b-sides at WWW.DARRENHAYES.COM

Check out this video: Casey
(http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=29239732)

THE TENSION AND THE SPARK U.S. ITUNES RELEASE!
This exciting news is from Darren's myspace and official site - posted March 02, 2008
It was the album that Sony refused to release in America and yet ironically it is considered the best of his career.
We are pleased to announce that FINALLY the critically acclaimed ground breaking stunning tour de force that is 'THE TENSION AND THE SPARK' has made its U.S release debut at iTunes USA .
For those stateside who've been unable to get a hold of this pivotal album - we triumphantly point you toward the U.S iTunes store to check out this sonic masterpiece.
About Time!

Electroqueer's blog about Darren's final night of the Side 2 Tour
In case you missed it, Raj (Electroqueer) posted this wonderful blog about Darren's final night of his Side 2 Tour in London.
(http://zxlcreative.blogs.com/electroqueer/2008/02/final-night-of.html)
Final Night Of Darren Hayes' Side Two Tour
Last night's final show of Darren Hayes 'Side Two Tour' was utterly incredible. Emotions ran high in the packed-out Islington Academy in London as hardcore fans from around the globe realized this may be a long time until Darren Hayes takes to the stage again. There were smiles, there were tears, there even were a few fans that fainted from the experience, but all-in-all the show was one of Darren's career bests.
Darren looked really happy on stage - joking about live technical fuck-ups to the endless exclaimations of love he had for his guitarist Steve Young and the keytar maestro Justin Shave. Treating the London fans to some setlist extras including 'Unlovable' and the energetic 'Carry On Amedeaus' (even the bouncers were enjoying this tune) it was a very special show to say the least. Darren even paid tribute to Madonna by incorporating lyrics to 'Vogue' into 'Dirty' and 'Get Together' into 'So Beautiful'. Leona Lewis even got a nod as Darren belted out the chorus to 'Bleeding Love' in one track.
After the show I chatted to Darren about what he had planned now that he's finished the last show and he was quite happy to say that he was looking forward to his downtime and getting to do a whole lot of nothing! Hearing Darren say this was a joy because if there is any musician out there that deserves a bit of a break - it most certainly is Darren Hayes. He has toured and promoted 'This Delicate Thing We've Made' tirelessly over the past year and looks forward to making more music for the legions of fans that embrace what he does. It doesn't matter if radio or the music industry "get it" anymore - he's going to be making music for all of us who do.
And with that said, we look forward to seeing Darren again in the future when he has a new story to tell through his music in that fascinating way that he does it. Thanks Darren for entertaining us all this past year with your beautiful record and generosity.
Make sure you buy the epic single 'Casey' when it drops on 3 March and if you want to relive the magic of 'The Time Machine Tour' make sure you pick up your copy when it drops on DVD soon.
February 25, 2008

New Issue of Decadence (fanclub magazine)
This news was posted on Darren's official website
http://www.darrenhayes.com
New Issue of Decadence
Check out the fabulous new issue of Decadence (A beautifully produced electronic magazine packed full of exclusive articles, interviews and photos) available for Official Members of Delicacy, the official Darren Hayes fanclub, to download now in the media section of the website.
If you aren't already a member of Darren's fanclub, you can join HERE.

Your Chance To Re-Live The Side Two Tour
This news was posted on Darren's myspace Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Your Chance To Re-Live The Side Two Tour
Category: Music

If you would like to re-live or experience the audience high point each night when fan-favourite 'Casey' was performed you can order digital downloads of the song now.

Casey was recorded each evening and every individual one off performance is now available to pre order and own forever by CLICKING HERE.

In addition, there are 3 unique digital bundles available with exclusive b sides at WWW.DARRENHAYES.COM

SINGLE ONE (http://www.darrenhayes.dloadshop.com/shop.asp?arid=6)
1. CASEY (A CAPPELLA)
2. WORDS (ORIGINAL DEMO RECORDING)

SINGLE TWO (http://www.darrenhayes.dloadshop.com/shop.asp?arid=7)
1. CASEY (LIVE FROM THE TIME MACHINE TOUR)
2. IN YOUR MOTHER'S EYES (DEMO RECORDING)

SINGLE THREE (http://www.darrenhayes.dloadshop.com/shop.asp?arid=8)
1. CASEY (ORIGINAL DEMO RECORDING)
2. WALK AWAY (ORIGINAL DEMO RECORDING)

LIVE EACH NIGHT ON THE SIDE 2 TOUR (http://www.darrenhayes.dloadshop.com/shop.asp?arid=9)

ADDITIONALLY - THE LIVE TRACKS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM YOUR MOBILE EXCLUSIVELY IN THE UK VIA SMS AND DELIVERED TO YOU DIGITALLY MARCH 3RD

Casey - Live In London, Feb 3 Text CASLON1 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In London, Feb 4 Text CASLON2 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Manchester, Feb 6 Text CASMAN1 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Manchester, Feb 7 Text CASMAN2 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Bristol, Feb 11 Text CASBRS and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Brighton, Feb 15 Text CASBRI and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Birmingham, Feb 17 Text CASBIR1 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Birmingham, Feb 18 Text CASBIR2 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In London, Feb 24 Text CASLON3 and send to 82822

'Casey' is released on March 3rd worldwide via iTunes and www.darrenhayes.com
The video can be seen now at http://www.youtube.com/darrenhayes

