Rod Paine & The Fulltime Lovers at The Lomond Hotel

A SHORT HISTORY OF A LONG GIG

Fronting the band with his commanding vocals and harmonica, the charismatic Rod Paine is a true showman, boasting one of the most soulful and captivating voices in Australia. Rod has mesmerized audiences across the country for over 30 years. He delivers a sound that blends the gritty energy of Muscle Shoals with the raw intensity of mid-’60s electric Blues. His unique, broken-up harp tones emanate from his 40 year old amp – he’s a hard act to pin down or compare to anyone else.

Backing Rod is the rhythm section of drummer Ray “TT Slim” Tully, and Tony Harwood on bass – a powerhouse duo that has been locking in grooves together for over 35 years. They have played with iconic bands, including The Sensational Rocket 88s, The Redliners, The Detonators, and The Straight 8s. Their tight, unshakable foundation is the heartbeat of the band.

In 2014, The Fulltime Lovers welcomed the exceptional Co Tipping on guitar duties, where his masterful touch with a Fender Stratocaster elevated the band’s sound, expanding their musical reach. This addition marked a new chapter in the band’s evolution. Then in 2020, Michael J Shannon joined in on Hammond organ, adding another layer of depth and colour to the sound. With a vast musical knowledge and expressive playing, Michael has brought a richness to the band’s repertoire that shines through in every performance.

Winning the prestigious MBAS (Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society) Blues Challenge, Rod Paine & The Fulltime Lovers represented the MBAS in 2014, at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) Memphis USA, where they competed with the world’s best, impressing an international audience.

Fast forward to 2023, and after countless shows, tours, and with the renewed energy of a fortified lineup, this potent 5-piece combo released their long awaited, debut album. Studio release “Dirt on Velvet” received wide acclaim, reaching #3 in the Australian Blues and Roots Chart, staying in the Top 10 albums for many months. The album secured Rod Paine & The Fulltime Lovers the accolade of “2023 Band of the Year” at the annual MBAS VicTas Blues Music Awards.

2024 saw the band’s electrifying debut at Blues on Broadbeach QLD, to such success, that footage of them performing, along with their album tracks, featured in the festival’s audio-visual wrap-up promo. By popular demand, the band was immediately re-booked for the 2025 event – and other national and regional blues festivals soon followed. The band’s booking at Port Noarlunga Blues Festival SA, ensured top billing, and became the sound stage for the recording of their latest album “LIVE DIRT”. Their stage song list features renditions of some of their most requested tracks, and is testament to the band’s evolution. Charismatic appeal, performance and music mastery is evident, in the 2025 follow-up to their studio album with the release of “LIVE DIRT”- demonstrating why Rod Paine & The Fulltime Lovers are such an enduring act.

Host or Publisher The Lomond Hotel