Why RocKwiz is the template for keeping a show alive without TV

After a run of 8 shows on Foxtel last year, RocKwiz is not returning to screens this year.

“Unfortunately Foxtel have currently declined to commission a second series this year. I think we didn’t fit in this year’s budget so we will see what happens in the new financial year,” said co-host, co-creator and producer Brian Nankervis.

“We were disappointed … but as usual we’ve been very busy!”

Have they ever.

Never one to let rejection get them down, the RocKwiz team are the definition of how to keep a show alive -by touring to sell-out audiences around the country.

“Last year we performed a run of RocKwiz Live shows celebrating the 50 year anniversary of Mushroom Records and we’ve just finished our first live shows for 2024 … a huge outdoor event in King’s Park in Perth, our 8th annual Really Really Good Friday show at Hamer Hall (a sell out, featuring all the gang, plus artists like Jess Hitchcock, Didirri, Hayley Mary and Matt Taylor and comedians Mel Bracewell and Cam James) followed by a mad dash to one of our favourite festivals, Bluesfest at Byron Bay,” said Nankervis.

“Our two shows in the Delta tent at Bluesfest in front of a couple of thousand enthusiastic fans were very exciting, perhaps fuelled by the lead up … after the Good Friday show at Hamer Hall, we all caught a bus to the airport and checked in to an airport hotel. Heads hit pillows around 1 am before a 5 am lobby call and a 6.15 am flight to Coolangatta. Checked in to an airport hotel there, had breakfast and showers, before heading down to Byron for our 1 pm show! A little crazy, but there was a certain energy and discombobulation that combined for a rocking show. Another show on Sunday then flew home Sunday evening. Felt like a wonderful dream!”

And it doesn’t stop there.

RocKwiz is coming soon to a city near you in a 32 show national tour, visiting cities and regional theatres through October, November and December.

“All these shows will feature Julia, Dugald, Brian and the RocKwiz Orkestra, multiple performers and of course, contestants selected from the audience. The shows will not be filmed, so we’re encouraging everyone to come out and celebrate with us.”

Dates and details are yet to be announced later in the year but rockwizlive.com.au and Facebook page have a Kwizlist subscribe list for fans.

“Finally … in conjunction with the tour, we will be releasing an album of duets and group songs recorded at various live shows over the last few years … but currently available on Spotify is a sneak peek from the album, a stunning version of Sia’s ‘Chandelier’ by Jess Hitchcock and The RocKwiz Orkestra, recorded at the 2023 Adelaide Cabaret Festival.”

Photo: Kath Chambers