New Blog from Steve Young
Steve Young (guitarist for Darren's tour) posted this new blog on his myspace about the last Side 2 Tour concert last night.
http://www.myspace.com/steveyoungguitar
Monday, February 25, 2008
Has anyone seen my hat....?
Current mood: Knackered
Why oh why? did I throw my favourite hat into the audience. Hats to me are like special friends. When I put my hat on I know its time to perform. Like an actor getting into character. A small physical token to transend the enormous gulf of emotion between popping into Tesco's for the breakfast of everyday life and standing on stage playing songs that people have held so dear for so many years.
That particular hat, (from Urban Outfitters), was worn on all the Side 2 gigs, plus Amsterdam and even in front of Kylie Minogue. But it also signified a period that has now reached its conclusion. I felt at the end of the show last night that it really was the end of an era. This wasnt your average session job, this was something more. Everyone involved was entwined on so many levels. You dont just walk away thinking "right? now what?" You think "when will I see my friends again?", "did I make sure I said bye and thanks to everyone", "when will I play 'who would have thought again". Its a bit like waving your girlfriend off at the airport for a long trip.
The show itself was an interesting one. The dressing room was so far from the stage that we didnt actually have time to do the final 'good show' hugs. Kate was singing and we were still two floors down in the basement. I was also still brimming from the news that a fan on the balcony had elbowed my mother out the way thinking she was trying to steal her place. My mum was actually trying to find a place for my 11, 13 & 14 yr old nieces and nephews to stand who had never seen their uncle on stage before. Eventually the kind bar staff downstairs allowed them to sit on the bar where they had a good view. I know the person who did it, perhaps they will own up and say sorry.
I totally loved the rest of the gig. Even jumping into 'Popular' was a blast. Thats what live music is all about. The unknown.
I will now be playing with various artists such as Yamit Mamo, Fiona Renshaw, Helen Boulding and maybe a few new ones. So feel free to pop along. I will continue to update my page with gigs as they come along.
...Anyway, back to the hat...Whoever has it, your welcome to it. It belongs to the Time Machine Tour & the Side 2 Tour and everything else in between. Wear it proud. Thats why I threw it. New Tour - New Hat. If a hat could talk.......!!
I hope you've all had as much fun as me in the last 12 months.
See you soon. x

Door Opening Time Change For London
(This news was posted on Darren's official website and his myspace today.)
Due to the addition of special guests 'The Slips' the doors for Darren's final sold out show of 'The Side Two Tour' at the London Academy Islington on 24 Feb, 2008 will now open at 7pm. Darren will be onstage from 9pm

Casey Patch
(This news is from Darren's official site)
We recieved so much interest in the patch Darren wore in the Casey video that we decided to produce them for you!
You can get hold of one in our shop section HERE

Darren posted this new blog on his myspace today...

Friday, February 22, 2008

Until we meet again..
Current mood: Zen
Category: Zen Music

I have blogged about every show on this tour so I thought I'd quickly post about Amsterdam. It was a love fest. Simple as that. I sang until I was hoarse actually (I think we played 17 or 18 songs and explored a lot of older stuff).. I've got one more show on Sunday night in London and then, as you all know, I'm officially out of the lime light for as long as it will take to get me some happy.
I've had a lot of people ask me what will happen after I play the last live date.

The truth is, I don't know.
Time out, for sure.

I've been in the public eye solidly for 12 years now. Even in my downtime when I wasn't promoting an album I was making one.
When I wasn't doing press I was touring. When I wasn't touring I was having meetings. When I wasn't having meetings I was making an album.
And so on and so forth.

And in the past year or so, I've documented it all online almost daily.

So I am looking forward to ducking out of sight for a while.
I'm going to close down messaging on my site after the 24th and I don't imagine I'm going to blog until I feel like it.
I need to switch the frequency off for a while to tune into the future.

Let me spend a moment looking back on it all, from space.

First of all, can I say how overwhelmingly positive the experience of making 'This Delicate Thing We've Made' was.
From the inception to the sounds. The visuals to the videos. The tour. Ahh the Time Machine Tour. Then the talents. The genius that is Justin Shave. The kindest heart and brave talent that is Steve Young. The solid truth of Peter Huttington. The sheer brilliance and solidarity that is Tracey Turner.
The loyalty and reliability that is the talent of Will King. The freakin' genius that has been the artork of Jane Wallace. The out of control unbelievableness that is the work of Richard Cullen. Just that tiny microcosm of people helped build up and deliver my dream to the world and in the process – we've made life long friendships. Then of course, there were all of you – who made me still want to make music even though no one really cares about music anymore. You all kept my faith in dreaming.

It hasn't all been positive. And that's ok. It's been interesting watching the level of panic rise and rise within 'the music industry'. It seems everyone is in a state of flux.
I'm very lucky to have come up from a period of great prosperity and to have used that success to cultivate my strange and interesting but heartfelt records.
But it hasn't been easy.

It was a huge struggle to bring 'This Delicate Thing' to the world.
Emotionally, practically and financially. But I'm so proud I did.
When I think about the music industry today, I think of great turmoil.
The analogy in my mind is like a shore full of competitive swimmers.
Thousands of them on the shore, running to the ocean as the gun goes off and suddenly amidst a sea of splashing there's nothing but confusion as to which direction to head.

When I think of my music, I'm reluctant to throw myself into that sea.
There's a race going on, and everyone seems so desperate to win that from a distance all the competitors have begun to look identical.
One big confused flapping mass of hysteria.

I don't want to be in the race.
I never did.

The idea of radio as the source for new music is a bit ancient now.
It's become so restrictive.
It used to be, for example, a golden rule in radio that a song be 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
In the mid 90's that changed to 4 minutes.
A few years ago it was 3 minutes 30.
Today it's 'under three minutes please!'.

A song like 'Casey' or 'How to Build a Time Machine'..
well they're far too delicate for that kind of chopping block.

I think about songs like 'Bohemian Rhapsody' or 'Hey Jude' and obviously they would never have survived had they been released today.
And it's not a case of the old man harping on about how things were better 'back in the day'.
It's just an observation.
And it certainly shapes how I see myself fitting in.

I've made many steps, each time I make a record, to inch further away from the feeling of being restricted and I think I've done a pretty good job so far.
Making a stand was at the expense of being able to rely on the bank account of a major label or the radio edit world of top 40. But it has taken a lot out of me.
I want to make sure that the next thing I do comes from a place of joy and urgency rather than a reaction to what is going on in that crazy rat race called 'the industry'.

