JAZZ-rock band Blood, Sweat and Tears are headed to Australia in its 50th year.
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Since forming in New York in 1967, the band has had countless members and formations but always pleased crowds that come to see them.
American Idol runner-up Bo Bice is the new frontman for the band and he is excited for the upcoming tour.
“It is actually our second time to Australia, Blood, Sweat and Tears came about two years ago, which was my first experience of Australia. We were treated so well that it made us come back,” Bice said.
“One of my favourite parts of getting come back is something all the guys made fun, which is beans on toast. I had it for breakfast every day (last time).”
Bice came to the band’s notice after he performed one of their songs (Spinning Wheel) in season four of American Idol in 2005.
But it took almost ten years for the Bice and the band to cross paths with Bice joining Blood, Sweat and Tears in 2014.
“Blood, Sweat and Tears tried to tracked me after for six or seven years and asked if I wanted to do a show with them,” Bice said.
“Three shows turned into five, which turned into eight and after a year of doing it, I shut down Bo Bice and went full-time on the road with them.
“Unbeknownst to me, when I did Spinning Wheel on American Idol all those years ago, it was an audition for the band.
“For the first year or two it felt like Blood, Sweat Tears featuring Bo Bice but now we’re a band and I’m not the star. There are nine other guys who are stars.”
During his time with Blood, Sweat and Tears, Bice has enjoyed being part of a group that has existed for 50 years.
“This band has had so many great members, I’m proud to be part of the alumni,” he said.
“The musicianship is what people come to see. Blood, Sweat and Tears is an above-par band and I tell folks that I never want to be weakest link. The band makes me step up every night, they are stellar musicians.”
As well as touring with Blood, Sweat and Tears, Bice has focused on his solo career that flourished after his time on American Idol.
“I’m in the midst of opening a guitar school and store, and raising four kids with my wife,” he said.
“Right now, I am accumulating songs with bunch of friends and songwriters.
“At the end of this year and beginning of 2018, hopefully I can release a new album and tour. Unless Blood, Sweat and Tears find someone better, I’m happy split the task.”
Blood, Sweat and Tears are at Ulumbarra Theatre on March 16.