The most explosive live band ever is back. From Paris to Damas, from New York to Moscow, they toured the world several times, with more than 1500 concerts in 30 countries. The 9-piece big band is back in the country with their ska, gypsy, rock, vaudevillian antics, dancehall & reggae music.

Singing in French and English and mixing some raucous punk and swing into their epic sound, this energetic and theatrical group never fails to get people up and dancing - sometimes even on the stage.

"These guys had the entire crowd on their feet, jumping, moshing, singing and grooving like crazy in one of the most mad and enjoyable crowd frenzies I've ever experienced. They were truly amazing." (Rip It Up)

The band dates back to high school, when singer and guitarist David Baruchel teamed up with drummer Manuel Nectoux. The pair moved to Lyon, surrounded by music and sharing their love of greats like The Specials, The Clash, Bob Marley and Serge Gainsbourg.

David and Manu launched Babylon Circus in 1995, which developed into an artistic collective with a theatrical style after the albums Musika (1997) and Au March des Illusions (2001). The nine band members set up a second home midway between Saint-Etienne and Lyon, a place they still return to any time they can find a break in their relentless touring schedule.

Their 2004 album Dances of Resistance saw Manu give up juggling drums and vocals to devote himself entirely to singing front-stage with David. Then everything stopped when David fell during a live performance in Moscow and was seriously injured. While he spent several months recovering, the band went through something of a group therapy session, writing their next album.

By the time La Belle toile came out the following year and was hailed by the critics for its brilliant songwriting and blend of rock and reggae, Babylon Circus had already moved on to the next album: Never Stop.

When David and Manu discussed what this new album should be about, they soon decided on the theme of change: from your thirties to your forties; from community life to living as a couple or on your own; from prolonged adolescence to fatherhood; from accident to recovery; from the pure and simple protest of punk to the powerful lyrics of rock.

And that's the thrilling high-wire act Babylon Circus performs so well - somehow combing rock, their first musical love, with a French brand of reggae, the natural heir to ska, skank rock and rocksteady. That's also one of the reasons for their phenomenal success, because they represent a kind of link between generations.

The band is now back to full strength and indeed sounds absolutely unstoppable. Everyone is writing and performing better than ever, along with special guests including Leeroy (ex-Sa an Supa Crew) and Polo, the tireless singer with the wonderful Satellites from 1985 to 1993.

Another chapter in a story of lasting friendship - one that never stops.

"While there is no denying the reggae and ska influences in their music... the sound of the Balkans can be heard in the way they use the brass and the idea of mixing the deep bass groove of reggae with the express train of a gypsy brass has to be heard to be believed..." (Blog Critics)

"Dancing in the war-torn Middle East, being chased through the streets of Dublin by police and ``touring'' Russian hospitals after drunkenly tumbling down a staircase: Babylon Circus. Certainly lives up to his French punk-fusion band's decadent carnival name." (Courier Mail)

 "They're a fantastic mix of reggae, gypsy, punk and chanson... all rolled into one big party that explodes musically on impact" (Rip It Up)

TICKETING INFO

General Admission ticket buyers have an added option of purchasing The Basement's Plate & Glass deal on the following booking page.

The Plate & Glass meal includes one meal option with one glass of selected wine which will be made available at the Green Room Bar from the time doors open through to 10:30pm.

Plate and Glass meal and wine options are listed on the following booking page.

DOORS OPEN AT 8.00PM
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.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Basement has very limited accessibility for patrons with disabilities, however please contact the venue to ensure there is adequate availability for you to enjoy the show comfortably and they can advise on the recommended seating options.

RESTAURANT (GREEN ROOM BAR) 
RESTAURANT HOURS ARE DEPENDENT ON SHOW
Please call The Basement to confirm opening times - (02) 9251 2797