I’m pretty sure I’ve never had a weekend as jam-packed with music as last weekend. I wrote about Fire Fight yesterday, but before all that went down I was dodging showers in the Hunter Valley at Red Hot Summer. Those storms meant this year’s event wasn’t as steamy as previous affairs, but the action on the big stage certainly lived up to the tour’s moniker.
I have been waiting an age to see Boom Crash Opera live. This blog tells me that it was 2014 when my parents were running so late to a Day on the Green concert that I only caught the tail-end of their set. In the years since, Dale Ryder left the band and rejoined! To say I was anticipating their set was an understatement, but they delivered everything I hoped. All the hits performed with the sort of energy and flair that makes you forget this band has been kicking around since the 80s.
Killing Heidi were another act I’ve always enjoyed but never managed to catch live. I’m pretty sure they haven’t lost anything over the years though. Their sound is just as tight as ever, and I can’t imagine Ella Hooper was any more energetic in her teenage years. She knows how to command a stage, bouncing around with a joy and confidence that’s so mesmerising to watch. It’s been a long time since I was an angsty teen, but songs like “Mascara” and “Weir” still resonate. Not even the first of the afternoon’s downpours can dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm.
We went from one strong female-fronted rock act to another, with Baby Animals taking the stage next. They broke the mould when they made Suze DeMarchi. She’s such a strong frontwoman, delivering the band’s hits with a cool confidence that draws you in. Those hits came thick and fast, encouraging the crowd to join their voices for songs like “Painless,” “Early Warning,” and “One Word.” They’re another act that seem to have lost nothing over the years. What a class act.
The Hunter Valley crowd was already enthusiastic, but their excitement certainly kicked up a notch when The Angels took to the stage. I first saw the Dave Gleeson-fronted outfit back in 2014, before Doc Neeson left us. At the time there was a little unease about the situation because this band was born out of a rift between Doc and the Brewster brothers. Now though time has healed all wounds and this band seems like a wonderful way to honour Doc’s musical legacy. Those songs are what matters, and Dave Gleeson performs them with the right blend of reverence and irreverence. It was enough to convert a friend of mine, who arrived at the gig a sceptic but emerged from the sweaty mosh pit singing Dave’s praises.
The Angels turned things up to 11 but The Living End kept the dial right there. They are another ‘90s act who age has not wearied. Their brand of punk is every bit as loud and defiant, their sound every bit as tight. They admitted they might struggle to get the crowd participation The Angels did with “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again,” but I think we all gave it a crack joining in with “Prisoner of Society.” Theirs was the performance of the day for me.
I do have a soft spot for James Reyne though. His mellow numbers gave us all a chance to catch our breath, enjoy a couple of wines and sing along. We probably aren’t getting all the words right, mind you, but the intent is there. James is always reliable and appreciated, delivering a greatest hits set which draws from his days with Australian Crawl, Company of Strangers, and his solo years. I’ve gushed about his performances before and I no doubt will again. They don’t reinvent the wheel, but they are so solid that I will never tire of them.
Hunters & Collectors were our headliners, an understandable decision since they haven’t toured together since 2014. The big hits certainly went down a treat. The crowd lapped up singalong favourites like “Holy Grail,” “When the River Runs Dry,” and “Throw Your Arms Around Me.” The band sounded so tight, I couldn’t fault what they did. However, this is my fourth Red Hot Summer tour. The headliners usually get the crowds up on their feet, singing along to every song. This time around I found I could sit on my camp chair and enjoy a clear view of the stage, especially once the crowd started clearing out. I’m sure the punters down the front who anticipated the band’s return were satisfied, but for so many of us casual radio fans the more experimental tracks in their set didn’t resonate. I can’t help thinking that they would have been better suited to an earlier slot with a pared-down set that focused on the hits. Red Hot Summer gigs aren’t like typically concerts; people aren’t just there for the headliners. They attract a wider audience and as such the headliners really need that widespread appeal. When you lose so much of the crowd before the end, I think it’s a sign the wrong call was made.
