Category: Concert Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Howie Day @ Annandale Hotel, Sydney and Northern Star, Newcastle – 16 and 17 May 2008

I’m here feeling a little sad and sorry for myself, after taking in three gigs in three days. I’m clearly not as young as I used to be. The first was Chris Murphy. The second two were Howie Day.

You might remember me gushing about this Boston native’s first trip to Australia when it was announced some months ago. In fact, I was so excited by it that I couldn’t restrict myself to just one show.

Firstly, if you’re a Whitley fan reading this review hoping to hear what I thought of the headliner, you’re not going to find it. I had the best of intentions of catching his set. But as I drove to Sydney’s Annandale Hotel for the first show on my own, I figured I was better off leaving once Howie was done and seeing it the following night. My husband made the journey to Newcastle’s Northern Star with me, and we were shocked to find Howie wasn’t playing until 10:30 or so. The way I felt after his set was another glaring reminder that I’m just not as young as I used to be, so we ended up leaving to catch some sleep. I’m sure he was brilliant nonetheless.

But he was perhaps not as brilliant as Howie, although I’m completely aware that I’m biased. Howie Day is the kind of guy who can inspire me to drag my butt to a pub and stand for hours in a throng of largely obnoxious people. These aren’t the kind of gigs I like at all. But once that man took the stage I managed to (mostly) block out the people pushing me and the folks talking too loudly and just focus on the music.

As a support act his set was short, but he made sure to cram as much in for the fans who’d eagerly awaited his first Aussie shows. Both nights began with a slowed down version of “Sorry So Sorry.” This paired down acoustic arrangement was markedly different to the version which appeared on his debut album Australia, and it brought a new resonance to the lyrics.

It was that album that made me fall in love with Howie, so I was thrilled to hear two of my favourites, “Ghost” and “She Says” make the sets both nights. “Ghost” was a real highlight, with a frenetic guitar jam created by Howie’s trademark loops. I was also thrilled to hear “Collide” on both occasions, especially in Sydney where the crowd surprised me by launching into an enthusiastic sing-along. I’d clearly underestimated Howie’s popularity here, as most people I meet have never heard of him. We were also treated to some new songs which I hope to see on an album soon.

I was so excited the first time I saw Howie Day on a holiday the United States, I wasn’t sure whether these Aussie shows could possibly live up those memories. They did. I can’t wait to see him back in Australia really soon.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chris Murphy @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 15 May 2008

Last night I had the pleasure of catching Chris Murphy at Lizotte’s. The last time I saw this affable singer-songwriter he was singing head-to-head with the likes of Damien Leith, Dean Geyer, and Bobby Flynn. The stripped-back setting of this Central Coast icon is a world away from the Australian Idol stage, and it allowed Chris to shine.

The first thing that struck me about Chris is just how funny he really is. We saw glimpses of this during his reality TV journey, but without anyone to rein him in Chris was hilarious. In fact, I’m not sure he actually got through a whole song without throwing in a couple of jokes.

Rather than distract, Chris’ hysterical banter broke down the traditional walls between singer and audience, and made you feel like you were a part of the concert experience.

But it wasn’t just about fun and games. When you strip away the humor, Chris still has the power to entertain. He’s simply that good. While performing his original songs or encouraging a cover version sing-along, he always had the audience in the palm of his hand. Chris didn’t restrict his cover repertoire to the songs he made famous during Idol, but treated us to unexpected gems like Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” and The Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight.” But of course, he closed the show with his Idol touchdown track “Evie.”

It’s so refreshing to see an artist like Chris, a man who has come out the other side of reality TV fame thankful for everything it has given him. In fact, he shared with us a song he’s written as a potential winner’s single. It’s got the right amount of inspiration without ever becoming cheesy, but only time will tell whether it’s the next “Angels Brought Me Here.”

In the meantime, I encourage you to see Chris when he’s in your neck of the woods. If you loved what he did on Idol, you’ll lap it up. And if you’re an Australian Idol skeptic, he just might convince you to think differently.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matchbox Twenty @ Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley – 19 April 2008

There are very few bands I’d stand out in the rain to see. But last night I did it for Matchbox Twenty, and I’d happily do it again.

Honestly, I was thrilled the concert went ahead at all. When I awoke in the morning to see rain falling steadily I convinced myself it’d be called off. But it all seemed to clear during the day, and I began to breathe a little easier. That is, until we arrived at Tempus Two to see the ominous black clouds.

The heavens opened up before Thirsty Merc even took the stage. My husband and I donned rain coats and draped plastic over out legs in attempts to stay relatively dry. It was all a little bit futile. Our raincoats didn’t have hoods, so the rain dripped down our noses and spattered our glasses so we could barely see.

Thankfully Thirsty Merc delivered one of the best performances I’ve seen them give in some time. I became an early fan of these guys when I saw them support Maroon 5 way back when, but somewhere along the way their live sets became a little lacklustre. Last night though it was almost like they felt they needed to give back to the poor soggy crowd, to make it worth our while. I was a little disappointed by the Slideshows-heavy set list, but I suppose it was to be expected. But they played those songs with gusto, and for a while it made us forget just how miserable it was to be outside.

Then it was time for the main event. I’ll warn you now, I can’t really talk about a Matchbox Twenty show objectively. I’ve followed them devotedly for the last 12 years, and they simply mean more to me than any other band does. Some might say that they mean more to me than any band should.

So when they started up with “How Far We’ve Come” I was simply overwhelmed. That song was a great big loud energetic blur of emotion for me. I couldn’t help but think exactly how far we have come. When I started to see this band I was an angsty 16-year-old attending high school and working a Coles checkout to make some extra cash. Now I’m a writer, a wife, an aunty. So much has changed, yet this band has been this amazing constant in my life. How far we’ve come indeed.

Pleasant musings over, I started to get a little annoyed. Concert etiquette just isn’t what it used to be. In my day, you’d never dream of moving from your nosebleed seats and standing in front of people who had paid for good seats. You’d also never stand in front of those people and have a conversation rather than watch the band. Needless to say, I might have lost my temper with some rude people who did just that. When you come between me and my favourite band apparently I get quite scary because they scattered. Once I could stand in their spots and actually have a decent view I was so much happier.

Greatest hits tours are interesting, because you’re never completely sure what you’re going to get. Sure there are the obvious singles, but there are rarely enough of those to fill a set. With no new album to spruik, Matchbox Twenty reached back into the vault for some fan favourites.

My favourite part of the set was a stripped back acoustic bracket. It began with “Hang” from Yourself or Someone Like You. I’d never heard it live before, and I was overwhelmed. OK I admit it, I became the token crying girl. I managed to compose myself for “If You’re Gone” but the waterworks started again for “Hand Me Down.” Yes it’s a little embarrassing to admit it, but I tell you so you can understand just how moving their performance was. Few bands touch an audience like that, and it’s a real gift.

Covers have always been a highlight of the Matchbox Twenty live experience, and the band decided to make it extra special this time around. Rob told us that they were learning a different Australian song for each local show, a move that earned rapturous applause. And so they launched into the unexpected Kylie Minogue chart topper, “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.” Yes it was a whole lot better than the original, but I still detest that song. So when Rob said he wasn’t done with the Aussie stuff yet, I breathed a sigh of relief. What followed was an amazing version of Crowded House’s “Better Be Home Soon,” that had the whole crowd singing along.

The night ended with the obvious closer, “Push.” It was a fitting bookend for “How Far We’ve Come,” a look at those early days, the music that inspired me to stand there like a drowned rat and love every second of it.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

k.d. lang @ Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley – 12 April 2008

Last night I joined my parents at the first concert of k.d. lang’s Watershed tour in the Hunter Valley. It was a beautiful night, pleasantly cool and clear, the weather kind to the thousands of devoted fans who made their way to the natural amphitheatre of Tempus Two Winery.

The night opened with King Curly, a strange but compelling band. I don’t recall ever seeing a quartet with a big double bass and trombone, but it somehow worked. Their harmonies were sublime, but the dark lyrics about avenging zombies and homeless bumblebees were unusual to say the least! I lapped up their half hour set which was over far too quickly.

Next up was Slava Grigoryan. He’s such a talented classical guitarist, but this wasn’t the right venue for him. His introverted personality couldn’t fill the large open space, and it was a great shame. It was technically brilliant, but ultimately boring.

Sunrise co-host Melissa Doyle came out to introduce k.d., telling us that her latest album Watershed had just gone to number one. This happy news ultimately set the tone for the evening, one of celebration of one of the world’s greatest vocalists.

I’ve never been a massive k.d. lang fan. I’ve happily listened to her records while visiting my parents, but I’ve never gone out to buy the CDs or see her live before. But I remember catching a concert on the ABC a few years ago and being utterly compelled by her performance. I’m thrilled to say that entrancing presence I saw on the television was just as strong in person.

I was in awe as she delivered heartfelt performances of her originals and famous covers. Her smoky, husky voice just soars, and it’s amazing to behold. “Hallelujah” was such a highlight, but I also loved the vulnerability she brought to “Helpless” and the bittersweet yearning of “Constant Craving.”

k.d. has an amazing ability to inhabit a song. There were plenty of tracks I didn’t know, but her presence is so strong that matters little. She forces you to listen to the lyrics, to hear the stories, and to glory in the music.

What a performer, what a concert. Australian k.d. fans are in for a real treat as she makes her way around the country.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Best. Concert. Ever.

In the music channel today we’re all talking about our favourite concerts. This was a tough call for me. I saw my first show when I was 12 years old, and I’ve been a regular concert goer ever since. I’ve seen some brilliant shows in tiny little bars, and I’ve seen some real spectacles in the arenas. But if I have to single out just one favourite, it’s probably the first time I saw John Mayer live on 27 October, 2002.

My excitement was at a fever pitch from the time the tour announcement was made. Room for Squares had taken up residence in my CD player, and I couldn’t wait to hear those amazing songs live. I was so excited I actually decided to see not just the Sydney show, but the Brisbane one as well.

I’ve seen John another six times since then, but it’s never matched the first. It’s not his fault of course. He still delivers mindblowing guitar solos, quirky soliloquies, and fantastic singalong songs. The differences are part and parcel of success.

Now he plays entertainment centres. On the first show I happily stood in the centre of the front row at the Metro. The sets are more predictable now too, as he must play all the big singles from all those albums. But at that first show we were treated to the more obscure album tracks like “City Love” and “Covered in Rain,” and the fan favourite from his independent EP, “Comfortable.”

It was that song that actually brought me my favourite concert moment too, when at its conclusion John crouched down in front of me, took my hand and pressed his plectrum into my palm. I’ll never forget that.

I’ll catch up with my music blogging colleagues concert stories later, but until then I’d love to hear yours. What is your favourite concert experience?

Image source: own photo 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell @ Mingara Recreation Club – 6 March 2008

Last night I headed out to Mingara Rec Club to see Australia’s own king of swing, David Campbell. The crowd was more diverse than any I’ve seen before, with folks from 18 to 80 filling the auditorium.

They all rose to their feet as David made his way from the rear of the room to the stage, with his band behind him. They played the opening strains of “King of the Road” as David greeted the enthusiastic audience with high fives and kisses.

Once he took the stage he filled it, with the sort of energy and personality I haven’t witnessed for some time. He encouraged us to sing along, and we were all compelled to comply. The upbeat fun continued with a rollicking rendition of “This Ole House.”

Swing and old fashioned rock and roll was the order of the day, but David delivers them both with such passion that the classic tunes never seem dated. His larger than life personality shines through in all of it, whether it’s hamming it up with a cover of his daddy’s hit “Cheap Wine” or joking about recent gay rumours.

While David’s a very funny guy, it wasn’t all lighthearted. His empowered rendition of “That’s Life” was spellbinding, and I felt myself tear up when he played “One for the Road” and “Mr Bojangles.”

David’s touring to support his recent Swing Sessions 2 recording, but he knows people will never tire of this turn as Johnny O’Keefe. So it was a real thrill to hear “She’s My Baby” and of course, “Shout.”

With his penchant for swing standards I suppose comparisons with Michael Bublé are unavoidable. I’ve seen them both live, and I honestly believe David is every bit as good as the Canadian megastar. Both perform with equal measures of cheeky charisma and reverence for the classics. Both make these old songs relevant today. And both are drop dead gorgeous. Don’t wait until Michael’s shows in May to get your live swing fix. David Campbell is touring around the country now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Santana @ ACER Arena, Sydney – 28 February 2008

Last night I headed out to ACER Arena to catch living legend, Carlos Santana. Before entering the venue I had one big question on my mind: “How would he handle the duets?” There’s no doubt that Santana’s recent star-studded duets album are the key to his latest wave of popularity, but without the likes of Rob Thomas, Chad Kroeger, and Steve Tyler on the tour I wasn’t sure how they’d work, or indeed whether they’d make the set at all. I didn’t have to wait long to find out.

