Another weekend, another winery show. This time I was off to a relatively new Hunter Valley venue, Hope Estate.
Aussie rockers Dallas Crane kicked off the afternoon with a set that offered energy, but little variety. I must admit, I’m just not a Dallas Crane fan. Dave Larkin’s gravelly voice began to grate on me after not too long, and the tunes started to sound all the same. I guess they do what they do well, but it just seems like they do the same thing.
I was a lot more enthusiastic about the Counting Crows, but anyone who knows me wouldn’t be surprised by that. I’ve been a massive fan since the start, and since they’ve only toured Australia once before I was more than ready for a return set. As a fan it didn’t disappoint me, but I can see how many wouldn’t share my view.
The choice of Counting Crows as support act for The Who was a curious one. They’re just so different, and I could tell as I looked around the venue that the difference wasn’t one the bulk of the audience appreciated. I think the Counting Crows could too. And so it seemed that they played to those of us who cared, and disregarded those who didn’t. So there was no “Big Yellow Taxi,” no “Mr Jones,” but such fantastic music for those of us who knew the back catalogue.
I lapped up “Mrs Potters Lullaby,” the sprawling epic so long I never imagined it would make the set list. I was so thrilled to hear “Goodnight Elisabeth” and “Round Here.” I cherished the rambling free form jams and Adam Duritz’s utter abandonment. There is a man that leaves his heart on the stage, performing with such passion and commitment. I can only hope the Counting Crows make a return visit soon, because they deserve to perform for a crowd who really wants to hear them.
As the Counting Crows left the stage I commented to my husband that I couldn’t imagine how I could muster the same enthusiasm for The Who. Sadly I was right. Don’t get me wrong: I love The Who. But last time I saw them live, I remember seeing a lot of flaws. In fact, if the Counting Crows weren’t on the bill, I probably wouldn’t have bothered with a second outing.
But they were, and there I was, seeing a band that was good but just not quite as good as they used to be. Roger Daltrey still swings his microphone cord around like a demon, but his voice shows the ravages of time. Pete Townshend still rocks hard and shows plenty of personality, but there’s something missing. The band doesn’t sound as tight as they should be: I guess that’s what happens when you lose your drummer and bassist. Zac Starkey and Pino Palladino are both fine musicians, but there’s something missing.
While the sound wasn’t quite up to par, the hits everyone came to hear were there. The newer songs they played didn’t quite measure up, but mercifully they were few and far between. For the most part the crowd had all the nostalgic tracks they could hope for. And in many of those songs I could forget about the flaws and just enjoy the show. “I Can’t Explain” and “Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere” came early, starting us all off on the right note. “You Better You Bet” has always been one of my favourites, and it didn’t disappoint here. And I loved hearing “Pinball Wizard” and “See Me, Feel Me” from Tommy.
The Who are getting on a bit, but by delivering the hits that made them famous they’re still put an enjoyable show. But for me the real stars of the night were the younger guys, the Counting Crows.
Image source: own photo