The Living End have today released their first new album in eight years, ‘I Only Trust Rock n Roll’ and have well and truly returned to their true rock ’n’ roll roots
In our new interview with Chris Cheney, we discuss how I Only Trust Rock and Roll marks a deliberate return to The Living End‘s roots, a raw, relentless, back-to-basics rock and roll album. Written as far back as 2018 and delayed by the pandemic, the record became a full-circle moment for the band, stripping things down to their essence with fast, aggressive songs reminiscent of their debut.
Cheney speaks about the cathartic process of writing tracks like Misery, which serve as both therapy and reflection, while songs such as Alfie and Public Holiday tackle issues within the entertainment industry and the ongoing debate around Australia Day. He noted that this record carries a stronger social and personal message, echoing the band’s early punk roots of protest and commentary.
Working with producer Kevin Shirley, the band kept things quick, raw, and live, relying on strong performances rather than overproduction. Gear-wise, Cheney mainly stuck to his Gretsch Falcon, a Telecaster, and classic amps, keeping the sound simple and direct.
Check out Australian Musician’s chat with Chris Cheney about the new album I Only Trust Rock ‘n’ Roll below.
MORE ABOUT ‘I ONLY TRUST ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
Looking ahead, The Living End will tour by performing I Only Trust Rock and Roll alongside their self-titled debut in full, treating the shows as an event rather than just another album tour. Cheney admits it feels natural to move between the two eras, as the band has always thrived on stylistic variety.
He describes the title track as both a personal statement and the perfect summary of the band’s ethos, in an uncertain world, rock and roll remains something he can always trust. Live, the band still aims to be the most ferocious act on any stage, giving 110% every night with the same hunger and edge they had in their twenties.
Bringing the energy their punk rock roots have delivered for more than 25 years, the album release will be followed by a national tour, starting on November 8 with sold out shows in Brisbane and Adelaide. The band will play two huge sets every night: the first set will see them play select tracks from the new ‘I Only Trust Rock n Roll’ album, plus play the full swag of hits that have made them household names over the last three decades – ‘White Noise’, ‘Roll On’, ‘Who’s Gonna Save Us’ and more.
The second set will take fans back to where it all started with the band playing their iconic, multi-platinum self-titled debut album in FULL – ‘All Torn Down’, ‘Second Solution’, ‘Prisoner of Society’ alongside every other album track.
Support artists for the Live At The Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne show have also been announced. Opening for The Living End are Melbourne’s Private Function, known for their punk rock prowess and unconventional marketing, as well as their larrikin humour! They will be preceded by the power pop and rock sounds of garage rock band The Prize.
THE LIVING END
I ONLY TRUST ROCK N ROLL TOUR
Presented by Triple M
Tickets are on sale from thelivingend.com.au
FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL, BRISBANE SOLD OUT
SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER
HINDLEY STREET MUSIC HALL, ADELAIDE SOLD OUT
FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER
LIVE AT THE GARDENS, ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, MELBOURNE
SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER
All ages
FREMANTLE PRISON, FREMANTLE
SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER
ON THE STEPS, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE FORECOURT
FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER
All ages
Also playing at Wanderer Festival on Sunday October 5
I ONLY TRUST ROCK N ROLL TRACK LISTING
1. Alfie
2. Roller
3. Strange Place
4. Private Hell
5. Rain The Parade
6. Don’t Tell Me
7. Misery
8. Public Holiday
9. Camera
10. Gypsy Blood
11. I Only Trust Rock n Roll