Interview by Angela Croudace
TISM return armed with a tantalising trifecta, with their first headline run since 2004 in October and November. The upcoming Death To Art Tour is bound to go down in Australian music history, with TISM set to be joined by fellow Aussie icons ESKIMO JOE, MACHINE GUN FELLATIO, BEN LEE and THE MAVIS’S.
With four of the country’s most iconic acts teaming up for the Death To Art Tour, this historic run of shows not only mark these as TISM’s first headline shows over two decades, it sees fellow sonic scoundrels MACHINE GUN FELLATIO reform for the first time in 19 years, as well as THE MAVIS’S reforming for the first time in six years.
Releasing a brand new single I’ve Gone Hillsong in 2022, the group’s first new material in close to 20 years, TISM also teased at the time an album which did not exist. Fast-forward to 2024, and TISM have since released a new EP, 2023’s The “C” Word, complete with caterwauling commentary and chaotic charisma. And, most recently, the beloved unruly collective have ventured into a brand new chapter, with their new full length album Death To Art, out now.
TISM have retained their anonymous and cult-like status since first forming back in the early 1980s. Laced with nihilistic humour and gleeful sarcasm, as well as a razor-sharp penchant for hybrid dance, pop and rock, TISM may have kept their identities a secret all this time, but their impact on the Australian musical landscape remains undeniable.
HEAVY got the rare opportunity to share some time with TISM, and, as you would expect, things got a little crazy. Listen to the full interview above.
