Whereas much of punk's revolt quickly became mired in clumsy politics (The Clash) and caricature (Generation X), it wouldn't be overstating the case to say that Wire were among the only real subversives. Their reconceptualizations of song structure and content and their expansion of the possibilities of performance pushed rock in directions that many of their contemporaries in the class of '76 would have been hard-pressed even to imagine.
- Popmatters
 
Since their formation in London in 1976, WIRE have delighted and disturbed in equal measure, troubleshooting the circuitry of perfect pop, or patrolling the limits of focused experimentalism.
 
Wire came to prominence through the cultural revolution of punk in the UK, the effects of which were felt throughout the latter half of the 1970s. More than any other group from that period, Wire embraced the purpose of punk as a minting of otherness and newness—as a response to the notion of modernity itself reaching critical mass.
 
As removed from self-conscious intellectualism as they are from the inherent conservatism of much rock music, Wire employ their unique, endlessly restless and risk-taking creativity to question every aspect of song-writing.  In terms of performance, Wire exchange the traditional heroics of live rock for the rhetoric of incitement, while remaining irresistibly entertaining.
 
Presented by Popfrenzy and RRR

Wednesday, January 19  |  The Corner MELBOURNE
Tix via cornerhotel.com
Thursday, January 20  |  Beck’s Festival Bar Sydney Festival SYDNEY
Tix via ticketmaster.com.au
Friday, January 21  |  MONA 2011 HOBART
Free entry mofo.net.au
 
Sunday, January 23 |  MONA 2011 HOBOART
Free entry mofo.net.au

Tuesday, January 25  |  The Bakery PERTH
Tix via lifeisnoise.com
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
*Sydney Festival tickets on Monday November 15
WIRE live performing "Pink Flag" and "12XU" here