The bits I've loved have been making the album I wanted and touring. Those bits I'm interested in exploring. But most of the rest of it I don't think I'm going to miss.

When I was growing up, the period between albums of my favourite artists used to seem like a lifetime. They would go away and when they came back they would have something new to say, something fresh to show and a brand new point of view.

They seemed to do that in the silence that existed in the period between albums.

That silence is what I'm going to find.
And when I've got something important to say, I'll say it.
I'm not sure when that will be.
But I'll be back. Because music is my oxygen.

Until that time, please know that I love you and I am more aware every day how lucky I am to have found an audience like you.
Thank you for the most incredible year of my life.
Thank you for these Delicate Things.
In my absence I'm going to set a few more birds free from their cages.
There are things I've hinted at that will still be happening this year.
The DVD of The Time Machine Tour.
The Surround Sound Animated DVD version of the Album.
And possibly a book.
The lovely folks at Powdered Sugar will make sure you're up to date on what's coming.
So keep in touch here or at my website.

Until then, all my respect and love..
Goodbye for now.

D

P.S Here's some lyrics by John Lennon.
I'll leave you with them.

JOHN LENNON – WATCHING THE WHEELS

People say I'm crazy doing what I'm doing,
Well they give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin,
When I say that I'm o.k. they look at me kind of strange,
Surely your not happy now you no longer play the game,

People say I'm lazy dreaming my life away,
Well they give me all kinds of advice designed to enlighten me,
When I tell that I'm doing Fine watching shadows on the wall,
Don't you miss the big time boy you're no longer on the ball?

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round,
I really love to watch them roll,
No longer riding on the merry-go-round,
I just had to let it go,

People asking questions lost in confusion,
Well I tell them there's no problem,
Only solutions,
Well they shake their heads and they look at me as if I've lost my mind,
I tell them there's no hurry...
I'm just sitting here doing time,

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round,
I really love to watch them roll,
No longer riding on the merry-go-round,
I just had to let it go.

C. John Lennon

This blog was posted on Darren's myspace blog Thursday, February 21, 2008...
Brighton
Originally posted in the members area of Darrens Official Fanclub 'Delicacy' Feb 16th 2008.
Just got in the door from the Brighton gig. It's after 2 am and I'm more than a little bleary eyed! It's the only show outside of London close enough to drive home afterwards but it still feels like a bit of a trek after doing the set and then piling into a transit van with the lads.
I really enjoyed singing tonight – and the venue was a very cool looking space. I do feel for the audience at some of these clubs as obviously they aren't completely designed for everyone to have the best view – and there are always loads of people sort of crammed in at the sides where they can't really see much.
This perhaps leads to a bit of cheekiness. Or perhaps it's my own banter that invites it. Either way there was a very vocal young man to my right who kept INSISTING I sing 'Insatiable' all night.
To be kind, I performed some of 'To The Moon and Back' . Thought this was a nice peace offering. You know, something old but good.
Hats off to Shave for remembering how to play it, since it clearly wasn't at all rehearsed!
It was a very studious performance tonight. I was really internal (well until I started making jokes about having massive testicles).
And Steve said during the encore that he saw loads of people crying during certain songs. I presume this is not because we were terrible but because they too were feeling the lyrics and getting 'internal' as well.
I love it when music can do that.
Oh, so tonight, I threw in a bit of 'Strange Relationship' into 'Dirty'.
That song is so much fun live.
Am loving it.
Also loving throwing in 'Unlovable' during the encore sometimes.
It seems to do the trick.
Right – on that note I'm off to bed!
Got two in a row in Birmingham this week and then off to Amsterdam.
So got to get some rest.
Much love
D

After Brigton Gig Feb 2008

Darren's Blog - Bristol Thekla
Posted on his myspace blog - Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Bristol Thekla
Originally posted in the members area of Darrens Official Fanclub 'Delicacy' Feb 12th 2008.

The Boat gig.
When it was first proposed to me I thought 'Oh God No!'. I ain't playing on no boat. Visions of a harbour cruise for singles came to mind. Bad Karaoke. Even worse lighting. A dinner crowd perhaps.
But the choice to do 250 to 300 capacity clubs meant that our options were somewhat limited. I really wanted to make sure I played in Bristol this time and this was our only option.
But you know what? It rocked (no pun intended.. see what I did there?)
It was a really cool venue and a great set and the audience were mad for it.
I came on stage and the second the gig started I knew it was going to be fun. Added in bits of 'Alphabet Street' tonight into Dirty and we included 'Dublin Sky' for good measure at the end.
All in all a great gig and I'm slowly started to realize that it's soon coming to an end!
Only 5 more shows now. Brighton then two in Birmingham, the Amsterdam gig and our final show in London.
Yikes!
xxD

Special guests THE SLIPS announced as London Support Act
(Posted on Darren's myspace Wednesday, February 20, 2008)
We are thrilled to announce the addition of a special live guest to warm up audiences at the final date of Darren's Side 2 Tour in London this Sunday.
Electro powerhouse London duo The Slips will warm up the house from 8pm.
Check 'em out online and add 'em if you love their stuff.
These fellas have been involved in some of the biggest records of the last 5 years including work on 'The Tension and The Spark' and 'Delicate..'
Oh and this other woman called Madonna and this chick called Gwen Stefani or summink.
CHECK OUT THE SLIPS ON MYSPACE

Darren's Blog - Holy snappin duck shit
Darren posted this blog on his myspace on Monday, February 18, 2008
Holy snappin duck shit
Category: Music
Originally posted in the members area of Darrens Official Fanclub 'Delicacy' Feb 7th 2008.

