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Bliss n Eso Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour

Illusive Presents and Frontier Touring are excited to bring legendary Australian hip-hop trio Bliss n Eso back to the stage in 2023 with their Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour , celebrating their iconic, ARIA Award winning album.

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Published on July 13th, 2023 | by Adrian Gunning

Bliss n Eso announce Flying Colours 15th Anniversary headline tour for October 2023

Illusive Presents and Frontier Touring are excited to bring legendary Australian hip-hop trio Bliss n Eso back to the stage in 2023 with their Flying Colours 15 th Anniversary Tour this October .

Celebrating 15 years of their iconic, ARIA Award winning, Platinum certified, top 10 Flying Colours album, the trio have had an illustrious career.  Considered Australian hip-hop legends, with three No.1 albums and an extensive sweep of ARIA-certified Platinum and Gold singles, Bliss N Eso have truly earned their star status.

“Honestly, this album was such game changer for us and we’re so pumped to be hitting the road to celebrate its 15th anniversary with all our beloved fans.  We are blessed to have had such an amazing career that is still as strong as ever and Flying Colours was truely such a pivotal point in our trajectory.  Even when I play it today I can really hear that monumental shift in our sound and growth as artists. It’s rare these days that a body of work stands the test of time and still means so much to so many people.  Even more than winning our first ARIA award with this album, it was the deep connection with our fans this album created that really spawned the fanbase we have today and that’s what means the most.  There’s so many bangers on this record that are constantly requested but we rarely get to play live, so to break these bad boys out for the first time in years and let em rip all together is going to be INSANE.  And of course to finally release this truly special album on vinyl for the FIRST TIME EVER is just the icing on the cake!” – Jonathan (MC Bliss of Bliss n Eso)   

Following a huge 2022 touring up and down the country on not one but two Australian tours – The Sun Tour & Wheel Of Tunes Tour – Bliss n Eso will take on six huge new dates kicking off on Friday 6 October at Metropolis Fremantle , then heading to Adelaide on Saturday 7 October for a show at Hindley Street Music Hall , onto Melbourne’s 170 Russell on Friday 13 October , Hobart’s Uni Bar on Saturday 14 October , Sydney’s Metro Theatre on Friday 20 October before heading to The Tivoli in Brisbane for their final show of the tour on Saturday 21 October .

Frontier Members presale commences Tuesday 18 July from 10am local before the general public on sale kicks off Thursday 20 July from 10am local.   Tickets via frontiertouring.com/blissneso 

To celebrate 15 years after their career defining album, the upcoming Flying Colours 15 th Anniversary Tour symbolises the moment everything changed for Bliss N Eso and this is a chance for them to thank their fans!   Bliss n Eso will be performing the ARIA Award winning Platinum certified top 10 Flying Colours album in its entirety, which includes the hit singles ‘ Woodstock 2008 ’, ‘ Bullet and a Target ’, ARIA Platinum ‘ The Sea is Rising ’ and ARIA Gold ‘ Eye of the Storm ’ plus performances of their biggest catalogue hits with a few surprises in store!

Limited VIP / Meet & Greet / vinyl / merch bundles available for all shows via: frontiertouring.com/blissneso

To commemorate the tour, the original Flying Colours album will be pressed on vinyl for the first time (released via Flight Deck/Mushroom on Fri 3 Nov), pre-orders live from Thu 20 Jul here.   With two limited edition versions of the vinyl – Transparent Red and Gold – fans will be able to purchase this special piece of Bliss N Eso memorabilia as a reminder of the impact the Flying Colours project had on Australian music.

BLISS N ESO ​ FLYING COLOURS 15 TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ​OCTOBER 2023 ​Presented by Illusive Presents & Frontier Touring

FRONTIER MEMBERS PRESALE  ​via frontiertouring.com/blissneso ​Runs 24 hours from: Tuesday 18 July (10am local) ​ or until presale allocation exhausted

GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE ​Begins: Thursday 20 July (10am local)

ALL SHOWS 18+

Friday 6 October ​Metropolis Fremantle | Fremantle, WA ​18+ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local) ​ oxtiz.com.au

Saturday 7 October ​ Hindley Street Music Hall | Adelaide, SA ​18+ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local) ​ moshtix.com.au

Friday 13 October ​ 170 Russell | Melbourne, VIC ​18+ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local) ​ moshtix.com.au

Saturday 14 October ​ Uni Bar | Hobart, TAS ​18+ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local) ​ oxtiz.com.au

Friday 20 October ​ Metro Theatre | Sydney, NSW ​18+ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local) ​ ticketek.com.au

Saturday 21 October ​ The Tivoli | Brisbane, QLD ​18+ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local) ​ ticketmaster.com.au

About the Author

Adrian Gunning Adrian lives in Melbourne Australia and has a huge passion for gaming, technology and pop culture. He recently finished his a Bachelor of Journalism and is currently focusing on games journalism. When not writing and playing video games, Adrian can be found in Comics 'R' Us debating the pros of the DC Universe and cons of the Marvel Universe.

