Visiting Mount Isa has been on the bucket list for chart topping Brisbane band Sheppard.
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The pop group has been chosen to replace Shannon Noll at this year’s 60th anniversary diamond rodeo.
“This will be our first time in Mount Isa,” singer George Sheppard said.
“Because we grew up in Papua New Gunei we got a lot of television from northern Queensland.
“The Mount Isa, the Secret is Out ad campaign – we saw that every single day as kids, so to be finally visiting Mount Isa it feels like a bucket list kind of thing for me,” he said.
Sheppard have been storming the charts with hits like Hometown and Geronimo and are set to kick off their 2018 national tour at the Friday night of the Rodeo.
“To be honest I think I prefer to play for country crowds because they just get so into it, they love a good time and they love live music,” the singer said.
They will join a huge lineup of Aussie entertainers led by rock icon Jimmy Barnes.
Sheppard were a late addition following the controversial cancellation of Shannon Noll from the bill.
“I feel kind of bad, but I think with that whole controversy, the organisers made the right decision, he did cross a line and he has learnt his lesson now,” George said.
Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo General Manager Natalie Flecker welcomed Sheppard as an exciting addition to the Isa Rodeo’s RODEO ROCK lineup and 60th Rodeo celebrations.
“They are an incredible live act and will really get the party started at our very special 60th rodeo,” said Ms Flecker.
“We have really focused on providing amazing entertainment at night to complement the world-class rodeo competition in the arena, so Sheppard will take this year’s lineup to another level.”
Organisers will be hoping the news will end the social media firestorm which erupted after Noll was dropped following his expletive-laden tirade on stage in New South Wales went viral, and Rodeo management deemed he was no longer suitable for their “family friendly” event.
Minister for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones said Sheppard was a great addition to the stellar lineup of entertainment for this iconic Queensland event.
“This year’s diamond jubilee Mount Isa Rodeo will be bigger and better than ever before, delivering four days of thrilling rodeo competition together with amazing entertainment, incredible landscapes and country hospitality,” Ms Jones said.
“Adding Sheppard to the entertainment mix, already starring the likes of Jimmy Barnes, The McClymonts and Tania Kernaghan, will give people another reason to attend this authentic Outback Queensland event.”
The RODEO ROCK lineup for 2018 will be Sheppard and The Viper Creek Band on Friday night, August 10, The McClymonts and Travis Collins on Saturday night, August 11, and the 60th Birthday Bash Concert LIVE in the Arena featuring Jimmy Barnes, The Wolfe Brothers, James Blundell, Tania Kernaghan, Brewn and Dee Jay Buxe on Sunday night, August 12.
The Friday and Saturday night concerts are included free in the rodeo ticket, with the Sunday Live in the Arena concert ticket price $49 per adult.