Holy snappin' duck shit.
I can't believe I talked about having 'the runs' on stage!
But God it was funny.
Anyway I told that story.
I felt on fire (not from my ass, thankfully that had gone..)
But musically.
We were on fire.
Sang Unlovable at the end just because we felt like it.
Added a bit of 'What you need' into Dirty tonight..
And some 'Running up that Hill' into 'Conversation..'
Brilliant brilliant audience and a wonderful town.
Thank you so much Manchester.
All was amazing until the last second.. I left the stage
So full 'o' energy and did a little jump! ONLY TO CRACK MY HEAD ON THE LOW CONCRETE CEILING and land on my ass!
So it ended where it began really.
With the rear end.
Hehe..
xxD

This blog was just posted on Darren's myspace - Sunday, February 17, 2008

Manchester Part 2
Category: Music
Originally posted in the members area of Darrens Official Fanclub 'Delicacy' Feb 6th 2008.

Ok so I'm just in from the gig.
I probably should just tell you what I told my sister.. great crowd.
No, amazing crowd.
I always love Manchester and the North because we get such a generous amount of affection from the audience.
But there was one WANKER. Or shall I say a gaggle of wankers.
2 or 3 of them. Maybe 4.
(see what I did there?)
Anyway maybe they were drunk.
Maybe they were just really excited.
Or maybe they'd stumbled in for free.
I don't know.
But they were so rude. Talking LOUDLY in the quieter moments.
Heckling. Yelling out song requests and at one point yelling 'Boring!'.
My sister said, what did you do?
And I told her.
I said to the crowd, and I quote
"I'd sleep with pretty much 99% of the people in this room but I'd like to physically hurt the person who is being rude".
With that the entire crowd cheered and the people closest to the WANKER cheered the loudest.
I basically said if they didn't shut up the people next to them would physically remove each of their eyelashes one by one.
They behaved themselves after that.
It was so weird too because I was just about to sing '100 Challenging Things', which is really one of the saddest and most personal songs I've ever written. I was telling the tale about how it's a song for a Mother and a Father who died too young and left their son here to remind me that my own problems pale into insignificance. When the hecklers stopped I explained how the Father was a coal miner who hated the dark and the Mother was a stranger in a foreign country and that they worked all their lives to escape to the sun.
And the sad irony is the minute they made it, and only in the 50's – she passed away suddenly and he died of the C word but I suspect more from a broken heart.
Anyway the point of the song is that, upon meeting their son who survived – and seeing the sparkle and the joy in his eyes and witnessing his positive outlook on life I felt ashamed to have gone on so much about my own woes in life. That at least I had the luxury of parents alive whom I could blame for what was wrong with me. And that's when I fell in love.
So the gig – on fire, alive, tense, intense, cheeky, flirty, heartfelt and a bit of a struggle physically (said to my sister it's like a runner after training for a few days – suddenly all the muscles ache a few shows in and you start to feel the hard work of singing taking its toll).
But it wasn't really about any of that. Because afterwards I met the family of the courageous Amanda whom many of you will remember spent some of her last moments on stage giving me a cheeky hug during the Time Machine Tour.
I'd kept in touch after the funeral and because Amanda had bought tickets to this tour, her husband and sister went in her memory.
They gave me the biggest hugs (must run in the family) and once again I was reminded of how lucky we all are and how our problems pale into insignificance when we are confronted with true loss.
And I felt glad I'd experienced tonight, and told my stories and sung my songs.
With love
Darren

Darren's Blog - Manchester First Show
This was posted on Darren's myspace on Saturday, February 16, 2008

Manchester First Show
Category: Music
Originally posted in the members area of Darrens Official Fanclub 'Delicacy' Feb 6th 2008.
Spent the most hilarious 2 and half hours on the Virgin train (not an untouched by man train but a train run by, err, Virgin..) Anyhoo it was the unveiling of A.D.D Darren to Tracey (my P.A) and at one point Steve asked Tracey if there was a child's play pen I could be placed in. I guess I had a lot of spare energy.
Got excited about the gig tonight and about how the future is unfolding. Really looking forward to a break. When the tour is over I'm hoping to go visit my family and then take a good chunk of time for me.
Feel so good to be happy in the present. Not looking back. Not hoping forward. Just comfortable where it is right now. And the best thing about things winding down is that there is less stress around me.
The last 12 months, while amazing, have also been very taxing emotionally. Work wise it's been an overwhelming amount of pressure (running the label) and it had begun to drain me a bit. It's so lovely to be able to come out on the road and reconnect with music and the audiences and remember why it is I do what I do.
Here's a lil' picture of me in my hotel room looking out over Manchester.

It's so pretty here today. Gorgeous blue skies but cold temperatures.
We drove past where the old Hacienda used to be and I got sad that I never got to see it in person. Now it's a block of flats. Everything gets turned into a block of flats doesn't it.
Right now I'm finished sound check and I'm going to turn the shower on and try to steam my voice a bit in preparation for tonight's vocal gymnastics. Why oh why do I write such high notes? Hehe.
I'll write later to let you know how the gig was.
Much love
D

This was posted on Darren's myspace blog Thursday, February 14, 2008...

London Feb 4th
Category: Music

Originally posted in the members area of Darrens Official Fanclub 'Delicacy' Feb 5th 2008.

Talk about night and day.
THAT was a wonderful gig.
I was so much more relaxed on stage (*owing in full I'm sure to getting over first night jitters and the TERROR of new songs first time blah blah).
And there was a really tight connection between Steve, Shave and I.
We changed the order of a couple songs by moving Gunning Down Romance and that fact alone seemed to give us a little bit more room to ramp up tonight. 100 Challenging felt better at this tempo (we sped it up just a little) and Dirty was fun! Little bits of I Want You and Britney thrown in for good measure. Worked a treat.
I got a chance to say hi to a few people afterwards. Some who'd travelled form the other side of the city and some from the other side of the world.
And I got to share the TRUTH about the Insatiable video (ask your friends).
Mhwahah.
It was lovely.
Just lovely.
x

Happy snap has Darren Hayes fan in orbit
This article is from the Daily Telegraph (Australia)
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23214580-5006002,00.html

Picture caption: Click ... Darren Hayes with friend Maria Laspina.

Happy snap has Darren Hayes fan in orbit
February 15, 2008 12:00am

FAME can happen in the click of a finger - just ask the Aussie fan who has emerged as a celebrity photographer, after a happy snap he took at a Darren Hayes concert has ended up on the cover of the singer's new DVD.