As is typical when you’re contending with Sydney traffic, we were running late and missed most of Blue King Brown’s set. I’m not sure it was a great loss though. They’re clearly accomplished musicians, but the three songs I heard tended to sound the same. I can imagine how the early part of the set sounded based on that.

Anyway, Carlos was the main event, and after a confronting look at the pain of war on the big screen, we were ready for a concert of hope. Carlos was clearly the star of the show. I’ve seen a few brilliant guitarists in my time: John Mayer, Tommy Emmanuel, Pete Townshend, and more. But as good as those guys were, Carlos is in a completely different league. The sounds he gets from that instrument are phenomenal. Dad said he heard somewhere that he has the fastest handspeed of any guitarist, and I think that could be true. Wow.

Carlos mostly lets his guitar prowess speak for himself. He’s a man of few words, but what he did say resonated. He received thunderous applause for his comment that Australia has “high moral leadership,” and his endorsement of Kevin Rudd’s apology to the stolen generation. And we all laughed when he said we could have America’s constitution because they weren’t using it.

While Carlos was the main attraction, he was backed up by one of the greatest bands I’ve ever witnessed. Three drummers, another two guitarists, the brass stylings of a trumpet and trombone all led to one hell of a big sound. Often times I felt like I was witnessing a private jam session as these guys launched into extended solos, improvised and natural. Out front we had two stellar male vocalists in Tony Lindsay and Andy Vargas. Their rich soulful voices skillfully delivered Santana’s English and Spanish lyrics.

So back to the question of those duets. If you were a new fan and attended the show based on the strength of those songs alone I think you would have been disappointed. It took until halfway through the show for us to hear a track from Supernatural, the smouldering “Maria Maria.” We certainly weren’t let down by The Product G&B’s absence here. But it was a different matter later in the show when they took on “Smooth.” I know I may be biased as a major Rob Thomas fan, but I really missed his rock and roll rasp. The only other duet that made the cut was the new single, “Into The Night.” It was a sweeter take on this song, but I think I preferred it.

While I love those duets albums, I’m glad most of those songs didn’t make the show. Yes we had Santana, but I think without the added star power of their original singers they would have been a let down.

What we did hear was a whole lot of Santana’s earlier material, which made my dad pretty happy. It was the perfect showcase for these musicians, and ultimately the way this show should be.

Image source: Bsoist @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bon Jovi @ ACER Arena, Sydney – 22 January 2008

I grew up in the 1980s. It was a decade of big hair, big shoulder pads, and big power chords. And if you were a young girl in the 80s, you probably had a dirty big crush on Jon Bon Jovi.

That was more than twenty years ago, but walking into Acer Arena last night it seemed some things never change. While I spotted quite a few mullets, the hair was a little smaller. I didn’t see anyone wearing shoulder pads. But chunky chords are alive and well. And if the deafening squeals were anything to go by, the very same girls still have the hots for Jon.

The music wasn’t much different either. Sure Bon Jovi are still releasing albums and their newer sound has a more country edge, but that didn’t stop them busting out classic cuts from New Jersey, Slippery When Wet, and Keep the Faith.

Considering their massive back catalogue, opening with “Great Balls of Fire” was an odd choice. But the crowd screamed their approval as they watched Jon gyrate like a yesteryear teen idol. You can only imagine the way the already frenzied stadium erupted when they began their next song, “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Hit after hit followed, punctuated by new songs which allowed us to catch our breath a little.

I’ve often wondered how Jon stays looking so svelte, but now I know. He bounces around like he has springs attached to his feet, jumping around the stage with an energy that would impress men half his age. I think I lost a few kilos dancing along last night, so it’s little surprise he stays so slim.

Just when I was sure I couldn’t stand any more Jon moved from the main stage to a smaller one, right in front of me. OK, four rows of fans separated us, but this was so much closer to my childhood crush than I ever imagined I’d be. I got my second wind as we were treated to an amazing acoustic set, starting with “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” and moving into “Blaze of Glory.” Richie joined him on the small stage then for “Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night.” I was having such a good time, which only got better when they launched into two of my favourites “Never Say Goodbye” and “Blood on Blood.”