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Bliss N Eso announce October tour for ‘Flying Colours’ 15th anniversary

‘Flying Colours’ is also set to get its first vinyl pressing

Bliss N Eso’s third album ‘Flying Colours’ turns 15 this year. To celebrate the album, the seminal Aussie hip-hop trio are hitting the road in October.

• READ MORE: What’s new this month? Here are 10 Australian release picks for July 2023

The Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour will start Friday, October 6 in Fremantle then heads to Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney before wrapping up in Brisbane on Saturday, October 21. The group will play the album in full at each of the dates, including the album’s hits ‘The Sea Is Rising’ and ‘Eye of the Storm’. Expect other hits from the trios back catalogue, too.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BLISS N ESO (@blissneso)

To coincide with the anniversary, the band will give ‘Flying Colours’ its first vinyl pressing. The limited-edition release will come in two editions on transparent red or gold wax. The new vinyl edition will be released via Flight Deck/Mushroom on Friday, November 3; pre-orders are available from Thursday, July 20 .

‘Flying Colours’ debuted at number 10 on the ARIA Albums Chart and reached number one on the Urban Albums Chart. At the 2008 ARIA Awards it took home the gong for Best Urban Release.

Unlike its previous albums – which had been recorded haphazardly whenever the group could secure studio time – ‘Flying Colours’ was the product of a dedicated three months of writing and recording, bunkered down in Melbourne, away from the distractions of their Sydney home. Its first single, ‘Bullet and a Target’ received major nationwide airplay; and its third, ‘Eye of the Storm’ took its riff from the Angus & Julia Stone track, ‘Paper Aeroplane’.

“Even when I play it today I can really hear that monumental shift in our sound and growth as artists,” says MC Bliss in a statement.

Recommended

Earlier in the year, Bliss n Eso appeared in the Australian hip-hop documentary, Burn Gently . The film featured over 35 artists including Sampa the Great , Barkaa , DRMNGNOW , Urthboy , Baker Boy , Genesis Owusu , L-FRESH THE LION and Thundamentals .

Bliss N Eso’s Australian tour dates are:

Friday, October 6 – Fremantle, Metropolis, then heading to

Saturday, October 7 – Adelaide, Hindley Street Music Hall

Friday, October 13 – Melbourne, 170 Russell

Saturday, October 14 – Hobart, Uni Bar

Friday, October 20 – Sydney, Metro Theatre

Saturday, October 21 –  Brisbane, The Tivoli

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Bliss N Eso Announce 15th Anniversary Tour, Celebrating Milestone Album ‘Flying Colours’

Australian hip-hop legends Bliss N Eso are set to make a triumphant return to the stage in 2023 with their highly anticipated Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour. The tour marks a significant milestone for Bliss N Eso as they celebrate 15 years since the release of their iconic and critically acclaimed album – which you can listen to below to bring back some of that – much-loved – late 2000 nostalgia. The album, which received the prestigious certification in Australia, solidified Bliss N Eso’s position as trailblazers in the Australian hip-hop scene. With numerous top 10 hits and a string of Platinum and Gold singles, the trio has undeniably earned their star status ever since that 2008 release (and beyond).

The Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour promises to be a spectacular event, allowing Bliss N Eso to express their gratitude to their dedicated fanbase. The trio will perform the entire Flying Colours album, featuring chart-topping singles such as my favourites ‘ The Beginning ‘ ‘ Destiny Lane ‘, ‘ Climb The Cliffs ‘ and ETM’s personal album favourite ‘Gorilla Militia’. In addition to those hits, fans can expect electrifying performances of the trio’s biggest catalogue hits, with a few surprises in store.

“Honestly, this album was such game changer for us and we’re so pumped to be hitting the road to celebrate its 15th anniversary with all our beloved fans. We are blessed to have had such an amazing career that is still as strong as ever and Flying Colours was truely such a pivotal point in our trajectory. Even when I play it today I can really hear that monumental shift in our sound and growth as artists. It’s rare these days that a body of work stands the test of time and still means so much to so many people. Even more than winning our first ARIA award with this album, it was the deep connection with our fans this album created that really spawned the fanbase we have today and that’s what means the most. There’s so many bangers on this record that are constantly requested but we rarely get to play live, so to break these bad boys out for the first time in years and let em rip all together is going to be INSANE. And of course to finally release this truly special album on vinyl for the FIRST TIME EVER is just the icing on the cake!” – — Jonathan (MC Bliss of Bliss n Eso)

To commemorate this special tour and the impact of the Flying Colours project on Australian music, the original album will be pressed on vinyl for the very first time. Released via Flight Deck/Mushroom on Friday, November 3. This exclusive piece of Bliss N Eso memorabilia will serve as a timeless reminder of the album’s profound influence.

