[Review] The Counting Crows @ Palais Theatre, Melbourne 03/04/2023
Review By Daron Jacks
I had no expectations about seeing the Counting Crows live, I simply had no idea what to expect.
Like many, I was a Mr Jones Crows fan. There was hardly a household in the ‘90s that didn’t have a copy of August And Everything After in their CD player. Remember those old things?
But that was 30 years ago and having flogged the CD it soon gathered dust on the shelf like so many other great albums before and after them.
Sure, I enjoyed their cover of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi, but I never really stuck with the Counting Crows. And after taking in two hours of their live show at the Palais, I now regret not soaking up the next three decades of their discography.
But I will now.
Checking out the audience filing into any gig usually gives you an understanding of the longevity of the band, and type of fan. So, seeing plenty of middle-aged Melbourne making their way to a seat was guaranteed, but many twenty and thirty somethings were also there.
Maybe they grew up with their parents flogging that fantastic debut album way back when, but their enthusiasm for the later songs only reinforced the Crows have been prolific and no less bloody good musos for many years and counting (pun intended!).
Frank Turner (playing solo without his Sleeping Souls band) warmed up the audience and detailed his 35-year love-hate relationship with his father and the unexpected reconciliation when angry dad came out as transwoman Miranda, hence his song Miranda was a standout.
Counting Crows opened with Hard Candy and quickly got Mr Jones out of the way. It set a tone for songs given some improvisation and not a rigid replay of the recorded version.
Lead singer Adam Duritz entertains with his engaging banter and clear humility, so much so the sold-out Palais felt like and intimate venue.
Colorblind and Omaha soon followed, and a cover of Teenage Fanclub’s Start Again. Big Yellow Taxi got the audience up, but Duritz brought it down with Miami, his story of breaking up with a girlfriend on tour, but not telling her yet.
As the Crows meandered through their albums showcasing their musicianship and storytelling, my wife summed it up perfectly as she leaned in and whispered, “I feel Like I’m at a musical”.
And it did. Stories that touched the heart with sadness and happiness, and the relaxed nature with which each song was delivered by Durtiz talking to the audience.
Rain King once again got bums off seats and for more singing and an encore of Hanginaround and Holiday in Spain closed out two hours on stage.
The Counting Crows are so much more than Mr Jones. They are worth every cent to see live and while it may have taken 30 years to break that cherry, I now have 30 years of songs to explore, and based on their enthusiasm on this Butter Miracle Tour, there’s bound to be more to come.
They still have one show left in Melbourne at Hamer Hall this Thursday before heading to Sydney, so don’t walk, run to snap up these tickets. Easter just got a whole lot better.
You can still catch COUNTING CROWS at the following dates:
April 6th – Hamer Hall, Melbourne
April 9th – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Arpil 11th – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Tickets available here
[Gallery] My Chemical Romance @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne 16/03/2023
My Chemical Romance
Jimmy Eat World
[Review] My Chemical Romance @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne 16/03/2023
The Black Parade, after so many years, finally flooded the grounds outside of Rod Laver Arena for an iconic group that made an explosive comeback pre-Covid, and proved that their powerful performance ability had never wavered in the time they were seemingly gone. Joined by the wholesome pop-punk tunes of Jimmy Eat World, Gerard Way and his ensemble of hellhounds gave fans what they waited for as they tore the roof off the iconic Melbourne Arena.
Jimmy Eat World elevated the energy of an already eager crowd as they injected an enthusiastic dose of pop-punk. Performing an array of hits from their career, this band was a notably significant aspect to this tour given their history starting out and performing with My Chemical Romance, telling tales of their youth in high school and the hardships of starting a rock band at their age, in the community they grew up in. This wholesome, joyful ensemble concluded after a soaring audience roar with the unmistakable rock’n’roll hit, The Middle, a song of hope and the encouragement of following your dreams, no matter the lengths or time it takes.
