‘CLAPTRAP’, a documentary about beloved Australian band Kingswood and the longest Australian Tour on record, premiered last Friday night at the Astor Theatre.
A huge success by all accounts, the first night included a special Q&A with the band and Michael McMahon – the executive chairman of Matchbox Pictures. The premiere was followed by a second Melbourne showing at the Thornbury Picture House on the 5th – and a screening at the Pivotonian Cinema in Geelong on the 6th.
Director Darcy Newton said of the event; “It was incredible to be able to share CLAPTRAP with fans of Kingswood and fans of film at the Astor Theatre. Much like Kingswood’s performances, CLAPTRAP is about spectacle and energy – which our premiere event delivered in spades.”
Echoing this – producer Luca Catalano commented “I can’t imagine anything more humbling than having the opportunity to premiere ones debut feature film in the national Mecca of cinema. We are so grateful for the Astor Theatre for screening our film, and Kingswood’s fans for the exceptional turnout.”
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.”
Never ones to keep quiet – The premiere of CLAPTRAP came the same day as a new release from Kingswood – unleashing their cover of Tom Petty’s ‘You Wreck Me’ unto the world along with a string of new tour dates. Fueled by passion, grit, and a relentless pursuit of sonic authenticity, KINGSWOOD breathe new life into this timeless anthem. Their rendition channels the reckless energy of love and destruction, honoring Petty’s legacy, all the while stamping the song with their own signature blend of soulful harmonies, driving guitars, and unfiltered emotion.
CLAPTRAP will screen at further special events in Adelaide, Byron, Brisbane and Sydney, with KINGSWOOD in attendance at the noted dates below, before hitting the road from the end of April for a mammoth 32 date tour across the country.
Tickets for the remaining CLAPTRAP screenings, as well as Kingswood’s upcoming national tour are on sale now.
beehive has been proud to work with Kingswood on their music publicity and music marketing.
REMAINING CLAPTRAP AUSTRALIAN SCREENINGS
** KINGSWOOD attending
Wednesday 9 April Regal Theatre Adelaide SA
SCREENING
Tickets
Wednesday 9 April Byron Bay Palace Byron Bay NSW **
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Tickets
Thursday 10 April New Farm Cinema Brisbane **
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Tickets
Friday 11 April The Ritz Sydney **
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Tickets
THE MIDNIGHT MAVERICKS TOUR 2025
All tickets on sale Friday April 4th 2025 @ 8am AEDT
BUY TICKETS HERE
Friday 25th April Barwon Club Geelong VIC
Saturday 26th April Bridge Hotel Castlemaine VIC
Friday 2nd May Sooki Lounge Belgrave VIC
Saturday 3rd May Odessa Creswick VIC
Friday 9th May Big Easy Radio Aldinga Beach SA
Saturday 10th May Beer Garden Brewing Port Lincoln SA
Sunday 11th May Lefties Whyalla SA
Friday 16th May The Setts Mildura VIC
Saturday 17th May Broken Hill Pub Broken Hill NSW
Thursday 22nd May Crossroads Dubbo NSW
Friday 23rd May Little Albert’s Bathurst NSW
Saturday 24th May The Beer Shed Leumeah NSW
Sunday 25th May Tallagandra Hill Winery Gundaroo NSW
Friday 30th May William Farrer Hotel Wagga Wagga NSW
Saturday 31st May Brady’s Railway Hotel Albury NSW
Sunday 1st June Longstocking Brewery Pambula NSW
Friday 6th June Alice Spring Brewing Co Alice Springs NT
Sunday 8th June Mayberry Darwin NT
Thursday 12th June Roebuck Bay Hotel Broome, WA
Friday 13th June Hula Bar Karratha WA
Saturday 14th June Frothcraft Brewery Exmouth WA
Friday 20th June Frothcraft Brewery Perth WA
Saturday 21st June Frothcraft Brewery Bunbury WA
Sunday 22nd June Six Degrees Albany WA
Saturday 5th July Riverview Pub Tarwin Lower VIC
Sunday 6th July Northcote Social Club Melbourne VIC
Thursday 10th July Avoca Beach Theatre Avoca Beach NSW
Friday 11th July Full Throttle Ranch Buttai NSW
Saturday 12th July Backroom @ Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Sunday 13th July Beach Hotel Byron Bay NSW
Saturday August 30th Gympie Music Muster Amamoor State Forest QLD
Saturday Oct 10th Savannah in the Round Kerribee Park QLD