Harry Nilsson - the man and his songs in concert as imagined by Tim Freedman

In 2014, ARIA award winning Tim Freedman of The Whitlams will be honouring the legacy of one of the 20th century's greatest singer-songwriters - the legendary Harry Nilsson. Tim will perform special concerts of Harry Nilsson's classic repertoire in venues across Australia.

Harry Nilsson (who was credited simply as "Nilsson" on his albums) was a prolific hit song-writer through the 60's and 70's, whose body of work is going through a resurgence of interest at the moment. A 17 disc box set "The RCA Albums Collection" has just been released, as has his first full length biography "Nilsson - The Life of a Singer-Songwriter".

Nilsson won two Grammys for his most recognisable performances: 1969's "Everybody's Talkin" (theme song for the iconic movie "Urban Cowboy") and 1972's "Without You". He penned such classics as "One" (famous in Australia from John Farnham's version), the irrepressible cult favourite, "Coconut" and lent The Monkees "Cuddly Toy".

In a 1968 press conference, John Lennon and Paul McCartney famously referred to Nilsson as their "favourite American group" after Lennon had listened to his second album for 36 hours straight. Nilsson's relationship with The Beatles became central to his life, and the legendary rabble rouser became best friends in the 70's with Ringo Starr. John Lennon produced his 1974 album - "Pussy Cats" after their exploits during the notorious Lost Weekend when John left Yoko Ono. It was John who negotiated Nillson's record deal with RCA that kept him recording long after drug and alcohol abuse had damaged his beautiful voice.

However before that in 1970, Nilsson released "Nilsson Sings Newman". Never forgetting what inspired him, Nilsson recorded an album of Randy Newman's early repertoire with little regard for fashion or chart position, even though he was near the peak of his own popularity at the time.

It is in this tradition that Tim Freedman has decided to do the same thing with "Freedman Does Nilsson". While being a gifted studio artist, Nilsson suffered from horrific stage fright which meant he never performed his songs in concert ever! With this tour, Freedman has decided to create a "live imagining" of what a concert of Harry Nilsson may have been like.

"Harry was either very very good, or very very bad. It's a poignant and often hilarious story with great songs that I can't wait to put together." says Freedman.

Tim Freedman is one of Australia's most accomplished contemporary songwriters. His lyrics have been described as having a "charming cynicism", enhanced by an instinct for a poignant melody and a highly individual musical style. Like Nilsson his songs take sharp turns from the heart breaking to the whimsical, and like Nilsson his songs work wonderfully with just piano and vocal.

The Whitlams won 'Best Group' at the 1998 ARIA Awards, as well as 'Song of the Year' and 'Best Independent Release' for their third album "Eternal Nightcap". In 2011 this album was placed 27th on the ABC's "My Favourite Album" poll, and more recently was voted no. 17 in "JJJ's Hottest Australian Albums of All Time".

The Whitlams recorded output spans seven albums since 1993, and includes the double platinum "Love This City", the No. 1 "Torch the Moon" and their "Truth, Beauty & A Picture of You - Best of the Whitlams" which remained in the Top 10 for six weeks running. More recently Tim released his first solo album on Sony titled "Australian Idle".

Tim's solo performances have been a treat for music lovers, as his intimate banter, caustic wit, honest vocals and stripped-back piano style have captivated audiences around the world, the highlights being his solo Sunday night residencies at London's Ronnie Scotts in 2003 and 2005, and his nine year stretch of annual Christmas shows at The Basement in Sydney.

His interpretation of Nilsson classics accompanied by anecdotes of each song and how they fit into Nilsson's reckless life is an event not to be missed. 

TICKETING INFO
Dinner & Show tickets include entry, seating and 2 course meal.

Dinner & Show tickets are only available via Moshtix.

Some Dinner & Show Bookings may be on a shared table. Please let us know at the time of the booking as a special request should you prefer not to share, and subject to availability we'll do our best to accommodate your request. Note it is not possible to join ticket holders together across ticket groups (meaning A Reserve ticket holders cannot sit with B Reserve etc).

A RESERVE Dinner & Show + Beverage Package also includes a selection of Premium Red & White Wine + Local and Imported Beers and is available by exclusive table service to A Reserve Ticket Holders from Doors to Show Time (usually 1930 - 2230). *RSA and conditions apply

DOORS OPEN AT 7.30PM
MUSIC STARTS AFTER DINNER SERVICE, AROUND 9.00PM
SET TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM SHOW TO SHOW

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
When General Admission Ticket sales have closed on the day of the show they may still be available at the door on the night. 

All patrons must be over the age of 18

Once purchased tickets are non-refundable & non-transferable 
(applies to both Standing and Dinner sales)

Please ensure you bring photo ID as proof of age

A booking fee applies to all advance tickets. (All quoted prices include tax).

Dress is Smart/Casual at Manager's discretion. No thongs.

RESTAURANT (GREEN ROOM BAR) OPENING TIMES
DINNER: Tues - Sat (6pm - Late)

NOTE: Restaurant Hours are subject to venue/function bookings.

SEATING MAP FOR DINNER & SHOW BOOKINGS
Please Note: tables cannot be joined together. Please ensure everyone you intend to seat at your table is included in your booking to avoid being seated separtately. Unfortunately, Dinner & Show bookings are for a minimum of 2 people. Tables for each section are first in, best dressed.