  BLISS N ESO ​FLYING COLOURS 15TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR — ​OCTOBER 2023 

Friday 6 October ​Metropolis Fremantle | Fremantle, WA ​18+ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local)

Saturday 7 October ​ ​Hindley Street Music Hall | Adelaide, SA ​ ​18+ ​ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local)

Friday 13 October ​ ​170 Russell | Melbourne, VIC ​ ​18+ ​ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local)

Saturday 14 October ​ ​Uni Bar | Hobart, TAS ​ ​18+ ​ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local)

Friday 20 October ​ ​Metro Theatre | Sydney, NSW ​ ​18+ ​ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local)

Saturday 21 October ​ ​The Tivoli | Brisbane, QLD ​ ​18+ ​ ​Tickets on sale Thursday 20 July (10am local)

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Illusive Presents & Frontier Touring Present

Bliss n eso - flying colours 15th anniversary tour, event details.

Doors Open: 8pm | MLBRN: 8.30pm | Bliss N Eso: 9.30pm

Illusive Presents & Frontier Touring Present BLISS N ESO Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour    

Illusive Presents and Frontier Touring are excited to bring legendary Australian hip-hop trio Bliss n Eso back to the stage in 2023 with their Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour this October.

To celebrate 15 years after their career defining album, the upcoming Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour symbolises the moment everything changed for Bliss N Eso and this is a chance for them to thank their fans!   Bliss n Eso will be performing the ARIA Award winning Platinum certified top 10 Flying Colours album in its entirety, which includes the hit singles ‘ Woodstock 2008 ’, ‘ Bullet and a Target ’, ARIA Platinum ‘ The Sea is Rising ’ and ARIA Gold ‘ Eye of the Storm ’ plus performances of their biggest catalogue hits with a few surprises in store!

Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers. We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed on the Frontier website.  

PRE-SALE TICKET LIMIT: There is a strict pre-sale limit of four (4) tickets per customer on this event. Persons who exceed the ticket limit may have any or all of their orders and tickets cancelled without notice. This includes orders associated with the same name, e-mail address, billing address, credit card number or other information. GENERAL PUBLIC TICKET LIMIT: There is a strict limit of ten (10) tickets per customer on this event. Persons who exceed the ticket limit may have any or all of their orders and tickets cancelled without notice. This includes orders associated with the same name, e-mail address, billing address, credit card number or other information. IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION: https://illusivepresents.com/terms-of-sale/   VIP T&Cs can be viewed at https://frntr.co/BlissnEso23VIP

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Bliss n Eso Add More Shows to ‘Flying Colours’ Anniversary Tour

By Emmy Mack

Bliss N Eso ‘s 2023 national tour toasting the 15th anniversary of their ARIA Award-winning, Platinum-certified album  Flying Colours just got girthier. After a massive presale demand, the Aussie hip-hop trio have announced extra shows in both Sydney and Melbourne. The new Melbourne event will hit 170 Russell on Wednesday, 11th October, while the fresh Sydney date will go down at the Metro Theatre on Thursday, 19th October.

• UPDATE 26/07/2023: Extra Brisbane show added after 21st October gig sells out.
• UPDATE 10/08/2023: Second show announced in Hobart; Melbourne completely sold out. Details below.

Bliss n Eso – ‘The Sea Is Rising’

Tickets to the newly announced dates are on sale to the general public right-the-heck now, as are tickets to the previously announced bad boys.

Kicking off this October, the trio will now perform the LP in its entirety on eight stages across the country, with shows in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney and Brisbane.

“Honestly, this album was such game changer for us and we’re so pumped to be hitting the road to celebrate its 15th anniversary with all our beloved fans,” MC Bliss aka Jonathan Notley said in a press statement. 

“We are blessed to have had such an amazing career that is still as strong as ever and  Flying Colours  was truely such a pivotal point in our trajectory. Even when I play it today I can really hear that monumental shift in our sound and growth as artists. It’s rare these days that a body of work stands the test of time and still means so much to so many people,” he continued.

“Even more than winning our first ARIA award with this album, it was the deep connection with our fans this album created that really spawned the fanbase we have today and that’s what means the most. There’s so many bangers on this record that are constantly requested but we rarely get to play live, so to break these bad boys out for the first time in years and let em rip all together is going to be INSANE.”

The group’s defining LP will be pressed on vinyl for the first time to commemorate the big milestone, with limited edition transparent red and gold options available. It will be ready for your record players on Friday, 3rd November (pre-order it  here  now).