The former Savage Garden singer liked the photos taken by Adelaide creative Sputnik taken backstage at a concert last year and snapped them up for his upcoming live DVD of his Time Machine tour.

The amateur photographer landed his big break in the music world after an introduction to the singer's sister took him from a VIP area at the venue to shooting from the stage wings.

Shown the digital images after the show, Hayes said the ad man had "managed to capture in one shot the essence of the show".

This was posted today on Darren's myspace blog...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008

London Feb 3rd 'Side 2 Tour'
Originally posted in the members area of Darrens Official Fanclub 'Delicacy' Feb 4th 2008.

My thoughts on tonight are jumbled so let me share them with you. In no particular order..
It's a challenging set list.
Vocally, verbally (yikes lyrics!) and of course emotionally.
Now that you are all aware of the songs performed I can discuss in more detail why it was challenging.
First of all there is no drummer.
Which was intentional – to make the shows be less about rocking out and more about voice and song choices and to showcase the material off the new album which is heavily influenced by Justin and I sitting in a room together. I wanted the show to feel a bit like coming round to listen to us do some songs rather than a 'show'.
But having no drummer makes the music feel more, I don't know, intellectual?
Like you want to 'listen' rather than rock out.
As a performer, the pleaser, the part of me that wants to make sure everyone is having a good time – is aware that it would be easier to just do a more traditional gig.
Doing a more obscure set list is a delicate balance to pull off – because instinct makes you want to reach for the 'gun' so to speak.
And by 'gun' I mean HIT SONGS.
This is the first time I've toured with such an obscure set list.
A fan's dream, I would hope.
But not necessarily a casual listener's favourite material I would imagine.
Thoughts of that Prince gig I saw once where he only played experimental Jazz come to mind!
But that being said, it was called the Side 2 Tour for a reason. To suggest album tracks, b sides, rarer things. So on that front I'd hope that we delivered.
But it was interesting because I could feel all 3 of us actually coming to grips with it on stage. Thinking, quite literally, 'ohhh so THIS is a different way of moving..'.
We're so used to having the power of, say, a big production. Or the ease of throwing in something like 'Carry on Amadeus' or 'The Best Thing' as an instant crowd pleaser.
Tonight it was realizing that, no, this is something altogether different.
A point of difference to the Time Machine Tour.
It could only be played to a crowd who have seen a lot of what I do and would appreciate the dusted off treasures.
Be interesting to see how this unfolds.. ;)
I will say, I just read what Cat had to say in her post about the cold shivers. And I feel the same way to be honest. There's something heavy about this set list. And though it would be more entertaining in some ways not to be heavy – I kind of like it. In many ways as a show it reminds me of what 'The Tension and The Spark' was as an album. A bit uncomfortable but utterly pivotal.
Xx

The Gay People's Choice Awards Winners
(on AfterElton.com). Darren was mentioned a couple of times. I'll copy those parts below...
http://www.afterelton.com/people/2008/2/gaypeopleschoicewinners?page=0,2
http://www.afterelton.com/people/2008/2/gaypeopleschoicewinners?page=0,4
Favorite Male Musical Artist - Rufus Wainwright won this category propelled by his latest album and appearances on Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" tour. Kanye West can console himself with all those Grammys he won Sunday night. Meanwhile, former Savage Garden frontman Darren Hayes led among the write-ins.
Favorite Gay Couple: John Barrowman and Scott Gill - impressive considering Gill isn't really a public figure. However, Barrowman has been exceedingly forthcoming about their relationship, frequently discussing it interviews and in his recent autobiography Anything Goes. Meanwhile, many other gay couples have chosen to keep a lower profile. Most popular write-in couple: Darren Hayes and Richard Cullen.

The Side Two Tour Setlist And Where The Originals Are Available To Download
This info was posted on Darren's myspace blog today...
Saturday, February 9, 2008
The Side Two Tour Setlist And Where The Originals Are Available To Download
We thought this might be useful for tracking down some of the more elusive Side Two Tour setlist tracks.
Admin

Hero (From the Album 'The Tension And The Spark')
iTunes UK

Bombs Up In My Face (From the Album 'This Delicate Thing We've Made')
Official Darren Hayes Download Store
iTunes UK

Sense Of Humor (From the Album 'The Tension And The Spark')
iTunes UK

A Conversation With God (From the Album 'This Delicate Thing We've Made')
Official Darren Hayes Download Store
iTunes UK

Gunning Down Romance (From the Savage Garden Album 'Affirmation')
iTunes UK

Random Blinking Light (Rare B-Side included on the single 'Darkness')
iTunes UK
Tesco Music Downloads (available worldwide)

A Hundred Challenging Things A Boy Can Do (From the Album 'This Delicate Thing We've Made')
Official Darren Hayes Download Store
iTunes UK

Setting Sun (From the Album 'This Delicate Thing We've Made')
Official Darren Hayes Download Store
iTunes UK

Maybe (From the Album 'This Delicate Thing We've Made')
Official Darren Hayes Download Store
iTunes UK

Mine(From the debut self titled album 'Savage Garden' on the Australian and Japanese editions and UK CD Single 1 'I Knew I Loved You'.)
Not currently available for download.

Dirty (From the Album 'Spin')
iTunes UK

Dirty (Live)
Tesco Music Downloads (available worldwide)

Casey (Forthcoming single for release 3 March 2008 from the album 'This Delicate Thing We've Made')
Official Darren Hayes Download Store - available to pre-order now including the LIVE performances from each UK date of 'The Side Two Tour'
Official Darren Hayes Download Store
iTunes UK

Sing To Me (From the Album 'This Delicate Thing We've Made')
Official Darren Hayes Download Store
iTunes UK

I Don't Care (From the Savage Garden Album 'Truly Madly Completely)
iTunes UK
Tesco Music Downloads (available worldwide)

So Beautiful (Beautifulmix) (Original So Beautiful is from the Savage Garden album 'Truly Madly Completely')
The mix was previously available for a limited time on MSN Music UK and is not currently available for download. However the original single and other mixes are available for download.