The interval between both sets was short and sweet, and after being entertained by an roadie seductively vacuuming the stage to the tune of Pony by Ginuwine, before the crowd collectively howled the lyrics to I’m A Believer. The lights dimmed and an ethereal synthy drone rumbled accompanied by fitting dark red beams. My Chemical Romance silently took position as the guitarist plucked the intro to The Foundations of Decay, and decked out in a ladies office attire covered by a long black overcoat, Gerard Way’s incomparable vocals swept us off our feet.
It was extremely difficult to keep off our feet throughout the entirety of this show. Decorated with an incredible backdrop of an apocalyptic city in ruins at the stern of the stage, MCR exceeded all my already high expectations with a heavy instrumental amplification accompanying Gerard Way’s vocal range from angelic youthfulness to monstrous screaming. And it’s not easy to rip the conversation away from the revered heartthrob frontman, as his undying energy and charisma really helped construct such a powerful show. The sold out audience was under his enchanting spell who screamed and jumped to until the perimeter of Rod Laver Arena opened an inch. It was notably difficult to not slip on the puddles of tears throughout the venue, which was understandable that this was such an emotional event for die-hard fans.
The middle of the night shined brightest and received the most noise as hit after hit brought the house down. Beginning with the chat worthy Teenagers, dedicated to Gerard’s ‘badass’ daughter Bandit, followed by the painful lyrics of I’m Not Okay (I Promise), all before pulling up to the 2010 era with Na Na Na. The real emotion hit upon hearing That G note. Of course familiar individuals would know this as the saddening first note introducing the undeniable classic, Welcome to the Black Parade, and oh boy when I tell you that voices were lost and tears fell like Niagara. I tear fell to my eye not to the tune itself, but witnessing the impact that MCR and their music to has to especially younger fans, it’s this power of music that really makes one appreciate the art form.
As stated before, the headbanger of a set remained unchanged for the remainder of the set. Gerard’s witty but in character quips and hollers to the crowd and the precise energy of the band kept thoughts away from any and all gig-weariness. The real kicker for me was the surprise reggae-inspired guitar skanks opening a personal favourite number of mine, Mama, a dark Cabaret tune that in my personal opinion, perfectly captures the Tim Burton-esc, gothic horror theme of My Chemical Romance, what with the catchy chorus declaration of “Mama, we’re ALL going to Hell”. The band abruptly closed the curtains on their performance in preparation for what surely would be an explosive and emotionally driven encore, after the packed arena of fans never broke from the streak of cheering; and screaming, the team re-entered to conclude the set with the heavy fast paced Vampires Will Never Hurt You ending with the follow up of the classic intro number to the album Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, Helena, which was no better way to end this long awaited show. Gerard spiritually embraced all of us collectively in his warm arms quavering the chorus words “So Long, and Goodnight”, harmonised with the strained vocals of countless sobbing fans.
Growing up, I couldn’t help but to catch an MCR hit every now and then, however from what I can remember I was always drawn to every emo theme and grew to admire the group. Finally witnessing a live show of theirs made me appreciate these beautiful memories of youth, and witness the emotional impact Gerard and his gang have on fellow youths, whether they got us through hard times, or phases of dark self reflection. My Chemical Romance, you were a treat.
You can still catch My Chemical Romance at the following shows:
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – March 17,2023
Qudos Arena, Sydney – March 19, 2023
Qudos Arena, Sydney – March 20, 2023
For complete tour, ticket and VIP Experience information, visit: livenation.com.au
[Gallery] Rod Stewart / Cyndi Lauper @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne 14/03/2023
Rod Stewart
Cyndi Lauper
[Review] Rod Stewart / Cyndi Lauper @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne 14/03/2023
Rod Laver Arena was fit to bursting with many getting the memo that the nights proceedings would make an early start kicking off at 6.30pm. The crowds were filing in at a rapid rate everyone keen to not miss one second of this exhilarating night of live music ahead.
