At the helm, Joe Camilleri steers the band through an energetic interplay of solid grooves and well-crafted songs that mix those well-worn ingredients of blues, soul, R&B, gospel, country and even Brill Building pop. Spontaneous (forget set lists) and emotionally driven, Joe ensures that no two performances are ever the same. Camilleri’s mantra is simple “we come to play and leave the audience feeling exhilarated”.

Next month the band is coming to the Northern Tablelands, to play at the Armidale Services Club.

The Black Sorrows continue to be one of Australia’s most enduring touring bands and a festival favourite.

Membership in The Black Sorrows has always been loose and fluid with Camilleri being the only constant.

In keeping with Joe’s desire to continually move forward, the latest incarnation of The Black Sorrows is – Claude Carranza (guitar/vocals), Mark Gray (bass/vocals), John McAll (keyboards/vocals) and Angus Burchall (drums).

In September the band released their 18th album titled Faithful Satellite. This brings Camilleri’s career discography ever closer to an incredible 50 releases.

Camilleri launched The Black Sorrows, a loose band of like-minded musicians, in 1984 following the demise of his seminal band Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons the year before. From humble beginnings playing inner-city cafes around Melbourne and selling albums from the boot of a car, Camilleri transformed the band into one of the most sophisticated ensembles in the country.

The independently released album Dear Children, represented a turning point once CBS/Sony stepped in with a world-wide deal.

When radio picked up the classic track, Mystified, The Black Sorrows really took flight releasing multi-platinum sellers Hold On To Me, Harley and Rose and The Chosen Ones.

The Black Sorrows will perform at the Armidale Services Club on Saturday, November 5. 

Tickets cost $35 and are available from the club. Doors open 8pm.