Music is such a unique and powerful medium. It has the ability to make you happy, to make you sad, to brighten your day or to make you dance uncontrollably. This was the experience for many who attended the Astor Theatre in Perth last night, as Chocolate Starfish continued their national tour performing Meatloaf’s iconic Bat Out of Hell album and other hits from the late song-writing legend Jim Steinman.
Opening the night was Perth’s very own Chris Murphy, a seasoned pro at these sort of evenings. His set was littered with “70’s bangers” as he opened with ‘It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue’, made famous by Graham Bonnet and Australia’s Russell Morris. “Did you know it was originally written by Bob Dylan?” said Murphy, before breaking out in his Dylan version to send the crowd into fits of laughter. Chris Murphy knows how to work a crowd and tonight he did it perfectly; funny, warm and musically superb he blitzed through his seven-song set with ease. Bryan Ferry’s ‘Let’s Stick Together’ allowed Chris to show his guitar looping skills as he laid down the backing & rhythmic tracks, allowing him to solo over them as he played.
The Bee Gees ‘How Deep is Your Love’ was cleverly entwined with a chorus pedal to get those wonderful harmonies. We were treated to a original taken from Murphy’s latest EP ‘No Matter How Far Away’. ‘Little Cafe in Town’ showed his talents as a songwriter and received great applause. Queen’s ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ and the Wings classic ‘Band on the Run’ had the crowd clapping and singing in unison before Murphy closed with The Eagles hit ‘Take it Easy’. A perfect warm up before the main event!
Chocolate Starfish are well-known for being able to entertain a crowd, and speaking to frontman Adam Thompson a few week back (interview here), I knew we were in for something a little bit special… I just didn’t yet realise just how special! Tonight was nothing short of incredible. As the lights dimmed the 500-strong crowd hummed with anticipation as the band took their places through the dimmed stage lights. Dressed in their now customary white outfits they struck up with a sound as powerful as I’ve heard in a long time, in one of my favourite live venues in WA. Enter stage right, Adam Thompson adorned in black & gold with gold lightning flashes down the legs of his black pants and arm tassels – ever the showman. “We are going to be doing one of the greatest albums ever written and we are doing it from start to finish. We aren’t a Meatloaf tribute… we are here to perform these amazing songs just how they were written to be performed!” And so they did. For the next two hours they made us sing, they made us dance and they made us cry.
From the immediate kick of Darren Danielson’s drums and thunderous John Nixon basslines, everyone in the room knew this was going to be one hell of a rock show. In Zakk Zedras the band have a seriously good guitar player as he ‘revved’ his Charvel up in true Todd Rundgren fashion for the title track… and we were off! Adam Thompson has a great voice, having seen him a few times previously but tonight he was just at another level. His love and admiration for icons like Freddie & Meatloaf means he delivers with sincere purpose as was clearly evident tonight. People sporadically rose to their feet as he tinkered and teased the crowd to get out of their seats. ‘You Took The Words…’ saw the audience rise in unison. They didn’t need much persuading now as they clapped and danced, some moving to the aisles for more room. The emotional ‘Heaven can Wait’ was delivered beautifully, the wonderful Norm Falvo teasing the tears from his keys, with outstanding backing vocals from both Nixon and female vocalist Julie Walter, who shone brightly throughout the night.
‘All Revved Up…’ got us back to our feet, with the band looking to be enjoying themselves as much as we were. Thompson told of his recent twenty-year wedding anniversary before advising young lovers that you won’t win every argument when in a relationship… “But winning two out of three, ain’t bad!” Nice segway Adam! ‘Paradise by The Dashboard Light’ was fun & flirty and once again we got to see the vocal chemistry between Thompson & Walter as the crowd boogied & jived as one. For me, ‘Bat Out of Hell’ as an album that saves the best till last. Thompson dedicated it to those we have lost or to those loved ones suffering – ‘For Crying Out Loud’ is a song of emotion, power & beauty and tonight it was delivered just as it was always meant to… and yes, I cried! With the band departing the stage, we were left with just Falvo & Thompson, piano & vocals and as the song built to its powerful crescendo they returned for an almighty finish – spellbinding!
Time to recharge our drinks? To draw breath? To sit and rest out aching legs? Oh no… it was straight into Bat Out of Hell 2’s’ ‘I Could Do Anything for Love But I Won’t Do That’ before it was Julie Walter’s time to shine once again, as we ventured into Steinman territory. Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ became a global hit sensation for the singer… tonight it was owned by Walter – simply sensational. There is nothing more I can say other than it left me speechless. Next up, a fitting tribute from Thompson to Celine Dion, who’s health has been questioned of late, as ‘It’s All Comin Back to Me’ was performed brilliantly (possibly the highlight of the night for me) – there were open mouths around the room, that’s just how good this was. Meat’s appearance in cult classic ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ meant we were allowed to delve into the guilty pleasures of ‘Time Warp’ and ‘Sweet Transvestite’.
We couldn’t be allowed to leave before some classic Fish songs closing the night now could we? ‘Mountain’ is just a feel good sing-a-long anthem and was treated as such. It’s timeless and always gets the reaction it deserves. ‘Your So Vain’ saw Thompson encourage everyone to squeeze down to the front… we obliged, of course. The show closed with more audience participation, as the 4 Non-Blondes hit ‘What’s Up?’ was given its now customary spot in the Starfish set.
I like to gage a gig in one of two ways; how I feel during and after, and by looking at the faces of others. Tonight, as the venue emptied, every single face was filled with joy. Smiles beamed from ear to ear and the chitter chatter of voices could be heard as everyone left the venue. If that’s not the sound of one incredibly happy audience then I don’t know what is. If you want a night of high quality musicianship and a back catalogue of rock hits delivered by a genuinely wonderful band, then look no further than this one. I’ve been lucky to get to some great live shows this year, but this one will sit very highly on my list for Gig of the Year! Outstanding!
Many thanks to Chocolate Starfish for having us and as always, to the Astor Theatre & their staff for your wonderful hospitality.
Photos by Hunter Brothers Media