So Beautiful (Single Version)
iTunes UK

So Beautiful (Album Version)
iTunes UK

So Beautiful (Bobby Blanco and Miki Moto Mix)
iTunes UK

Myspace Blog from Darren - It's Intense
Thursday, February 07, 2008
It's Intense
Category: Music
I've blogging about it over at the fanclub (those blogs will eventually be posted over here) but I wanted to let you know just how much I've loved the Side 2 Tour so far.
To sum up - it's intense.
It's very introspective set list with songs for trainspotters (hey I'm a trainspotter don't take offense!) and it is emotionally quite heavy it spots. Due in part to song choices but also intimate settings and the understanding that this tour will be my last for a while. All the songs take on a sort of duel narrative and I find myself thinking a lot up on stage. Audiences both nights have been superb and as I type this I'm about to run out the door for Manchester.
We're recording Casey live each night on this tour - and there's a bunch of ways folks can get their hands on the song from their show. I'll get admin to paste all the info below but basically UK peeps can text to pre order it (you get a text back day before release date and a code to download from tunetribe.com - it's just charged to your phone account) Also, because so many people have asked we're also going to make the songs downloadable via our site (http://www.darrenhayes.dloadshop.com) and tunetribe (http://www.tunetribe.com) day of release too.
Anyway, all the details will be below.
I just really wanted to explain why there's a hushed reference when we perform 'Casey' each night. It's because the record button is on! Hehe.
Much love to you..
x

Download the new single 'CASEY' as performed LIVE each night!

TEXT TO BUY NOW! DELIVERED TO YOU DIGITALLY MARCH 3RD

Casey - Live In London, Feb 3 Text CASLON1 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In London, Feb 4 Text CASLON2 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Manchester, Feb 6 Text CASMAN1 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Manchester, Feb 7 Text CASMAN2 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Bristol, Feb 11 Text CASBRS and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Brighton, Feb 15 Text CASBRI and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Birmingham, Feb 17 Text CASBIR1 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In Birmingham, Feb 18 Text CASBIR2 and send to 82822
Casey - Live In London, Feb 24 Text CASLON3 and send to 82822

New myspace blog from Darren...

The Big EQ Giveaway
Raj (Electroqueer) is giving away 2 tickets to Darren's London show and 2 Delicacy t-shirts on his myspace. He's also giving away 2 signed copies of Nelson Clemente's debut EP '6th Perception'. (btw I have Nelson's cd and it's incredible!) These are all great prizes!
Here is the link and the info about how you can enter...
http://zxlcreative.blogs.com/electroqueer/2008/02/the-big-eq-give.html

Willie Williams Article
I'm sorry I missed this when it was posted on Darren's site last Friday.
Tracey posted a "yousendit" link to where we could download a pdf file of an amazing Willie Williams article from November about Darren's Time Machine Tour.
Unfortunately by the time I saw it, the yousendit link had reached it's limit so I had to wait until I could find the article and upload it for you guys to see.
Thanks to Janet for sending me the pdf file of the article today. Here is the link:
http://www.darrenhayesfans.com/images/articles/WWInterviewFeb08.pdf

Manchester Shows Door Time
This news was posted on Darren's myspace...
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Manchester Shows Door Time
Category: Music

The doors for the Manchester shows will be opening from 7pm and not 7.30pm as previously mentioned.
Also if you haven't already got your friends coming to the show, now is your chance because there are still some tickets available for the 2nd Manchester show on February 7th. You can purchase at the box office on the night or order now from www.ticketweb.co.ukfor box office collection.
Please remember that there is a no cameras policy at all of The Side Two Shows.
Admin

Poprepublic IT List Awards
Poprepublic announced the winners of their IT List Awards 2007, voted on by their readers.
Darren was voted "Favourite Male Aussie Artist". He also came in third for "Tours of 2007".
Here is the link to where you can see all of the results in their February 2008 issue: http://www.poprepublic.tv/popfeb08.pdf
Thanks to everyone that voted for Darren!

Willie Williams article
Thanks to Tracey for finding an amazing article with Willie Williams about Darren's Time Machine Tour set design and posting about it on Darren's official site. I have uploaded the pdf file to our site. You can see it here:
http://www.poprepublic.tv/popfeb08.pdf
For those of you that can't read the pdf file, I'll capture the pages in jpg form and also type it up, but it might take me a few days. I'll post it in our "article" section when I have it done.

Electroqueer: Darren Hayes Side Two Tour - A Treat For The Hardcore
Raj (Electroqueer) posted a really nice review of Darren's concert in London Sunday night on his myspace blog. Here is the link:
http://zxlcreative.blogs.com/electroqueer/2008/02/darren-hayes-si.html

NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
This bulletin was sent out from Darren's myspace today:
From: Darren Hayes
Date: Jan 31, 2008 5:19 PM
Subject: NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
NO PICTURES PLEASE
Just to advise those attending the Side 2 Tour that there is a no cameras policy to ensure absolutely no flash photography
We have asked all the venues to abide strictly by this policy to enable all in attendance to have an enjoyable time.
As you can imagine, flash photography is off putting for everyone especially those on stage in such small venues.
We would encourage those who are planning to attend to either leave cameras at home or leave them at the cloakroom upon entering.
We hope those going to the shows have a great time!

UK ONLY CASEY DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
This very cool image (with more information about the UK only digital downloads of Casey) was also just posted on Darren's myspace blog...
Thursday, January 31, 2008
UK ONLY CASEY DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
Category: Music

DARREN HAYES TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE 'CASEY'
This news was posted on Darren's myspace today....
Thursday, January 31, 2008
DARREN HAYES TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE 'CASEY'
Category: Music

'A song about escaping' is how Hayes describes the epic strings meets vintage synth single 'Casey' – the latest single to be lifted from his double album 'This Delicate Thing We've Made'.
A favourite of both fans and critics alike (it was Entertainment Weekly's download recommendation when released in the U.S late 2007) many have singled this track out as the centerpiece of Hayes' new sound.
"Casey, when you go, can you come and find me. I want to be beside you when you leave this town" Hayes croons earnestly atop the Kate Bush influenced string section and 1980's Fairlight drums.
"It's the story of a boy from a small town and a poor upbringing who wants to grow up and be something one day. He turns to the car radio and the freedom of a first car as a means of getting away.'
Much has been made of Hayes' admissions of growing up with domestic violence and many speculate the song is about his Sister who took care of him as a child. But Hayes says the influence is wider than that.
"It's about my sister in some sense, sure. But it's also about how I felt as a teenager, growing up different. And yet surviving against the odds. It also describes the sad realization that in a small town sooner or later everyone you love eventually moves away. In this song I'm the one left behind."
The single release is supported by a state of the art animated and live action music video by film maker Damian Hale of onedotzero fame. The piece involves hand drawn artwork and green screen technology that was 4 months in the making.
As the 4th single release from 'This Delicate Thing We've Made' Casey will feature a host of bonus tracks including brand new songs and never before released demos as well as a special treat for UK audiences. Each night of the 'Side 2 Tour' those in Britain will be able to purchase a digital version of the song as performed live each night.
'Casey' is released on March 3rd worldwide via iTunes and www.darrenhayes.com
The video can be seen now at www.youtube.com/darrenhayes

CASEY – SINGLES TRACKLISTING

VIA ITUNES WORLD WIDE
1. CASEY (MUSIC VIDEO)
2. CASEY (LIVE ACOUSTIC VERSION)
3. CASEY (LIVE FROM THE TIME MACHINE TOUR)
4. CASEY (INSTRUMENTAL)

VIA WWW.DARRENHAYES.COM

SINGLE ONE
1. CASEY (A CAPPELLA)
2. WORDS (ORIGINAL DEMO RECORDING)

SINGLE TWO
1. CASEY (LIVE FROM THE TIME MACHINE TOUR)
2. IN YOUR MOTHER'S EYES (DEMO RECORDING)

SINGLE THREE
1. CASEY (ORIGINAL DEMO RECORDING)
2. WALK AWAY (ORIGINAL DEMO RECORDING)

LIVE EACH NIGHT ON THE SIDE 2 TOUR
(AVAILABLE TO UK RESIDENTS ONLY)

New Myspace Blog From Darren...
http://www.myspace.com/darrenhayes
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

The musical equivalent of yellow roses
Current mood: contrite
Category: contrite Music

Especially for my U.S and North American audiences.. I left a little present for you in my music player as a way to say 'sorry' for not being able to make it as planned to your shores.
It's a live version of 'Void' recorded in Brisbane last year on the Time Machine Tour.
I've made it downloadable so grab it while you can.
It ain't much, but it's the thought that counts.

Much much love
xD

EDIT: THE SONG WAS UPLOADED, IT'S JUST TAKING A WHILE FOR MYSPACE TO PROCESS IT..

Darren posted this news on his myspace blog, Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Good news and bad news..
Category: Music

Straight to the point : No more U.S dates.
My sincere apologies to everyone who was hoping we'd be able to make it again. Unfortunately the right combination of available dates and venues just didn't align.
I'm really glad that I've been to America so much in the past 12 months and seen so many of you up close and personal. OF COURSE I'm sad I couldn't come back for one more round of shows for 'Delicate..' but I feel so lucky to have had a year of the best experiences singing my heart out with people I adore.
The good news is, we filmed The Time Machine Tour in glorious high definition and will be releasing the DVD of the show world wide.
Here's a little tease hot off the presses. I know its not as good as being there in person but it's the next best thing! Hopefully it will give those of you who missed out on the tour a sense of the magic we all felt..
Once again, thanks to all of you who expressed such warmth and understanding and just know that none of my dreams would have come true without your constant support.
Big love
xD

Darren posted this new blog on his myspace today...
Monday, January 28, 2008

U.S dates - latest news
Current mood: hopeful
Category: hopeful Music

I'm sorry there hasn't been a confirmation about U.S tour dates yet.
It's been major dramas here at Powdered Sugar trying to secure venues on the days we need them in order for the tour to make sense logistically.
The U.S is such a massive continent that the routing really depends on venues being available on the days needed in the general direction of travel. It just doesn't make sense to go, for example, to New York, then L.A then back to Toronto etc.
Trouble is, we've only got a specific amount of time in which we can do these dates and without being able to confirm venues in some of the cities it throws the whole plan out.
I'm lucky I've had the pleasure of bringing the band to North America so many times in the last 12 months. As you know I've been trying really hard to make it once more before we call it a day on this album. But it's proving difficult.
I promise we'll have more news in the next 24 hours but I wanted to be honest and let you know where it's at.
Clearly I'm hoping it all works out!
Much love
D

GenQ Music Article - Darren Hayes reveals Casey
This article is from GenerationQ.net
http://music.generationq.net/bm/news/mu270108-01.shtml
GenQ Music
Darren Hayes reveals Casey
By Chris Pycroft
Published Jan 26, 2008
Despite having the least chart success out of any previous album released either as a solo artist, the momentum for This Delicate Thing We've Made continues to grow, with the release of the video for Darren Hayes' forthcoming single, Casey.
Casey follows the previous single releases of On The Verge Of Something Wonderful and Me Myself and I, both of which charted in Australia and the United Kingdom.
The single will be released on 3 March, with seven bundles to be made available with varying track lists. It is expected that there will be no physical version of the single.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXsORzXKnMs
Darren Hayes will be touring throughout the United Kingdom and United States in February and March. For more information, visit (Darren's official website).