Bliss n Eso’s  Flying Colours  album was released on 26th April, 2008, and featured the hit singles ‘Woodstock 2008’, ‘Bullet and a Target’, ‘The Sea is Rising’ and ‘Eye of the Storm’.

Bliss n Eso  Flying Colours  15th Anniversary Tour

• Friday, 6th October – Metropolis Fremantle, Fremantle WA – SOLD OUT
• Saturday, 7th October – Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide SA
• Wednesday, 11th October – 170 Russell, Melbourne VIC – SOLD OUT
• Friday, 13th October – 170 Russell, Melbourne VIC – SOLD OUT
• Saturday, 14th October – Uni Bar, Hobart TAS – SOLD OUT
• Sunday, 15th October – Uni Bar, Hobart TAS – NEW SHOW
• Thursday, 19th October –  Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW – NEW SHOW
• Friday, 20th October – Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW – SOLD OUT
• Saturday, 21st October – The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD – SOLD OUT
• Sunday, 22nd October – The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD – NEW SHOW

Tickets on sale now   via Frontier Touring

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Bliss n Eso: Hip-hop legends announce Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour

Aussie hip-hop trio Bliss n Eso have announced their Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour which will kick off in WA before travelling the country later this year.

Following a huge 2022 touring up and down the country on not one but two Australian tours, Bliss n Eso will take on six huge new dates kicking off on Friday, October 6 at Metropolis Fremantle.

The legendary trio will then head to Adelaide on October 7, onto Melbourne’s 170 Russell on October 13, Hobart’s Uni Bar on October 14, Sydney’s Metro Theatre on October 20 before heading to The Tivoli in Brisbane for their final show on Saturday, October 21.

Jonathan Notley — aka MC Bliss — said the group’s career-defining Flying Colours album was a “game changer” and couldn’t wait to hit the road to thank the fans.

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“We are blessed to have had such an amazing career that is still as strong as ever and Flying Colours was truly such a pivotal point in our trajectory. Even when I play it today I can really hear that monumental shift in our sound and growth as artists. It’s rare these days that a body of work stands the test of time and still means so much to so many people,” he said.

“Even more than winning our first ARIA award with this album, it was the deep connection with our fans this album created that really spawned the fanbase we have today and that’s what means the most.

“There are so many bangers on this record that are constantly requested but we rarely get to play live, so to break these bad boys out for the first time in years and let em rip all together is going to be insane.

“And of course to finally release this truly special album on vinyl for the first time ever is just the icing on the cake!”

Bliss n Eso will be performing the ARIA award-winning Platinum certified top 10 Flying Colours album in its entirety, which includes the hit singles Woodstock 2008, Bullet and a Target, The Sea is Rising and Eye of the Storm plus a few surprises up their sleeves.

To commemorate the tour, the original Flying Colours album will be pressed on vinyl for the first time with pre-orders live from July 20.

Limited VIP, meet and greet, vinyl and merch bundles will be available for all shows

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Bliss n Eso Announce ‘Flying Colours’ 15th Anniversary Tour

Released in 2008, ‘flying colours’ became the group’s first top 10 hit on the aria albums chart, conor lochrie, conor lochrie's most recent stories.

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Bliss n Eso are hitting the road to celebrate their third album, Flying Colours .

Released in 2008, Flying Colours was a massive commercial and critical success for the trio, becoming their first top 10 hit on the ARIA Albums Chart. It later became only the second Australian hip hop album to be certified gold, while it also won the group the 2008 ARIA Award for Best Urban Release.

15 years after its release, Bliss n Eso will celebrate Flying Colours on an Australian tour, stopping in Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney, and Brisbane this October (see full dates below).

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, July 20th at 10am local time. The Frontier Members pre-sale begins on Tuesday, July 18th at 10am local time.

To commemorate the tour, the original Flying Colours album will be pressed on vinyl for the first time, giving fans the ideal reminder of one of the biggest Australian hip hop albums of the noughties. The vinyl – which comes in Transparent Red and Gold – will be available to pre-order from Thursday, July 20th before its release on Friday, November 3rd via Flight Deck/Mushroom.

“Honestly, this album was such a game changer for us and we’re so pumped to be hitting the road to celebrate its 15th anniversary with all our beloved fans,” says MC Bliss. “We are blessed to have had such an amazing career that is still as strong as ever, and Flying Colours was truly such a pivotal point in our trajectory.

“Even when I play it today I can really hear that monumental shift in our sound and growth as artists. It’s rare these days that a body of work stands the test of time and still means so much to so many people.”

