Perth Indie Band Death by Denim Announces Final Show After Decade-Long Journey
Iconic Perth indie band Death by Denim has revealed they will perform their last ever concert at the Rosemount Hotel in North Perth, bringing an end to a remarkable ten-year musical journey. The band, which first stepped onto the stage at this very venue a decade ago, will close this chapter where it all began, creating a poignant full-circle moment for the group and their fans.
The Band Members and Their Legacy
The four-piece band consists of Nik Iliadis on vocals and rhythm guitar, Palle Mazzulla on lead guitar and synth, George Gunson on bass and vocals, and Hamish Macarthur on drums. Over the years, Death by Denim has amassed an impressive following, with over 20 million streams on Spotify and more than 700,000 listeners across 170 countries. Their career highlights include international and national tours, supporting major acts like Ocean Alley and Cat Empire, and performing at prestigious festivals such as Falls Fest in both Byron Bay and Fremantle.
A Full-Circle Moment at the Rosemount Hotel
Nik Iliadis expressed that the Rosemount Hotel holds a special place in the band's history, having hosted their very first gig ten years ago. "Our first was at the Rosemount 10 years ago; it's a full circle moment," he said. "I think we had about 20 people there the first time and now it would be over 500, so it'll be a bit of a different feeling." While the decision to return to this venue wasn't entirely deliberate, it quickly felt right, symbolizing the band's evolution from humble beginnings to a celebrated act.
The Challenges of Sustaining a Band
Formed when Iliadis was just 21, the band members have grown up alongside their music, navigating the realities of the modern music industry. "It's pretty hard to make a lot of money in the music industry these days and you've got to have a bunch of different avenues," Iliadis explained. For the last three years, all members balanced full-time jobs with their musical commitments, highlighting the immense effort required beyond just writing and performing songs. "I think it just got to the point where we all didn't have the drive to do all the little things to be in a band," he added, noting how priorities shift as life progresses.
Major Highlights and Breakout Success
Despite the challenges, Death by Denim's decade-long run was filled with significant achievements. They performed back-to-back shows at Red Hill Auditorium supporting Ocean Alley in 2023, drawing crowds of 5,000 people each night. The band also appeared on Triple J's Like a Version, covering Harry Styles' "Watermelon Sugar," an experience Iliadis described as eye-opening and fun. Their breakout moment came with the release of "Cigarettes & Honey," a track that surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and has garnered over 11 million listens on Spotify alone. "All of a sudden, at our live gigs everyone knew the words," Iliadis recalled, humorously noting they became known as "the cigarette and honey band."
The Origin of the Band's Name
The band's unique name, Death by Denim, stems from their shared love of denim, particularly inspired by lead guitarist Palle Mazzulla, who often wore a three-piece denim outfit during his university days. "One of his mates at uni said he was killing denim for him," Iliadis explained. "Death by Denim was a cool name and we all agree." This quirky origin story adds a personal touch to their identity, reflecting the camaraderie that has defined their journey.
Looking Ahead to Life After the Band
As Death by Denim prepares for their final show, Iliadis looks forward to transitioning from bandmates to simply being friends with the other members. "Looking forward to being just friends with the Death by Denim guys instead of having the lingering thing of needing something from them," he said. He emphasized that it's time to pursue other passions in life beyond music, marking a new chapter for everyone involved. Tickets for the farewell concert on Friday night are available for purchase online, offering fans one last chance to celebrate the band's legacy.