Jon Stevens has been a household name for decades, whether it is for his solo work, Noiseworks or his time in INXS, so it was well worth turning up early to catch his set. He gave us a quick fire 30 minutes with all the fans favourites. Opening with Touch he was off and running instantly engaging the rapidly filling venue. His normally raspy voice sounding even more so tonight but it did not hinder his singing ability one bit. Never Tear Us Apart, No Lies, Hot Chilli Woman, the hits were flying, his awesome band delivering the goods. It was the perfect warm up and the receptive audience loved the INXS classic, Don’t Change followed by the mega hit Take Me Back which had phone torches out and Rod Laver shining bright. Thanks Jon it is always a pleasure to watch you in action.
My love and adoration for Cyndi Lauper is no secret so I was overjoyed to see her again, this is her first tour since 2019, and I felt privileged that she had chosen Australia to ignite the fire again. Opening with Hole In My Heart, Cyndi exploded onto the stage with her technicolour suit and mauve mohawk, traditional in her eclectic style. With so many huge hits to choose from they came thick and fast with lots of entertaining banter in between, The Goonies ‘r’ Good Enough had the nostalgia levels high and happened to coincide with Ke Huy Quan (Data in The Goonies) taking out and Academy Award. Cyndi had her trademark jumps on point hands thrown wayward, still launching up on speakers and rolling on the stage, never missing a beat, a very impressive feat. Time After Time dazzled as torches lit up the room, the song so deserving of its stunning reception. I Drove All Night and Money Changes Everything two of my favourites, the massive screens showing a supersized Cyndi in full flight still hitting those long notes with precision and leaving the fans speechless.
There was not a microphone stand that was safe as Cyndi strutted the stage, whacking them into submission with every pass, one of her specialities that never grows old, she commands your attention and holds it for the duration. A stella performer and one who will stand up for her fundamental rights, a perfect segway to Sally’s Pigeons, her 1993 abortion rights song which has been re-recorded to coincide with troubling times in America. Girls Just Want To Have Fun saw everyone up and dancing, singing along as Cyndi held out the mic for us to take over the lyrics, which we happily obliged. True Colours saw out the set, this masterpiece raising the hairs on my arms, such a beautiful song and one we should all take onboard. Be yourself and don’t be afraid to let those ‘true colours’ show, very wise words indeed. As Cyndi left the stage with her amazing band to a standing ovation, I felt fully satisfied and Rod Stewart was yet to even grace the stage!
After a brief interlude it was time for the man himself, Rocking Rod Stewart. It has been quite the time since he has done the long haul to Australia, so we were champing at the bit to get a piece of Hot Rod action. Let me tell you from the minute that glorious man took the stage I was mesmerised. Opening with a crafty cover of Addicted To Love, Rod owned that stage his cohort of musicians and singers were of the highest calibre, crossing every t and dotting every i. The screens were enormous making sure not one person missed any piece of the action, wrapped around every inch of the stage, this show had every bell and whistle so I settled in and prepared to be wowed. And wowed I was, a blistering two hours with ALL the hits this show knew no boundaries and Rod outstanding in his delivery. You Wear It Well, the Faces classic Oh La La and Some Guys Have All the Luck just for starters. Rod joking that “it wasn’t a bad turn our for a Tuesday night” and that “it’s been a long time and we are going to fu*king enjoy ourselves” his banter and cheeky wit were unending and gave us plenty of laughs between songs.
Looking much younger and fresher than his years Rod oozed charisma and charm, still wiggling his butt with the best of them. His energy was infectious, and it spread across Rod Laver Arena as the floor seats were empty their patrons on their feet from start to finish. Twisting The Night Away, It Takes Two and a killer Muddy Waters cover of Rollin’and Tumblin’ were next on the hit list and Rod’s band were blisteringly hot in their hot pink suit jackets, their skills exemplary. I know I did not give them the time they deserved but I only had eyes for one man, and he was holding my attention. Rod had an accompaniment of five of the most talented women I have ever seen, no instrument was off limits, no song unachievable, these girls were mind-blowingly good, and full credit to them they kept the show running during costume changes for Rod of which were many, and added another layer to this already packed to the brim show.
