{
  "id": 319972,
  "title": "'If we don't tour, we don't eat': The Drones return after 10 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/if-we-dont-tour-we-dont-eat-the-drones-return-after-10-years",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-08T18:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-09/the-drones-australia-tour-reunion-comeback-gareth-liddiard/107005166"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Drones, a renowned Australian band, have returned to the stage after a 10-year hiatus with a national tour. Despite the swift increase in their schedule from seven shows to over double, guitarist Dan Luscombe noted that the band members were not surprised by the enthusiastic response. The tour follows two sold-out Melbourne shows last year, which demonstrates how their absence has made hearts fond of their artful music. Their recent success, following the release of Shark Fin Blues, a critically acclaimed album addressing depression and loss, proves that their return only made their fanbase more loyal. The band members, who had families, houses, and commitments, decided to return due to practical reasons. Drummer Christian Strybosch and keys player Stevie Hesketh couldn't tour, and the band didn't want to burden anyone or offend anyone. They also wanted to continue their creative work, as songwriter Gareth Liddiard and his partner formed Tropical F*** Storm, with drummer Lauren Hammell and multi-instrumentalist Erica Dunn. Liddiard and his partner, Fiona Kitschen, formed Tropical F*** Storm, while Luscombe continued to work as a producer, collaborating with artists like Courtney Barnett, Amyl & The Sniffers, and Bad//Dreems. Despite the band's hiatus, their on-stage chemistry and experimental edge kept them in demand, making their return a must-see live act.",
  "summary": "It's been a decade between The Drones's shows and albums, but demand for their reunion proves this \"feral little band\" still matters deeply.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}