I feel far too young to attend concerts sponsored by APIA. But when the over 50s insurance specialists keep assembling quality line-ups for their annual Good Times shows, it’s hard to resist. And Deborah Conway, The Black Sorrows, Colin Hay, and Mental as Anything is a quality line-up in anybody’s language. Add in the allure of the beautiful Civic Theatre in Newcastle and I knew I needed to be there.

I didn’t realise just how many Deborah Conway songs I knew until she was right in front of me. Or quite how much I love her music. She has such a spirit about her, a presence that is impossible to ignore. She stands strong without bells and whistles. There’s a way about her that draws you in, encouraging you to really hear the music and appreciate even the unfamiliar. One song in particular, “Serpent’s Tooth,” about the love and pain of parenting a teenager, really rocked me. It’s one of the greatest songs I’ve ever heard, and I’m so glad the first time was at a show like this.

It’s just a shame that her performance was marred for me by the woman who narkily tapped my husband on the shoulder before he could even take a photo, telling him to stop snapping. There were no signs about not taking photographs, no warnings on the tickets. In fact, on the Good Times ads flashing on the screen before the show we were encouraged to tag the tour on Instagram! I should have stood up for myself, but I was so shocked I put the camera away, not wanting to make waves.

The Black Sorrows might not have introduced me to as many new songs, but it was wonderful to take a trip down memory lane with them. There’s such a natural chemistry between Joe Camilleri and Vika and Linda Bull. It’s clear how much they respect one another and enjoy playing together, perhaps more so after years apart. The Bull sisters have some of the best voices in the country. The songs haven’t dated one jot, and I loved singing along to each one.

Next was the intermission, enough time for my parents to ask me why I wasn’t taking photos. Appalled at this woman’s attitude, they told me to keep taking photos or give them the camera and they would!

I’m kind of thrilled they gave me that confidence, because it meant I at least captured this photo for you of Colin Hay. His set was the one I looked forward to most and he didn’t let me down. It was one-part stand-up comedy routine, one-part moving musical performance. A strange blend to be sure, but somehow whenever Colin switched gears he brought us right along. His set was largely made up of solo material, unfamiliar to me but breathtaking. I really do need to listen to more of it. However, a couple of Men at Work hits, “Overkill” and “Down Under,” made appearances. The latter is such an Aussie anthem, but it took on a new complexion without the full band. I loved it.

I was less enthusiastic about seeing Mental as Anything after a fairly disappointing performance at last year’s Jazz in the Vines. Martin Plaza was also absent due to his cancer battle, so I didn’t have high hopes. Perhaps performing in a theatre rather than an outdoor venue made all the difference, but they sounded markedly better than they did when a caught them last year. Greedy Smith also performed with so much enthusiasm that there wasn’t the hole left by Martin’s absence I might have expected. Mental as Anything are also responsible for some of Australia’s best party anthems. Having said all that, the band still isn’t one of my favourites. I enjoyed the hits well enough, but the set dragged a little in places for me. No photos because security told me to put the camera away before I got a decent shot. Because the woman behind me had tattled? Perhaps.

The night ended on a high when the Mentals brought back the rest of the performers. Seeing all of these gifted artists on stage just made me marvel at how much talent we have in Australia. I loved watching Deborah Conway singing along with Vika and Linda, like the long lost Bull sister, and seeing Colin Hay join the guitarists from the house band and the Mentals for a jam. I’ve always appreciated Joe Camilleri’s sax prowess, but watching him wail in this section of the show was next level. Needless to say, I needed one more photo. Cranky security and patrons be damned! The performers join in for one last song from each of their careers – “Rock and Roll Music,” “It’s Only the Beginning,” “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Never Let Me Go” – before one last song, the Aussie rock classic “Friday On My Mind.”

This was a superb night of entertainment and one that will see me at the next year’s Good Times show, whether I’m ready for APIA insurance or not! I just hope I don’t sit in front of that woman next time!

Image source: Stephen Katulka