Forever Young, The First Cut Is The Deepest and the glorious Maggie May were next to tick off the list and had the arena singing along with gusto. The huge screens overloaded with wonderful accompaniments all night as Rod worked the stage with the ease of a well oiled machine, knowing exactly how to reel you in and keep you in the palm of his hand for the entirety of the show. The opening bars of Young Turks rang out after Rod joking yet again that the Perth crowd didn’t know this one. It was flawless in its delivery and had everyone’s adrenaline pumping, how many more hits could be left was the question. Followed closely by Rhythm of my Heart which saw Rod donning a blue shirt and yellow jacket in a show of solidarity with the Ukraine, this antiwar song hitting the mark perfectly.
Leaving the girls to give us a red-hot cover of Hot Stuff, Rod returning in full leopard print from head to toe as they took it down a notch with a set of five acoustics. People Get Ready, The Killing Of Georgie Part 1, Tonight’s The Night, You’re in My Heart (dedicated to his beloved Celtic soccer club) and Have I Told You Lately. This brief reprieve gave everyone a chance to catch their breath and revel in the brilliance before the last run of rocking tunes. Baby Jane, Stay With Me and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy nearly brought the house down to wild applause. The big screen alight with some questionable emojis that gave me a giggle, but it wouldn’t be Rod Stewart without a bit of sauciness. After a brief absence from the stage Rod returns to finish out the night with the sublime Sailing, it was a moment to cherish, and I will hold it with me for a long time to come.
There was so much more to this show but of course I can’t reveal everything, you MUST go and see it for yourselves. It will take you on a journey across the decades that have formed the man that is Sir Rod Stewart, and you will love every bloody minute!
You can still catch Sir Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper at the following shows:
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – March 15,2023
A Day On The Green, Geelong – March 18, 2023
AEC Arena, Adelaide – March 21, 2023
A Day On The Green, Mount Cotton – March 25, 2023
A Day On The Green, Mount Cotton – March 26, 2023
Qudos Arena, Sydney – March 29, 2023
Roche Estate, HUnter Valley – April 1, 2023
A Day On The Green, Bowral – April 2nd, 2023
For complete tour, ticket and VIP Experience information, visit: livenation.com.au for A Day On The Green shows please visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au
[Gallery] Alexisonfire @ Hindley St Music Hall, Adelaide 27/02/2023
Alexisonfire
Luca Brasi
[Review] Harry Styles @ Marvel Stadium, Melbourne 24/02/2023
Melbourne was awash with Harry Styles mania as this postponed, rescheduled and pandemic interrupted Love On Tour show finally made it to our Aussie shores. Marvel Stadium was host to this phenomenon and if you missed the memo, you could easily think Marvel was holding the world’s biggest hen’s night! There was feather boas and sequins for miles as every man, woman and their dog donned a cowboy hat (preferably pink) and hightailed it to get a piece of Harry fandom.
The merch room, yes it had its own room, was pumping with long lines for those who didn’t take advantage of the cheeky opening a day before showtime. But needless to say, it was a very popular place and undoubtedly the weekly wage of many will be done and dusted. As I took my seat in Harry’s House it was a spectacle to behold, with over 50,000 people filling Marvel Stadium to the rafters. No mean feat and to think it was only night one!
Opening the nights proceedings was British indie outfit Wet Leg. Relatively new to the scene, forming in 2019, they have raced to fame and have a massive following in their own right. They gave us a forty-minute set with plenty to like. Bring In Love, Wet Dream, Angelica to name a few, finishing out with their debut single Chaise Lounge. They were warmly received and thoroughly enjoyed by the packed house, founding members Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers quite mesmerising bringing the boho feels to a warm Friday night. I am sure they will have gained a new Australian following after their fab performance.
Preshow songs started pumping from the PA and the crowd was instantly up and about, and when Bohemian Rhapsody rang out the phone torches were out and the stadium sang in one voice, adrenaline and nervous excitement radiating from every corner, and to think the show had not yet begun. There was a quiet lull for just a moment as the entire mass took a collective breath and launched into what would be almost two hours of non-stop rollercoaster ride that is Harry Styles. Opening with Music for A Sushi Restaurant the screams were ear piercing, the venue exploding in long pent-up emotions and love for their idol as he took centre stage. His sparkly striped polo and leather pants setting the scene amongst his enormous stage set up, complete with huge screens to give eyes to the people in the back bedrooms. A flood lit runway brought Harry up close to the fans and he used it all night, reading signs and catching almost everything that was thrown his way, hats, balls and boas included.