Bliss n Eso Flying Colours 15th Anniversary Tour

Presented by Illusive Presents & Frontier Touring

Frontier Members pre-sale begins Tuesday, July 18th (10am local time) General sale begins Thursday, July 20th (10am local time)

All shows 18+

Friday 6 October Metropolis Fremantle | Fremantle, WA oxtiz.com.au

Saturday 7 October  Hindley Street Music Hall | Adelaide, SA moshtix.com.au

Friday 13 October  170 Russell | Melbourne, VIC moshtix.com.au

Saturday 14 October  Uni Bar | Hobart, TAS oxtiz.com.au

Friday 20 October  Metro Theatre | Sydney, NSW ticketek.com.au

Saturday 21 October  The Tivoli | Brisbane, QLD ticketmaster.com.au

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'I hid an NWA tape under my bed' Bliss N Eso on discovering hip hop and their 'fake rap' beginnings

• X (formerly Twitter)

MC Bliss – one half of Bliss N Eso , one of Australia's most enduringly popular hip hop groups – can vividly remember the first time he fell in love with the genre.

"The first song I heard was 'O.P.P.' by Naughty By Nature and it was on WPGC in [Washington] DC which is the big radio station that plays all the hip hop music."

Bliss, then just an American kid going by Jonathan Notley, couldn't afford to buy the 'O.P.P.' single. But he could get blank cassette tapes.

"I had to wait all day for this song to come on because I loved it. And I recorded it and recorded it, so it just looped," he told Tim Shiel on Double J Arvos. "Every time it came on I recorded it again and again.

"I have this vivid memory of standing on the baseball field with my Walkman… You know how smells [trigger] memories? It's fresh cut grass, listening to this song. That was the moment for me I just fell in love with hip hop."

In 2023, Bliss and his counterpart, Max 'Eso' McKinnon , are celebrating 15 years since the release of their breakthrough third album – the ARIA-winning, Hottest 100-debuting Flying Colours – with a reissue and upcoming national tour.

That, combined with current 50 years of hip hop celebrations , has the pair looking back. Way back.

"I was possibly six or seven years old. I was lucky enough to go over to the States to Los Angeles for a few trips with my parents," Eso said of his first time experiencing hip hop.

"We were on Venice Beach and my dad bought me one of those fluoro bloody yellow Walkmans." And what to play on it? Power Rap , a random compilation purchase.

"It had just a graffiti picture of a stereo on it – you couldn't' even tell what was on this tape until I was flying back from America on the plane back to Sydney. I was rapping the lyrics out loud… there were some swear words.

"It was Slick Rick and I was putting on Slick Rick's voice [mimicking] 'okay everybody let's all get down'. My mum was going 'what are you listening to!?' They kept trying to take that tape away from me – throw it in the fire or say they'd lost it. But every few years I'd find that tape in the house."

Bliss' folks were more extreme.

"My dad used to censor my records. When they finally clued into what I was listening [to] I had all my CDs taken off me. My dad literally sat down with the boom box and cassette recorder and he listened to every song and decided 'okay you can have this one, this one'.

He remembered there was a lot of Heavy D ("because he doesn't swear") and, much to Bliss' relief, a 2Pac track that slipped through the cracks.

"' Brenda's Got A Baby '… I fell in love with 2Pac on his second album and all my favourite songs were taken away from me and I had to do the sneaky and try and listen to them elsewhere.

"I remember I used to have an N.W.A. tape literally hidden under my bed. For my parents it was a Playboy or something, it was crazy."

The beginnings of Bliss N Eso

By the time Bliss emigrated from the US with his family in the early 1990s, he met and bonded with McKinnon over a shared love of rap on the first day of high school in Sydney's north shore.

"This is the point in Australia where hip hop was pretty much non-existent, especially the local scene. It was dominated by rock and pop out here. You'd got to a CD store you'd have to dig hard to maybe find an Ice Cube record or something like that – it was not around.

"And so at school, none of the kids were listening to hip hop… except this one guy named Max. And we became friends because we were both into hip hop."

Fans will be familiar with that part of the Bliss N Eso origin story but maybe not so much the bit where the group "started off a blatant lie" from Bliss to impress his new mate.

"One day I came to school – remember the song C&C Music Factory 'Everybody Dance Now' ? That had just come out in the States but it hadn't really blown up here yet. I knew the verse off by heart, this rapid-fire verse, and I spit it to Eso in the schoolyard and I told him I wrote it.

"He was like 'Woah, damn man' so he went away that night 'if this dude can write something, I can write something' he went home and he wrote a rap. He came to school the next day and he rapped what he had legitimately written it. I was like 'This guy, man. I lied to him and he's actually written a rap!' he made me think 'okay, I've gotta go home and write one'

"I did that, and that was our first rhymes. We started off basically me lying to him but it was that self-belief and encouragement that we could do it."

Memories of  Flying Colours 

In 2000, after filling out the line-up with DJ Izm , Bliss N Eso released their first music and played their first shows.

After mixed responses to their first two albums, Flowers In The Pavement (2004) and Day of the Dog (2006) Bliss N Eso had a creative and commercial breakthrough in 2008 with Flying Colours .

