In my opinion, there are two very important factors to a live gig: Number 1 -The band has to enjoy what they are doing and Number Two – I have to enjoy what they are doing, which normally happens if number one is applied. In the case of Chocolate Starfish’s latest tour of their Classic Album Series shows (the last was Bat Out Of Hell back in 2015), in which they are showcasing INXS’s iconic KICK album, the band is in very fine form indeed. The ‘Fish’ seem to have a renewed vigour, building on last summer’s Red Hot Summer Tour where they performed with the likes of Suzi Quattro & The Baby Animals… and they must be doing something right as they have been invited back for more shows this coming summer. Add to that the release of the fantastic SPIDER album earlier this year; their first original studio album in over 20 years and it’s clear to see they have no intention of slowing up any time soon.
So on with the show… The KICK album in itself is a daunting prospect for anyone to undertake but Chocolate Starfish have grasped it with both hands and given it a damn good shake – and the results are a brilliant. We are greeted with a 5 minute intro, punctuated with news statements and thumping riffs and basslines before the band take to the stage and kick off with Guns To The Sky. The charismatic charm & wit of front man Mr Chocolate himself, Adam Thompson, is there for all to see from the moment he graces the stage in his bright red floral suit, as he immediately works the crowd, tempting them forward to fill the floor immediately in front of him. INXS classics New Sensation, Devil Inside & Need You Tonight come at exactly the right moment, as the audience certainly need no further encouragement to close any gaps to at the front of the stage and they are soon punching the air and singing in unison.
Joining original band members John Nixon (bass), Darren Danielson (drums) & Norm Flavo (keys) are the immensely talented Zakk Zedras (lead guitar) and Pete Mitchell (sax & guitar), and it is the later that adds the final ingredient to tonight’s show, with his note perfect sax work throughout, which was so much of a highlight on the original album. It’s evident that all the guys on stage are having a ball doing this tour – constant playing around and the high spirits don’t hide from the fact that musically this band is a tight as I’ve seen of late. Thompson injects humorous tales throughout the evening none more so than the fabulous Minogue story about crossing paths with Kylie (backing singing on Locomotion), Danni (singing at her 21st birthday party) and Granny Minogue (singing at her 80th birthday party) – his six steps to Kevin Bacon tale, before pulling out his “Book of 8’s” and preaching to us with the semi-spoken Mediate, before continuing with The Loved Ones and Wild Life. My favourite section of the album (and the show) now follows, with the anthemic Never Tear Us Apart (Mitchell absolutely nails the Sax solo), Mystify & Kick.
The album ends with Calling All Nations & Tiny Daggers, but our hosts aren’t through with us yet, as the 4 song encore opens with some more INXS in the form of Listen Like Thieves. The devote Starfish fans (and there are many here tonight) are treated to Four Letter Word before Thompson gets his Starfish Charles Hotel choir to help sing Mountain. The show couldn’t end without a song they’ve almost made their own in Your So Vain. Thompson finishes by promising that they will be back to WA sooner rather than later, and judging by the reaction of those present tonight, he’d better keep his word.
And after the house lights are brought back up, the queue at the merch desk is apparent, as Thompson and the rest for the band mingle for photos and autographs. I have to admit, I went to the show the night before at The Northshore and enjoyed it so much I just had to see it again, so if it’s coming to a venue near you then grab some friends and book some tickets – you won’t be disappointed. With that in mind, rules one & two of my personal live gig judgement chart were well and truly ticked. My only slightly selfish gripe – I’d have loved to have heard a couple of tracks from the wonderful SPIDER album, but I’ll just have to wait until Jan 2019, when the guys are back at Sandleford’s Winery on the red Hot Summer Tour. I’m already excited to see what they will tackle next in the Classic Album Series in a three years’ time.