Golden, Adore You, Keep Driving bringing out all the feels, as Harry weaved his magic working through all his hits keeping the fans captivated every step of the way. Daylight, Woman and then one that is very special to Harry, Matilda. Instantly Marvel lit up with phone torches setting a stunning backdrop as Harry sung from the catwalk stage. A feeling of love overwhelming as the whole stadium harmonised along. A stunning scene and one that will stick with me for a long while. Harry was very gracious to his fans, taking time to banter and chat, helping one girl to come out after reading her sign, and singing happy birthday to another. Those little things that mean the world and are literally a life changing moment for them. Nice one Harry, what an all-round great guy!
Smashing through hit after hit, Little Freak, Satellite and Cinema the crowd here hungry for more and Harry delivered song after glorious song. Treat People With Kindness a lovely addition and really what the night was about, loving everyone no matter who you are, where you come from, your sexuality or your ethnicity. None of that matters, just love openly, acceptingly and be kind to one another. There was no better way to bring the love to the room than with a One Direction favourite and boy did Marvel erupt as the opening chords of What Makes You Beautiful rang out. Everyone’s inner tween bursting out with pride singing next level loud, such a fun song that has stood the test of time and was quite the nostalgia trip for many.
With Harry’s disclaimer that he would not being doing a shoey nor would he ever do it again, it came down to Pauli Lovejoy his percussionist, who happily jumped in and took one for the team. Cheers ringing out as he downed the tainted bevy, clearly not enjoying the experience at all but giving the fans what they wanted. Speaking of the band, they are absolutely fabulous, it is hard to give them your full attention when Harry is upfront, but they are super tight and sounded amazing. Kudos to you all, you kept the night running like clockwork and we cannot thank you enough.
Then a public service announcement from Harry, it’s time to dance and its ok if you haven’t been doing it so far, but now is the time as he launches into Late Night Talking and then the mega hit Watermelon Sugar High. Love Of My Life seeing out the set but of course we knew there were a few mega hits still to come so we sat tight and started the chants and foot stomping to draw Harry back to centre stage.
Harry returned to mind bending screams but took it down just a notch as Sign Of The Times played out, it was sublime and I was momentarily breathless as Marvel lit up, voices united singing this spectacular song as one. The Aussie flag making an appearance several time over the course of the night, Harry draping it around his shoulders, so grateful to his fans, thank you’s coming on autopilot. Clearly overwhelmed by all the love in the room, Harry at one stage stated, “I feel Emotional”. If there is one thing us Aussies can do it is turn up to a party, and I had a feeling we were just about to flip the lid on Marvel Stadium. As the familiar intro to As It Was rang out the fans exploded to life again, singing voices primed just for this moment, and while the show could have ended right there I was hoping for just once little green fruit to pop up to see out the show. Queue Kiwi, and if Marvel had a roof, it would have been raised, the energy was off the charts, the fans overloaded with Harry not wanting the night to end. But nothing can last forever and exhausted, drained of every last bit of energy we lovingly waved goodbye but I am sure many will be back to do it all again tomorrow night.
Tonight’s Love On Tour show was an easy one to sum up, we didn’t just get the Watermelon or the Kiwi we got the whole damn fruit bowl and it was a glorious healthy feast for the mind, body and spirit! Thank you, Harry Styles, for bringing the love and uniting thousands in their pursuit of acceptance and happiness, it was monumental show and one I was so happy to be part of.
You can still catch Harry Styles' Love On Tour at the below dates:
Tuesday, 28th February – Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast QLD
Friday, 3rd March – Accor Stadium, Sydney NSW
Saturday, 4th March – Accor Stadium, Sydney NSW
Tickets available at Live Nation Australia