Questions about running order aside, Red Hot Summer has grown over the last 10 years to become one of the best festivals in the country. Its focus on Australian acts and commitment to visiting regional areas are to be commended. I’ve attended events in Port Macquarie, Kariong, and the Hunter Valley and they always have such good vibes. The organisers might not always get everything right, but they come pretty close. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the announcement of next year’s line-up. Red Hot Summer tickets are rarer than hen’s teeth, but if you can find some I highly recommend getting along to one of the remaining shows.
22 February 2020 – Sandstone Point Hotel, Bribie Island
23 February 2020 – Queens Park – Frogs Hollow, Toowoomba
29 February 2020 – Sandstone Point Hotel, Bribie Island
1 March 2020 – Harrigans Drift Inn, Jacobs Well
7 March 2020 – Mackay Park, Batemans Bay
14 March 2020 – Kiama Showgrounds, Kiama
21 March 2020 – Gateway Lakes, Wodonga
28 March 2020 – North Gardens, Ballarat
29 March 2020 – Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley
4 April 2020 – Lazy River Estate, Dubbo
11 April 2020 – Darwin Amphitheatre, Darwin
18 April 2020 – Barlow Park, Cairns
25 April 2020 – Mornington Racecourse, Mornington
26 April 2020 – Noosa & District Sports Complex, Noosa
Image source: Stephen Katulka
Thankfully there was plenty more talent on the bill. While my formative years were spent perving on Mr Ryder, my mum’s were spent drooling over Daryl Braithwaite. She was transformed back into a 16-year-old as he took the stage and delivered hit after hit. Dazza’s another of those blokes who seems to lose nothing over the years. He hits those high notes with ease and always puts on such an amazing show. Singing out “The Horses” and “Higher than Hope” with the crowd was magic.
Next up was one of our favourites, Mr Richard Clapton. Oh how we love Richard. Having said that though, after such an incredible set from Daryl, Richard’s seemed to lack a little sparkle. I knew the majority of the songs from seeing him countless times in the past, but they seemed to leave a lot of people scratching their heads. “Girls on the Avenue” went down a treat though. Even when he’s not incredible, Richard’s still bloody good.
Incredible was what we got with another my of mum’s crushes, Ian Moss. The consummate professional, adored by the masses, he delivered a stellar set packed with the hits and a few surprised. As someone who remembers buying Matchbook on cassette (my first album bought with my own money if I’m ever on RocKWiz!), I was thrilled to hear him perform “Mr Rain.” The only thing better than Mossy solo is Mossy with Jimmy. We got a little Cold Chisel reunion during “When the War is Over” which was something I’ll never forget.
Next up were The Angels, the band with the biggest question mark for me. I was well aware of the split, and had wondered just how this incarnation would feel without Doc Neeson up front. I shouldn’t have worried. Rather than feeling like a pale imitation of the original, this Dave Gleeson-fronted outfit has a new lease on life. I might be a bit biased here. I’m Newcastle-bred, and many of the first pub gigs I ever attended were Screaming Jets shows. But he is the perfect frontman for this band he clearly loves so much. He brought real energy to the hits and won over the crowd from the get go. I’ve got to tell you though, the only thing weirder than seeing your parents chanting “that bit” in “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?” is watching your American husband’s reaction to it all. The poor boy was caught completely unawares. I love that despite eight years here, every now and again Aussie culture can throw him a curveball.
Jimmy Barnes teased us with his appearance during Mossy’s set. We were so ready for him, and he delivered. Jimmy was actually the first musician I ever saw live, way back in the Soul Deeper days, and I’ve been a massive fan ever since. It was a wonderful set which spanned his entire career. He rocked hard and we loved it. I found myself on my feet more often than not, and I screamed myself hoarse. God knows how he keeps up those vocals. Mossy came back to play a few Chisel numbers and it was every bit as special as that first appearance. This time I put my camera down and just soaked it in though. Wow. Being amongst that crowd singing out “Working Class Man” and “Khe Sahn” was out of this world.