For the love of Benji (and Joel)

October 30, 2014 11:23 am 7 comments Views: 78

Benji and Joel Madden are copping some flack from American fans for spending too much time Down Under. Picture: Janine Eastgate
Source: News Corp Australia

THE Madden Brothers will cover 5 Seconds of Summer during their Australian tour.

Benji and Joel Madden will perform their own rendition of 5 SOS’s hit Amnesia, which they co-wrote for the Australian band.

“They’re like little brothers to us,” Joel Madden said. “We want to do a bunch more writing with them for their next album.”

Benji Madden said he was proud of the Sydney band’s success.

“They’re kids like us who people might have dismissed but they’re playing music and it matters. I love seeing bands make it.”

The Madden Brothers have arrived in Australia to kick off their Greetings from California tour in Melbourne tomorrow night.

Fans will see them play five reworked hits from their previous band Good Charlotte, as well as showcasing their album Greetings from California and single We Are Done, both No. 1 hits in Australia.

Hitmakers … Joel and Benji Madden co-wrote 5 Seconds of Summer’s hit Amnesia and will perform their version on their Australian tour.
Source: AP

“It’s hard to explain how much that means to us and what it’s done for the questions we ask ourselves about how we move forward and the possibilities of what songs we can write,” Joel said of their dual Australian chart toppers.

“We Are Done feels like an emotional victory for us. This album is lot more musical than any record we’ve ever made. There’s a little bit more depth there which can only come with time. It’s a new chapter.”

Benji said the Madden Brothers live show would be more about “jamming” than the “jump jump jump” energy of Good Charlotte.

“We were 16 when we started Good Charlotte. We’re 35 now. It’s probably healthy to not want to do the same thing you did when you were 22.”

Brothers in arms … The Madden Brothers’ tour begins on Friday night.
Source: Supplied

Overnight the band postponed an American tour due to take place next month, angering some fans on their Facebook page who accused them of spending too long in Australia.

“We love America, but the tour (postponement) was out of our control,” Joel said.

“It was just six shows, we can do them in a few months. But I get the fans are passionate. Even though it feels to America we’re in Australia a lot we’re in America more than we’re in Australia. I’m an American who’s in Australia a portion of the year (for The Voice). We enjoy being here.”

Benji said the band have spent a month rehearsing for the Australian tour, including using guest singers to replicate the harmonies from the album rather than use backing tapes.

“A lot of big rock bands use (prerecorded) tracks. It’s a more inexpensive way to tour, but we were determined to do it live even though it’s much more expensive,” Benji said.

“We’re giving Australia what it’s given us. Australia’s waving the flag for us and stepped out in front of everyone in supporting the Madden Brothers. We always want to give back what we’re given.

Good Maddens … Joel and Benji will rework a few Good Charlotte hits for their upcoming tour.
Source: Supplied

“A No. 1 record means a lot to us. I don’t want to be cheesy but it touches us. It’s why we’re spending more on the production of the tour. It’s the coolest thing we’ve ever put together to say thank you to everyone here. We want everyone to get their moneys’ worth. We’re not just showing up for a pay cheque.”

Joel said the album’s success, and this tour, was also important to remind Australian the twins are musicians and not just TV stars.

“We appreciate the people who support us, but music is why we’re on TV in the first place, it’s why we have everything we have, it started by writing songs when we were 16 and always trying, trying, trying.

“In entertainment today it’s about everything but music. That’s the world we live in, it’s the way it is. So any time you get the chance to play music for people you don’t take it for granted. It’s what we love to do. Meeting the people who say ‘I went out and bought your record’. It’s a really nice exchange.”