Robert Conley's new myspace
I'm sure most of you remember Robert Conley. He co-wrote many of Darren's songs and toured with him. He's also married to Darren's former manager, Leonie.
Well, Robert just started a new myspace to showcase his work. He's an incredibly talented guy. Please check out his new myspace and send him a friend request and show him some love. :)
http://www.myspace.com/robertconleymusic

Video For Casey Now On Youtube
This news was just posted on Darren's myspace...
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Video For Casey Now On Youtube
Category: Music
Check out the stunning video for fan favorite 'Casey' now on Darren's official youtube page here:

'Casey' will be released on March 3 with 7 different digital singles bundles available. These will include versions of the song with bsides including brand new songs, never before released demos and live renditions of what everyone is calling the centrepiece of Darren's magnificent Opus 'This Delicate Thing We've Made.'
For a higher quality version visit http://www.darrenhayes.com/

Darren just posted this on his myspace blog...
Friday, January 25, 2008
Um
Current mood: Australian
Happy Australia Day.
Don't watch THIS if swear words offend you!
xD

This exciting news was posted on Darren's myspace blog...
CASEY VIDEO - PREMIERE THIS SATURDAY
Current mood: excited
Category: Music
Log on to WWW.DARRENHAYES.COM on Saturday January 26 from 8.PM UK time to see the world premiere of the full length video for 'CASEY'.
The fan favorite and critically aclaimed song features a music video that has been 4 months in the making.
Damian Hale of onedotzero spent his days and nights over the past 120 days painstakingly animating by hand the 'ode to nostalgia' Atari and Innerspace inspired video.
The online debut heralds the beginning of a release that will culminate on March 3 with 7 different digital singles bundles available. These will include versions of the song with bsides including brand new songs, never before released demos and live renditions of what everyone is calling the centrepiece of Darren's magnificent Opus 'This Delicate Thing We've Made'.
It all starts this Saturday.
Don't miss it!
WWW.DARRENHAYES.COM

New Blog from Darren...Monday, January 21, 2008

Busy Boy
Current mood: Busy Bee

Sorry it's been so long since I've written on the space..
Been really busy and I'm only now surfacing to breathe.
Where to start?
Casey - the single.
We're releasing it digitally on March 3 and there are a bunch of versions with bonus tracks. Some will be on iTunes, some on my website and the most exciting thing is that we're also offering a live version recorded each night from the Side 2 dates in the UK. Literally at the end of each show audiences members will be able to text to buy that night's performance of 'Casey' and it will be delivered to them on March 3.
What else?
The video is finished and it's breath taking. It should debut online towards the end of this week. It will also be available to buy in iTunes come release day.
Don't be dissapointed if you don't hear the song on radio - I'm not even trying to get it played to be honest. It's a weird time for music, with record labels slashing staff, dropping artists and everyone clawing for airplay. I wanted to be above all that and just release the song because I adore it.
You can expect to find some b side goodies including a brand new song called 'In your mother's eyes' as well as demo recordings of 'Words' 'Walk Away' and the original demo of 'Casey'. There's also a bunch of live versions including one recorded at the Canal Room in NYC and one from the Time Machine Tour in Australia.
There's a lot of choice, but hey, it's my favorite song off the album so I figured why not slurge?
Speaking of 'The Time Machine Tour' the DVD has just finished being edited.
Now the sound is being mixed and the front cover artwork is being finalized.
We expect to release it sometime before May this year for those of you who've been asking.
On other fronts - I go to Justin's studio tomorrow night to begin work on arrangements and remixing for the Side 2 Tour set list. It's all very exciting. The songs I've chosen to do on this little run are very cool (some rare, some old, some new) and I hope you all enjoy what I've come up with.
The U.S dates are being slowly set in stone and we should have some news for those in North America this week as well.
So it's all happening!
Thanks for all your lovely messages on here.. I do read most - even if it's impossible to reply to many - your support, as always means the world..
Mucho love
xxD

Last Chance to Vote For Darren At NME and PopRepublic
There are a couple opportunities to vote for Darren that are nearing their deadlines so I thought I would remind everyone. You'll have to subscribe to these sites before you can vote, but it's pretty easy.
Please vote for Darren in all of the categories that you think he fits on each of these.

NME Awards
Main site:
http://www.nme.com
Direct Link to Voting Page:
http://www.nme.com/awardsvote

PopRepublic.tv The IT List Awards
Main site:
http://www.poprepublic.tv/site
Direct Link To Voting Page:
http://poprepublic.tv/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=135&Itemid=100

Win tickets to Darren Hayes Manchester show
Manchester Evening News has a competition where you can win tickets to see Darren's Manchester show on February 7th.
Go here for the details:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/competitions/1000848.html

Pop Star Heartbroken At The Death of ’Extraordinary’ Fan
There was an article posted January 21, 2008 on ThisIsDerbyshire.co.uk about Amanda, the fan that Darren posted his blog about recently. The article is titled "Pop Star Heartbroken At The Death of ’Extraordinary’ Fan". Here is the link to where you can read it:
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=124378&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231734&home=yes&more_nodeId1=124522&contentPK=19614857

Darren posted this exciting news for the US/Canadian fans on his myspace Wednesday, January 16, 2008

U.S dates - last live shows this year
Current mood: accomplished

I'll be announcing news soon about North Amercian dates.
They'll be my last live shows anywhere in the world for 2008.
At this stage, it's just 6 cities.
NEW YORK. TORONOTO. BOSTON. DC. LOS ANGELES. CHICAGO.
*These could change prior to an official announcement, but just wanted to give a heads up.
The proposed start date is March 14.
The proposed last show March 22.
When it's done, I'm off to take a well deserved break and dream about the next thing.
I'm letting you know because lots of people have been asking me about other cities, countries, planets.
And whilst I'm very touched and moved by your kind requests, I don't want anyone expecting me to come somehwere I'm not able to.
It's been an incredible time and when the shows conclude I will have played live for 12 months in support of 'This Delicate Thing We've Made'.
I can guarantee you I'll enjoy these shows more than any of you! And I know, as always, I only have you to thank for making it all possible.
More news (probably next week) when it'