Then it was back to the main stage for more rapid-fire hits: “Keep the Faith,” “Sleep When I’m Dead,” “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The crowd wasn’t letting them off that easily, and it didn’t take much encouragement before the lads were back for an encore. I struggled to think of the songs they hadn’t played yet, but of course there was more to hear.

We were all back on our feet to enjoy the final three tracks: “Have a Nice Day,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and the obvious closer “I Love This Town.”

Sydney loves Bon Jovi too. They gave us three solid hours of entertainment, and we were all thankful for it. My feet hurt, despite me discarding my high-heeled boots early in the night. My throat was sore from the singing and screaming. Sweat dripped from every pore of my body. I had a brilliant time.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll @ Deep Rock Drive – 19 January 2008

Last night I watched Shannon Noll doing his thing in Las Vegas courtesy of Deep Rock Drive. This cool new website allows people anywhere in the world to experience live music from the comfort of their own homes.

I must admit, I was a little nervous about how my poor Broadband 1 connection would cope with the show but the technology was flawless. It’s like being at your local venue, with a few added extras. I was offered four different camera angles, allowing me to perve on the sexy scarf-wearing guitarist or watch the sort of dynamic footage seen on concert DVDs. The show is also completely interactive, allowing fans to vote for the songs they want to hear from the setlist provided.

I loved this feature, although it frustrated me for the first few songs. I was keen to hear “Shine,” but the tracks from Turn It Up proved popular with fans. He kicked off with the rocking “Everybody Needs a Little Help” before slowing things down a little with “Walls.”

I was so impressed by Shannon’s energy. It was 1 am in the US when the concert began, but if he was fatigued he didn’t let it show. This was the second of Shannon’s Deep Rock Drive gigs, but he seemed determined to give everything to the largely Australian crowd. He happily answered questions about everything the internet viewers wanted to know, from the success of his American shows to the fate of his flavour saver.

A stripped-down version of “What about Me?” was a highlight, followed by my song “Shine.” From there I seemed to be in tune with the rest of the viewing audience, as the set followed my own requests. The vitality of “Shine” was matched by the raw emotion of the ballads “In Pieces,” and “Now I Run.”

I couldn’t help laughing as Shannon played the final song from the set list, “Loud,” and another check box appeared on the screen with one word: Encore. Of course I’d have to click it. It seems like the rest of the virtual crowd did too, because we were then treated to “Lonely” and “Lift.”

Watching Shannon Noll there in America as I sat in Australia, I felt a great sense of pride. He’s come a long way since I first saw him as a slightly nervous rocker on Australian Idol. He’s become such a natural and powerful performer, and an accomplished songwriter. It’s only a matter of time before the United States and the rest of the world realises how talented he is.

Image source: Deep Rock Drive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jackie Bristow, Rick Price, and Mark Punch @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 12 January 2008

Gigs are a lot like singles really. Most of the time you’ve got your standard format: the big commercial success and the B-side. Everyone’s there for the big hit while the B-side, which may actually be very good, tends to act as a bit of padding.

But occasionally you happen upon a show that’s a double A-side: two accomplished artists sharing the bill without any hint of ego. Last night I was lucky enough to attend such a show when Jackie Bristow, Rick Price, and session guitarist extraordinaire Mark Punch graced the stage at Lizotte’s.

I wasn’t familiar with Jackie’s work before the show, but the New Zealand songbird instantly drew me in. She performs with such joy and honesty, it’s impossible not to like her. Jackie’s songs are simple and heartfelt, and their stripped back acoustic delivery allowed the lyrics to shine. I was captivated by her voice: pure and sweet like honey. Needless to say, I willingly forked over some cash for a copy of Jackie’s album after the set.

In constrast, Rick Price seems like an old friend. I first saw him in the early 90s when, as a pimply-faced teenager, I skipped school to see him perform at my local shopping centre. We’ve both aged tremendously since then, but some things never change. He can still take me back to my youth with songs like “Not a Day Goes By,” “Walk Away Renee,” and “Heaven Knows.”

But Rick is more than a faded popstar looking to cash in on a nostalgic crowd. His new songs were magical, showing us that he’s definitely still got it. Without a trace of ego, Rick invited Jackie on stage to accompany him on a cover of The Everly Brothers’ ballad “Let It Be Me.” Watching Rick, Jackie, and Mark together on stage was one of those moments where you know you’re witnessing something special.

I left Lizotte’s with that sensation still lingering. What a night.