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Tribute acts are a dime a dozen but when the genuine thing comes along and does it right, it’s hard not to appreciate it for what it is. The difference with Randy Hansen’s take on one Jimi Hendrix is that aside from the fact that Hendrix has been gone from us a long time now as opposed to a lot of covers of other bands where the originals still exist, his rendition of one of rock music’s most iconic guitar players is nothing short of brilliant as we found out on a cold and rainy Tuesday night in Perth.
No opening act, no breaks. Just Randy Hansen’s Hendrix Revolution show for almost 2 hours straight. Couldn’t ask for more than that really but we did get that and more. Joining Randy in the rhythm section was bass master UFO Walter and drum legend Manni Von Bohr who busted out a drum solo early on in the show, kept things running smoothly and intact. Sounding crystal clear at the magnificent Perth Concert Hall, Randy and co. dazzled their way through a set of Hendrix classics and a few surprises including a fitting tribute to the Purple One, Prince who recently passed away. Their rendition of “Purple Rain” was spot on and reminded us once again just how great Prince really was on guitar.
The setlist was filled with the greats – “Fire”, “Foxy Lady”, “Hey Joe”, “Beginnings”, “Are You Experienced”, “Purple Haze” and the encore “Voodoo Child” – the list went on. Randy’s act wasn’t simply just replicating the songs and Hendrix himself, he injected his own flair into the performance while adding touches of Hendrix’s attitude, on stage presence and an enthusiasm that could only come from the world’s biggest fan. Sure it almost felt like watching Hendrix himself on stage but Randy has his own personality too and more than just a tribute act, we were watching a great guitarist put on a great show.
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It’s hard to describe all the antics that went on – from the running around the stage into the crowd, jumping into the aisles in the seated venue, rolling up and down the stage (literally!) and cutting his teeth on the strings of the guitar, it was also a wild show and for someone in his 60’s, he would give any young guitarist out there today a run for their money. If not just for his huge energy but his guitar playing alone makes you wonder how anyone can top this.
Forget about all the usual trappings of a typical tribute show, Randy Hansen is more than just that. He is the real deal and this is the kind of performance that makes you want to find out more about the guy, his guitar playing and what he offers in his music outside of the Jimi Hendrix performances. Check him out, you won’t regret it!
RANDY HANSEN: HENDRIX REVOLUTION AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2016:
Wednesday, May 18: Enmore Theatre – Sydney
Saturday, May 21: The Palais – Melbourne
Tuesday, May 24: Concert Hall – Perth
Wednesday, May 25: Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Tuesday, May 31: Concert Hall, Brisbane
Tickets and tour details can be found at Hendrix Revolution.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by The Buffman