"Flying Colours felt like everything fell into place and we really started honing in in our sound," Bliss said. "We got a really cohesive body of work together and I think that reflects in the finished product."

Bliss remembered it being a huge turning point as their profile and popularity spiked.

"When we released it, I think we played a 1000-person venue – like The Metro in Sydney or the Corner in Melbourne. And by the end of that cycle, we did two tours of it, we were doing sold out Festival Hall [shows]. That was the growth."

Flying Colours won the ARIA Award for Best Urban Release while tracks like 'The Sea Is Rising', 'Woodstock 2008' and the Angus & Julia Stone sampling 'Eye of the Storm' cracked triple j's Hottest 100.

Of the latter track, Bliss recalled: "I think it was one of the first times a local Australian act had sampled something from a different genre within Australia, especially something current."

He remembers first hearing Angus & Julia Stone's 'Paper Aeroplane' while hanging out in a friend's kitchen. "And being like 'This is dope! What is this!?' I took it to our producer 'we should flip this sample' and that became 'Eye of the Storm'."

The pair have plenty of amazing memories from Flying Colours . Like the time they went to Africa and recorded a music video with a "21-piece African Zulu Choir, recording in mud huts in a village."

"It was a really special time and now to be coming back full circle, 15 years later, and to see how much interest is still there in this album. We've got 10 shows and seven are already sold out.

"It's crazy and a beautiful thing because the music [is] a part of the soundtrack to their lives, and everyone's got a different story about a particular song and what it means to them.

"It's just a beautiful thing to be able to connect through music to a stranger you've never met but have this thing in common. And then be able to celebrate that live on stage.

"We've been in the game for a minute. We did our first show in the year 2000 and before that obviously we were teens making songs on cassette tapes. 

"So, it's incredible to see how far hip hop has come. We are blessed and so grateful to be part of this journey and helping build the story of what hip hop is."

Catch Bliss N Eso at the following dates. Find more info at the  Frontier Touring website .

Fri 6 October – Metropolis: Whadjuk Noongar Country, Fremantle (sold out)

Sat 7 October – Hindley Street Music Hall: Kaurna Country, Adelaide

Wed 11 October – 170 Russell: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, Melbourne (sold out)

Fri 13 October – 170 Russell: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, Melbourne (sold out)

Sat 14 October – Uni Bar: muwinina Country, Hobart (sold out)

Sun 15 October – Uni Bar: muwinina Country, Hobart (18+ afternoon show)

Thr 19 October – Metro Theatre: Gadigal Land, Sydney (new show) Fri 20 October – Metro Theatre: Gadigal Land, Sydney (sold out)

Sat 21 October – The Tivoli: Jager Turrbal Land, Brisbane (sold out)

Sun 22 October – The Tivoli: Jager Turrbal Land, Brisbane (sold out)

Bliss N Eso expand 15th anniversary tour for Flying Colours

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Bliss N Eso (formed in 2000) is a popular Australian hip hop trio best known for their chart-topping albums “Running on Air” and “Circus in the Sky”, hailing from Sydney, Australia.

Comprised of school friends Jonathan Motley (MC Bliss), Max MacKinnon (MC Eso), and Tarik Ejjamai (DJ Izm), Bliss N Eso was originally formed as Bliss N Esoterikizm in 2000. Upon forming, the group released their debut EP “The Arrival”, followed shortly afterwards by a promotional mixtape. Bliss N Eso subsequently honed their live performance skills playing around the Sydney area and trying to court labels to secure future releases. In 2004, after signing with Obese Records, the group issued their debut full-length “Flowers in the Pavement”. The record earned Bliss N Eso an Artist of the Year nomination at the 2004 Music Oz Awards and a supporting slot opening for 50 Cent on his “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” tour.

The trio subsequently switched labels to Illusive Sounds ahead of their sophomore release, “Day of the Dog”, which arrived in March 2006. The album marked Bliss N Eso first forays into the Australian charts and saw “Day of the Dog” rise to No. 45, aided by the singles “Up Jumped the Boogie” and “Party at My Place” featuring Motley. This generated the group considerable momentum moving forward and led to the release of their third studio album, “Flying Colours”, in April 2008. Charting at No. 10 on the Australian Albums Chart, “Flying Colours”, features the 20-strong African Zulu Choir, The Zulu Connections, as well as Debaser, Hyjack, and Phrase.

In 2010 Bliss N Eso enjoyed their greatest success to date with their No. 1 album “Running on Air”. Released in July 2010, the platinum selling album earned a string of positive reviews and spawned the singles “Addicted”, “Down by the River”, and “Reflections”. The band were able to match this success on their subsequent 2013 album, “Circus in the Sky”, which also found the top spot on the Australian Albums Chart. Aided by the single “House of Deams”, “Home Is Where The Heart Is”, and Reservoir Dogs”, the album features the likes of Nas, Seth Sentry and transformed Bliss N Eso into a household name.

