Melbourne Ska Orchestra Share New Single & Announce ‘The Ballad of Monte Loco’ Tour

Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s new single, ‘Walls of Jericho’, is taken from the collective’s upcoming new album.

Image David McArthur

Fresh from playing to massive crowds across the world last year as part of their 20th anniversary Outlaws and Offbeats World Tour, ARIA Award-winning collective Melbourne Ska Orchestra returns in 2025 with new single, ‘Walls of Jericho’, and another huge global tour.

Following last year’s single ‘John Wayne’, the band’s latest reggae-infused tune, taken from their yet-to-be-titled upcoming album, explores the horrors of war.

“‘Walls of Jericho’ is a reflection on the futility of war and how history often repeats itself when we fail to learn,” the band explained in a statement. “It questions how easily people are led into conflict, often by those with something to gain. The story draws from ancient symbolism – the biblical tale of Jericho – and uses that as a metaphor for breaking down oppressive systems. Despite its heavy themes, the tune ends with an uplifting singalong chorus – because we always want to shine a light on hope, unity and the strength of people when they stand together.”

Along with sharing the probing ‘Walls of Jericho’, MSO have announced The Ballad of Monte Loco World Tour, spanning dates across Australia, Japan and Canada.

“It’s going to be wild!” the band shared. “These shows will be a blend of the high-energy madness people know us for, plus some deeper, more cinematic moments that really lean into the new record. We’re taking the full 20-piece band across Australia, and the international legs – packed with horns, rhythm, and joyful firepower. Expect dancing, storytelling, and a sonic journey like no other.”

The local leg of the tour kicks off at Sydney’s Liberty Hall on Friday, August 1 and continues with concerts at Canberra’s UC Hub on Saturday, August 2, Cairns Tanks Arts Centre on Saturday, August 9, Geelong’s The Wool Exchange on Friday, August 29 and Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on Saturday, August 30.

The tour continues in September with gigs at Hobart’s Altar Bar on Friday, September 5, Adelaide’s The Gov on Friday, September 12, Fremantle’s Port Beach Brewery on Saturday, September 13, Brisbane’s The Triffid on Friday, September 19 and Gold Coast’s Miami Marketta on Saturday, September 20, with the tour wrapping up with a hometown show at Melbourne’s 170 Russell on Friday, October 3.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now via melbourneskaorchestra.com.

READ MORE: The Beards Return with 2025 Australian Tour

Since forming in the early ‘00s, Melbourne Ska Orchestra have become a force to be reckoned with. Helmbed by bandleader and all-round talent Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio, Bomba, Busyamento), MSO comprises up to 26 members at any one time.

The two-time ARIA Award-winning act have released a string of well-received albums, sold out several national tours and embarked on three international jaunts, performing in cities including New York, Istanbul, London and Tokyo.

Catch Melbourne Ska Orchestra at The Gov on Friday, September 12. Tickets on sale now via Oztix.

Melbourne Ska Orchestra The Ballad of Monte Loco Australian Tour Dates 2025

Friday, August 1 – Liberty Hall, Sydney

Saturday, August 2 – UC Hub, Canberra

Saturday, August 9 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns

Friday, August 29 – The Wool Exchange, Geelong

Saturday, August 30 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Friday, September 5 – Altar Bar, Hobart

Friday, September 12 – The Gov, Adelaide

Saturday, September 13 – Port Beach Brewery, Fremantle

Friday, September 19 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Saturday, September 20 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast

Friday, October 3 – 170 Russell, Melbourne

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