Tonight’s The Night!
No we’re not talking about the Rod Stewart hit it’s the night that any music lover whether young, old or anywhere in-between, should be heading down to Bar 1 at Hillarys to catch the Animals at their last gig in WA. For those who may have lived in some other planet for the last 50+ years they were, and still are, one of the greatest, correction, In my view the greatest, bands to head out of the 60’s and conquer the world as part of the UK British Invasion.
So let’s just cut to the chase and we’ll come to last nights review of them at the Rosemont Perth in a minute. Go straight the phone or the internet or whatever other means are available to you and book your tickets for tonight. I promise you will not be disappointed but have the self satisfaction of knowing that you will witness four brilliant musicians taking you on a nostalgia trip you will never want to end!!!
The band sports original member and drummer John Steel who interacts with anecdotal info about the band. Mick Gallagher, the God of the keyboards – I kid you not!!! Danny Handley on guitar and vocals who interacts excellently with the audience unlike many lead singers and the sublime Roberto Ruiz on bass and vocals.
So to the review. Starting with ‘Baby let me take you Home’ which co-incidentally ( maybe?) was their first single release in 1964 you know this is going to be a good night from whichever age spectrum you occupy. That’s quickly followed by ‘Its My Life‘ but when they kick into Jimmy Reed’s ‘Bright Lights Big City’ you’re totally hooked and largely due to the sublime organ work of Mick Gallagher. I challenge anyone to name another person on the planet better. Look you won’t be able to so stop racking your brain.
What follows thereafter are virtually all the hits and plenty of encouragement for audience participation by Danny. Notably ‘Night time is the right time’ best remembered for the Ray Charles version. Plus ‘We Gotta Get Outta This Place’ which is never going to happen until we’re forced to. All songs stood out for me but ‘ I’m Crying’ and ‘Bring it on home to me’ we’re exceptional. The encore was only one song but that’s all that was needed to round off one of the best nights you could wish to be involved in … and which you still can tonight at bar 1 … and which you will do if you possess a modicum of common sense and love of r and b tinged music or just plain old superlative nostalgia.
Oh yes the encore – well you’ve probably guessed but if not get down to Hillary’s tonight to find out or confirm it. Don’t go and I can tell that you’ll certainly regret one of the best musical experiences of your ‘young’ or ‘old(er)’ life.
Oh and lastly just a mention for Dan Howls acoustic opening. This Guy has a great voice and you will have to go a long way to find a better rendition of ‘St. James Infirmary’.
By Paul Diggins
PHOTO GALLERY
