Some legacies refuse to fade. The music of Morphine, the pioneering ’90s “Low Rock” trio, was as hypnotic as it was groundbreaking, built on the sultry fusion of baritone saxophone, two-string slide bass, and drums. But when frontman Mark Sandman tragically died on stage in 1999, it seemed like Morphine’s story had come to an abrupt end.
Yet from that loss, a new sound emerged. Vapors of Morphine isn’t just a tribute—it’s an evolution. Formed in the late 2000s by Morphine saxophonist Dana Colley and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Lyons, the band carries the torch forward, blending fresh material with the unmistakable Morphine sound.
Vapors of Morphine is touring Australia in April and May 2025. In Victoria you’ll be able to catch them at the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne and the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine.
Their latest album, Fear & Fantasy (2021), fuses deep blues, African rhythms, and psychedelic rock, staying true to the band’s moody, intoxicating essence.
The band’s origin is as serendipitous as its music. Before they even met, Colley had unknowingly captured a photo of Lyons’ street band in New Orleans, pasting it into his tour journal. A decade later, the two musicians crossed paths and realized they had matching halves of the same Polaroid—a fateful moment that sparked their collaboration.
Tickets available from www.bigapachee.com.au/batours
VAPORS OF MORPHINE AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES APRIL/MAY 2025
- Sun, April 27: Gumball Fest, Hunter Valley
- Wed, April 30: Crowbar, Sydney
- Thurs, May 1: Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
- Fri, May 2: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine Vic
- Sat, May 3: Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast
- Sun, May 4: Crowbar, Brisbane
