Paul Collins, one of the pioneers of Power-pop, and a member of bands such as The Nerves, The Breakaways and most notably The Beat is finally coming to Australia for a short tour to promote his most recent release “King Of Powerpop!”  Collins will link up with Sydney pop/rock outfit “the Zeros” featuring Glenn Morris (formerly of the Screaming Tribesmen and Kings Of The Sun) on lead guitar and will play two exclusive shows in Melbourne in March 2011. Collins has returned to his roots with his new record “King Of Powerpop!” which has been heralded as his best work since The Beat’s self titled release. It’s a record full of driving guitar beats and melodic hooks, an apt indication of what audiences can expect from his live show – fun and raucous rock ‘n’ roll from one of pop music’s great unsung heroes.....The Nerves gave us Blondie’s classic “Hanging on the Telephone” and Collins delivers many more gems in the genre.
“King of Power Pop!” is Paul Collins’ third release this decade, and acts as a complete return to his roots. “For me, this is the record that connects the dots, from The Nerves to The Breakaways to The Beat, to today,” he says. “This is the record that puts it all together.” Produced and engineered by Jim Diamond (Dirtbombs, The Go, White Stripes), the album also features Eric Blakey on guitar and backing vocals, Diamond on bass and Dave Shettler on drums.

Paul Collins has an interesting career… and a long successful one at that. Living in Greece, Vietnam and Europe before returning to his native New York and attending the prestigious Julliard Music School, Paul Collins formed two influential power-pop bands – The Beat and The Nerves. It was his move to San Francisco and union with songwriter Jack Lee and bassist Peter Case that saw the formation of The Nerves in 1974. The Nerves proved to be one of the pioneers of the burgeoning US punk rock scene, independently releasing their own four-track EP, which included to song “Hanging on the Telephone”, the track that later went on to become a massive hit for Blondie in the 1980s.

While The Nerves were short-lived and disbanded in 1977, Paul’s music career didn’t falter. He moved to LA and formed The Beat with bassist Steve Huff, drummer Mike Ruiz and lead guitarist Larry Whitman. Recommended for management and taken on by legendary concert promoter Bill Graham, The Beat toured with the likes of The Police, The Jam and Joe Jackson. They also made numerous TV appearances and recorded their cult debut self-titled album with producer Bruce Botnick (The Doors). The album featured Beatles and Byrds-influenced guitars and catchy choruses, defining the genre of power-pop. The Beat reformed In the 1990s as Paul Collins’ Beat and still continues to write and tour internationally.
“I can’t believe it’s finally happening,” Paul says of his first Australian tour. “We will be ripping.” This unsung hero of the power-pop genre is renowned for his unforgettable live performances, steering from fun and raucous rock n roll to sweet, guitar driven pop that will make even the strongest of music critics want to get up and get moving.

Paul Collins - Exclusive Melbourne Shows:
Sat 26th March The Tote, Collingwood w/ special guests TBA. Tix available from The Tote Front Bar, Polyester, Missing Link, Off The Hip & Corner Box Office 03 9427 9198 or www.cornerhotel.com

Sun 27th March Pure Pop Records, St Kilda @ 5pm – “An intimate performance and conversation with the power pop legend, hosted by Leapin’ Larry L” Tix available from www.purepop.com.au  or 03 9525 5066

Praise for the “King of Powerpop” Paul Collins:-
Paul Collins might not be the King of Power Pop, but if there was an elected President of Power Pop, an album this good would certainly sweep him into office; it's fun, raucous, thoroughly enjoyable rock & roll from one of pop's greatest unsung heroes.”  - MARK DEMING / ALL MUSIC GUIDE

“We need you to help us. In this thing, each person can make a difference, and I really can’t stress that enough. If we all get together, this will be a force to be reckoned with. That’s what I really want.” Paul Collins-THIRD COAST DIGEST

“Paul Collins was one of the pioneers of the power-pop genre, playing with bands such as Nerves, the Breakaways and the Beat. Now, he returns to his roots with the release of the aptly titled King Of Power Pop! on August 24 via Alive Records. “Do You Wanna Love Me?” basically defines power pop, with revved-up beats and garage-rock vocals complete with a harmonica.” – MAGNET MAGAZINE

"His new album is called The King of Power Pop and it takes guts to go with that title, but Collins has the chops to back it up." - WASHINGTON POST

“…a tough, rocking genre gem.” - STEVE WILSON / KANSAS CITY FREE PRESS

“With just the right level of sweetness to rasp quota, Paul Collin’s voice has never sounded better… in addition to being a modern day troubadour with a power pop heart, Collins is also a tasteful ol’ f**ker.” – TERRY HERMON / BUCKETFULL OF BRAINS MAGAZINE / UK

"Collins doesn’t fornicate around here – he just whips out nugget after nugget of catchy, melodic, chiming guitar pop with two guitars, bass and drums. The assertion in the album title may seem over the top, but after spinning King of Power Pop a few times, you’ll find it difficult to disagree." - THE BIG TAKEOVER

“Last time I listened to this record, I put it on in my car and sang along to every song. At the end of the album, I realized I was still in my driveway. It's like that.”-CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL ONLINE A&E MAGAZINE, SMILE POLITELY

New album “King Of Powerpop!” out now thru Shock Records