Live reviews

You usually don't expect to see a piano or violins featured center stage at a hip hop concert but that's just one thing that separates Bliss N Eso from more traditional acts. Unconventional as it may seem, the shows are quite enjoyable and are unlike anything you might have seen before.

The lyrics are at least on par with other hip hop artists as the rappers work together quite well to build vocal melodies. The Australian group consists of only three actual members but are often accompanied by other musicians ranging anywhere from the aforementioned piano or violin to rock guitars and singers. This mix of several different genres gives the music a unique taste that nevertheless feels familiar enough to be approachable and somehow never loses its core focus of rap and hip hop.

The performance is at times lower key and at times more pronounced than is typical of the hip hop scene. When the piano or other instruments are playing and the lights are down, there is a more serene sense and the crowd responds with the modern equivalent of holding their lighters in the air, holding up their smartphones. But when the chorus is reached and the music fades and the rap turns hard core, the phones disappear and the dark stage is lit up by a pyrotechnics and light show usually more at home during a rock anthem.

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A bit disappointed, i just felt the set of songs wasn't right, they should have played more the tracks that have a greater depth and meaning. The group it self just seemed to be going through the motions. Glad i went however wasn't particularly wowed by the night. 6/10.

B & E let it rip from the start till the end, one of the best performances I have seen from them. The crowd was at frenzy point throughout the concert. Don't leave it another 2 years boys..

Seeing Bliss N Eso on their first ever show for their Off The Grid tour was epic! Wildest show I've ever been to. Bliss n Eso tear the roof off every time the perform. Rock n roll baby!

Epic! Best concert I've ever been too. The guys did amazing. Perfect play list. Interacted with the crowd. Worth every cent. A night I'll never forget. Great venue and atmosphere

Bliss, Eso & <3 ISM... Oh my goat... I fall in love with them every single day! Plenty of merchandise, Vibe was awesome, crowd loved it... killa illa as alwayz...

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Bliss N Eso is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 2 concerts across 1 country in 2024-2025. View all concerts.

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Hands up if you’re ready to be dazzled! From a ceremony structure designed to float on water to a jaw-dropping reception room with flowers blooming from every service, we’re swooning over every bit of this wedding. If you can believe it, that’s just the beginning. Julia Kaptelova artfully shot every detail, like the ballet performance guests were treated to and snow falling from the ceiling for the first dance! Prepare to be amazed and take a visit to the full gallery .

From About You Decor … Our design is a symbol of dawn and a distant endless horizon. Ahead is a long, happy life without any borders. An international couple, Pavel and Cherry, met in London and have been walking together for many years.

From the Bride, Cherry… My husband and I we decided to have our summer wedding in Moscow because the city is where his roots are. As we knew we were going to have the other wedding ceremony in China, we wanted our Moscow one to be very personal and intimate. We’ve known each other since we were fourteen, together with many of our friends whom we’ve also known for a decade.

I didn’t want to walk down the aisle twice so the plausibility of my request quickly came into discussion. The open pontoon stage was constructed in order to facilitate the bridal entrance on water, although there were concerns about safety as the last thing we wanted was probably a drowned bride before she could get on stage, picture that! I have to say on that day it wasn’t easy to get on the pontoon stage from the boat, in my long gown and high heels. Luckily my bridesmaids still noticed even though they stood the furthest from me on the stage, and helped me out without prior rehearsal. My girls could just tell whenever I needed a hand or maybe they were just so used to my clumsiness. Who knows 😂

We all love our photographer Julia! She’s so talented and her style is so unique. Our beloved host Alex is exceptional who made everyone laugh and cry. It was truly a blessing to have so many kind and beautiful souls on our big day. Thank you all!

[iframe https://player.vimeo.com/video/384992271 600 338]

Photography: Julia Kaptelova Photography | Wedding Planner: Caramel | Cake: Any Cake | Invitations: Inviteria | Rings: Harry Winston | Band: Menhouzen | Grooms attire: Ermenegildo Zegna | Wedding Venue: Elizaveta Panichkina | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Marchesa | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Alice McCall | Bride’s gown : Jaton Couture | Bride’s shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Decor : About you decor | Earrings: Damiani | Muah: Khvanaco Studio | Video: Artem Korchagin

More Princess-Worthy Ballgowns

I’m still not convinced this Moscow wedding, captured to perfection by  Sonya Khegay , isn’t actually an inspiration session—it’s just  that breathtaking. From the beautiful Bride’s gorgeous lace wedding dress and flawless hair and makeup to the pretty pastel color palette and stunning ceremony and reception spaces, this wedding is almost too good to be true. Do yourself a favor and see it all in The Vault now!

