After rave reviews from the first couple of shows on the Australian tour, the hard rock juggernaut trio of Buckcherry, Hardcore Superstar and Bad Moon Born was too good to miss in the fair city of Melbourne on a Friday night. Was it as good?
Sydney’s own Bad Moon Born kicked off the show in front of a well packed crowd and showed why they scored this coveted spot on the tour. As locals to Aussies this was the perfect way to make a real impression and that they surely did, brandishing a form of groove heavy rock that’s grungey in feel but melodic in sound. Throw in a classic Alice In Chains cover of “Man In The Box” and the crowd was sold, this reviewer included. Keep an eye on these guys as they will be going places.
Hardcore Superstar followed (proceeded by frontman Jocke Berg making a brief alcohol run during Bad Moon Borns set) and set out to really grab the crowd by the balls and put on one big show. Starting with “Moonshine” and going through one singalong track after another including the always enjoyable “Last Call For Alcohol”, the band were tight and looked like they were well over any jetlag they may have experienced earlier in the week.
“No Resistance”, a song Jocke pointed out hadn’t been played live since their 2008 Australian tour, was another highlight, showcasing some of the stronger aspects of what the band do. It may be a signature of Hardcore Superstar but the party atmosphere they bring to the show is one of the main aspects of what makes them an attractive band to witness live. “Above The Law” finished things off complete with stage ladders and dismantling of drums before the song had even finished, ending on a strange but hilarious note.
Buckcherry are no strangers to Australia, having first hit our shores 20 years ago which also marks the anniversary of the band and the release of their self titled album. A set filled with memorable hits plus a few newbies from their latest album “Warpaint” meant the band came armed and prepared to rock out hard.
Singer Josh Todd had the moves on stage, swinging to the music provided by his band with Stevie D. electrifying on lead guitar. “Radio Song” provided some dynamics from the new material but “Lit Up” and “Somebody Fucked Me” aced it with the fans, a testament to the strength of their heavier side.
The highlight though had to be the set closer “Say Fuck It” where the band had the crowd right in their pocket with a huge response vocally. They did try to distract us with a short rendition of “Footloose” (really, Kenny Loggins!) but some of us were too weirded out to enjoy it! Say what you will though, Buckcherry know how to put on a show and tonight in Melbourne it was exactly what a rock n roll show should be.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Scott Smith: Lens Of Rock
Buckcherry
