40up goes national with Brisbane and Sydney parties created for over 40s

With their 'ban on under 40s' making global headlines as far away as the UK (the BBC no less!), Steve Clisby and Stephen Ferris have tapped into something special with their 40up events, and are announcing their national expansion today.

With their launch event at The Basement a sell-out success, the 70s, 80s   90s dance party is expanding across the country, with its second Sydney show the evening before ANZAC Day at Sydney's Slide and its first Brisbane event at Sonny's House of Blues on May 6.

"The whole idea is that you can't even get in unless you're 40-plus, or at least bring a 40-something year old along" said performer and 40up driving force Steve Clisby. "This is how we exercise our right to be over 40 and still party, without worrying about the millennials getting in the way."

Featuring live music, DJ sets and vintage music videos, the duo electrifies their fans with a soul-funk revival of classic dance hits from artists like Barry White, Temptations, Michael Jackson, Chic, Sister Sledge, Kool and the Gang, Earth Wind   Fire, Prince and more.

"We've taken the dinner   dance show concept and turned it on its head. People are always telling me that the thing they love most about my gigs is the chance to get up and dance like they used to - to the music they love. Now there's a party especially for them."

Steve Clisby and Stephen Ferris are true Australian music royalty. Clisby, in his five-decade musical career, has toured and performed around the US, Europe and Australia, and has opened for the likes of Chaka Khan, Kool   The Gang, Tina Turner and Santana. The adopted Aussie hit the charts - and Australian hearts - when he teamed up with judges Seal and Delta Goodrem on The Voice in 2013.

Stephen Ferris' unique DJ-ing talents stem from four decades of spinning hits, beginning in San Francisco where he formed his lifelong passion for soul, be it fashioned in disco, funk, hip-hop, Latin, house, jazz or pop. Ferris has built a cult following in the Sydney club and dance party scene, and his DJ supports include Fatboy Slim, Scissor Sisters, Norman Jay and Grace Jones.

In the 40up classics party, you are guaranteed to boogie with Ferris's show-stopping DJ sets, live music from Clisby and a line-up of special guest artists. Each show features a non-stop backdrop of rare and vintage video footage from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

"We want to get the 40-plus crowd out to party and have a little fun. It's an alternative to a seated concert - this is more about the audience's love affair with the dance floor. Get up, 40up, and dance! And... bring ID" Clisby said.

"There's nothing quite like this in Australia that caters specifically for 40-somethings. It's all about the original music, the dance era and the fun that surrounded that time, but with a fresh, contemporary feel. This makes being older cool."