From Sonya Khegay … It was the last day of April and still very cold in the morning. The weather forecast wasn’t pleasing and no one expected that the sun would come out, but miracles happen and light rain gave way to the warm rays.

I love how all the details went together, you could feel the harmony in everything throughout the entire wedding day from the morning until the fireworks.

A gentle look of the bride, elegant but so airy and unique decor, the fresh and light atmosphere of early spring and, of course, true happiness in the eyes. My heart becomes so warm from these memories, it is always a pleasure to see the birth of a new family of two loving hearts.

Photography: Sonya Khegay | Event Design: Latte Decor | Event Planning: Ajur Wedding | Floral Design: Blush Petals | Wedding Dress: La Sposa | Stationery: Special Invite | Bride's Shoes: Gianvito Rossi | Hair + Makeup: Natalie Yastrebova | Venue: Rodniki Hotel

• by Elizabeth Greene

You really can’t go wrong with simple: a beautiful Bride , perfectly pretty petals , loved ones all around. But add in an amazing firework show  to cap off the night and simple just became downright extraordinary. Captured by Lena Elisseva , with assistance by  Katya Butenko , this rustic Russian celebration is simply fantastic. See it all in the Vault right here !

From Lena Eliseeva Photo …  This cozy and warm summer wedding of gorgeous Natalia and Anton was in the middle of June. The young couple decided to organize their wedding themselves, and the day was very personal and touching. I am absolutely in love with rustic outdoor weddings, and this one is my favourite because of the free and easy atmosphere.

All the decor excluding the bride’s bouquet was made by a team of ten friends of the bride and groom. And it was charming – a light and beautiful arch, eco-style polygraphy and succulents, candy-bar with caramel apples and berries – sweet joys of summer.

At the end of ceremony the guests tossed up white handkerchiefs embroidered by Natalia’s own hands.

The most touching moment was the happy eyes of the groom’s grandmother, the most estimable person on the wedding. And the fireworks were a bright end to that beautiful day.

Photography: LENA ELISEEVA PHOTO | Floral Design: Katerina Kazakova | Hair And Makeup: Svetlana Fischeva | Photography - Assistance: Katya Butenko

These photos from Lena Kozhina are so stunningly beautiful – as in you can’t help but stop and stare – it’s hard to believe it’s real life. But these pics are proof of this gorgeous Bride and her handsome Groom’s celebration at Moscow’s Fox Lodge , surrounded by vibrant colors and breathtaking blooms . Oh, and the idea of prepping for your Big Day outside in the sun ? Brilliant. See more bright ideas right here !

From Lena Kozhina … When we met with the couple for the first time, we immediately paid attention to Dima’s behavior towards Julia. There was a feeling of tenderness and awe, and we immediately wanted to recreate this atmosphere of love, care and warmth on their Big Day.

Later, when we had chosen a green meadow and an uncovered pavilion overlooking a lake as the project site, it only highlighted a light summer mood with colorful florals and a great number of natural woods. The name of the site is Fox Lodge and peach-orange color, as one of the Bride’s favorites, set the tone for the whole design – from the invitations, in which we used images of fox cubs to elements of serving guest tables and other decorative elements with the corresponding bright accents.

Photography: Lena Kozhina | Event Planning: Ajur Wedding | Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara | Shoes: Marc Jacobs | Catering: Fox Lodge | Makeup Artist: Elena Otrembskaya | Wedding Venue: Fox Lodge | Cake and Desserts: Yumbaker | Decor: Latte Decor

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635th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment

635-й зенитно-ракетный полк

Military Unit: 86646

Activated 1953 in Stepanshchino, Moscow Oblast - initially as the 1945th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment for Special Use and from 1955 as the 635th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment for Special Use.

1953 to 1984 equipped with 60 S-25 (SA-1) launchers:

• Launch area: 55 15 43N, 38 32 13E (US designation: Moscow SAM site E14-1)
• Support area: 55 16 50N, 38 32 28E
• Guidance area: 55 16 31N, 38 30 38E

1984 converted to the S-300PT (SA-10) with three independent battalions:

• 1st independent Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion (Bessonovo, Moscow Oblast) - 55 09 34N, 38 22 26E
• 2nd independent Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion and HQ (Stepanshchino, Moscow Oblast) - 55 15 31N, 38 32 23E
• 3rd independent Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion (Shcherbovo, Moscow Oblast) - 55 22 32N, 38 43 33E

Disbanded 1.5.98.

Subordination:

• 1st Special Air Defence Corps , 1953 - 1.6.88
• 86th Air Defence Division , 1.6.88 - 1.10.94
• 86th Air Defence Brigade , 1.10.94 - 1.10.95
• 86th Air Defence Division , 1.10.95 - 1.5.98

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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