In 2024, beloved Australian rock group KINGSWOOD embarked on a record-setting live venture, completing Australia’s longest ever music tour. The Hometowns Tour encompassed 112 shows across the span of six months, taking KINGSWOOD to every corner of Australia and to over 60,000 fans.
A mammoth effort for any artist, the experience not only exposed KINGSWOOD to audiences new and alike following the release of their sixth studio album HOME, but it also redefined the group as a live unit. The relentless grind of the tour brought KINGSWOOD closer together, while also pushing them into visceral emotional territory as they navigated such an expansive undertaking on the road.
The entire journey has been documented and beautifully brought to life in a feature documentary film titled CLAPTRAP – a project that will premiere in Melbourne on Friday 4 April at the iconic Astor Theatre, before select screenings commence on the East Coast throughout April.
Directed by Darcy Newton and produced by Luca Catalano, CLAPTRAP provides a compelling insight into the life of a touring musician, while also highlighting the charisma and electrifying nature of KINGSWOOD when they are in their natural element – on stages of all kinds.
Says Newton of the experience, “When KINGSWOOD asked me, a 23 year old filmmaker, to document Australia’s longest ever tour, I knew that if I actually managed to make it home, the film would be very unique and strange. I wanted to create an unreplicable, charming and honest glimpse into the extraordinary world of touring musicians, and this became CLAPTRAP.”
For Catalano and Newton, stepping into the world of live music and touring in this way left an indelible mark on them as creatives; ultimately making for an exciting final product.
As they explain, “We are filmmakers still from a maturing generation, whose voice, perspectives and concerns aren’t hugely represented on the big screen yet. It’s exciting to be able to contribute and complicate this representation. Certainly, this film has been made for fans of KINGSWOOD. If you want to see your favourite rock band wake up together, sleep, eat, argue, dance, drive – and of course, perform – tune in.”
Since the release of HOME, KINGSWOOD have released a seventh studio album in The Tale Of G.C. Townes, and have completed two further national tours. There is still something special about what they were able to accomplish with The Hometowns Tour, and to have it captured forever through the CLAPTRAP film is something KINGSWOOD is struck by.
Songwriter and guitarist Alexander Laska says of the experience, “The documentary process was unusual and fantastical. The most compelling aspect was being aware of, and willfully subjecting to the experience of one’s life being documented in the pursuit of artistic expression.”
Fellow songwriter and guitarist Fergus Linacre adds, “It was surprising how quickly and easily I was able to live as if there wasn’t a camera in my face all day. Credit to Darc and his ability to shoot surreptitiously, and to gain our trust. This enabled him to shoot more real life moments providing the depth and intimacy you experience in the film.”
Kingswood have cemented themselves as one of Australia’s premiere acts across their career, with support from all corners of the industry and a dedicated fan base.
Their long list of achievements and accolades include an ARIA nomination for Best Rock album in 2014; 6x entries in triple J’s Hottest 100 list; 2x ARIA top 10 albums; 4 x nominations at the upcoming 2025 Golden Guitar Awards ; 2x J Awards; National support tours with the likes of AC/DC & Aerosmith; and 70 million total streams across their catalogue.
CLAPTRAP will screen at special events in Melbourne, Geelong, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney, with KINGSWOOD in attendance at the noted dates below.
Tickets available now for Melbourne and Brisbane screenings, with more screenings to be announced across the country soon.
CLAPTRAP AUSTRALIAN SCREENINGS
** KINGSWOOD attending
Friday 4 April Astor Theatre Melbourne VIC **
PREMIERE EVENT
Tickets
Saturday 5 April Thornbury Picture House Melbourne VIC **
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Tickets
Sunday 6 April Pivotonian Cinema Geelong VIC
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Wednesday 9 April Regal Theatre Adelaide SA
SCREENING
Wednesday 9 April Byron Bay Palace Byron Bay NSW **
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Thursday 10 April New Farm Cinema Brisbane QLD**
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Tickets
Friday 11 April The Ritz Sydney NSW **
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT