Tattoos have a longstanding relationship with music. Countless fans have taken it upon themselves to etch the logos of their favourite bands onto their skin forever as the ultimate show of faith, while many musicians the world over also boast their own sets of sick tats.
In case you hadn’t heard, there’s a massive tattoo festival coming to Australia. Rites of Passage brings over 250 tattoo artists under one roof to Sydney for a weekend, and to prep ourselves (and maybe give you an idea or two) we’re taking a look at some of the best tats some of our favourite musicians are rocking.
Maybe it’s time you got that tattoo you’re always talking about? Rites Of Passage is the best chance you’ve had in years, bringing the world’s best artists to Sydney and Melbourne.
Pikachunes
Every time we run into this Pikachunes, it seems like he’s picked up some new ink. A personal favourite is relatively recent; a tattoo of Rick and Morty character Mr. Poopybutthole on his forearm, done by dirtsqid.
Georgia Maq
The lead singer of Camp Cope bares her band’s influences, motivations and backbone on her arm. There’s a tat of her trusty Volvo/tour wagon, a quote from The X-Files and art of an astronaut, the latter two declaring Camp Cope’s love of the universe and science fiction.
HTMLFlowers
Melbourne’s visual artist/musician HTMLFlowers is also a tattooist. Most of his tattoos were done DIY-style, and he’s spoken before about his love of the stories people tell him while he’s giving them tattoos.
Sophie Hopes
The Tired Lion vocalist has a mean tattoo of the Electro-Harmonix logo tattooed on her right arm. Mad respect.
The Game
We’re including one international act on the list because a set of his tats were done by Nikko Hurtado, who’s going to be at Rites Of Passage. If you want to get inked by the same guy who has seen the likes of Drake and Cheryl Cole in his studio, your chance isn’t too far off.
Dune Rats
The members of the Dunies have the words ‘Dune Rats’ tattooed on their triceps. Go figure. There’s also a tattoo of a bong in there somewhere. Yiew.
Rites of Passage is in Sydney Olympic Park from this Friday until the 16th. Get your tickets here.
For more information on upcoming events in your city, check out our gig guide.
