On this warm early summers evening; the day between the two Melbourne Foo Fighters shows we were treated to the first of only two Australian solo side shows from Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett. A completely packed Workers Club in Fitzroy enjoyed a stripped back performance that spans Shiflett’s entire solo career. A career that stands tall and strong on its own merits.
Tonight’s set was predominantly a showcase to promote his most recent body of work, a collection of songs called ‘Lost at Sea’. The set included seven of the ten tracks from this album, many which he played for the first time anywhere. For those of you who may not be familiar with Shiflett’s brand of Americana influenced Alternative Country Rock solo material might I suggest you check it out. ‘Lost at Sea’ is one of my stand out releases for this year it is a breezy listen full of well-crafted songs with clever lyrics that burrow into your brain with ease.
It has been said that a songwriter’s true autobiography is best read through their songs. Songs are about relationship fights, past touring experiences, friendships, love and even watching his kids find their first loves. If songs are chapters, each chapter delivered tonight was engaging and perfectly narrated.
Shiflett intertwined his songs with stories. A common theme tonight was Shiflett’s fondly recalled tales of Australia and our love affair with him. Chris fondly remembered the formation of his friendship with the guy he has listed in his phone as “Good C^nt”. Tonight, just happened to be this guy Matt Riley’s birthday. Matt and Chris’ friendship began back in 2008. Recalling how they became friends led into Riley taking to the stage as a full house sang him Happy Birthday. The fondness and respect of these two was obvious. Tales from that tour and playing Melbourne’s iconic Cherry Bar flowed as Shiflett also recalled filming the video for Jackson United’s ‘Fell Into’ in Melbourne stating that clearly no one told the real life boxer not to hit the talent as he admitted he took quite a beating during the filming of the clip. During the set it was also revealed that “Room 102” may or not be based upon events in a Melbourne hotel room.
The honesty in storytelling was amazing, sharing tales of how fights with his wife inspire songs, the story behind his sons first love and heartbreak, how he got his first break as a musician, his want to join Guns N Roses which ultimately led him to join Foo Fighters and the doubt he had about his longevity with the band. It was an insight to Shiflett’s life that helped explain the songs and their meanings.
Musically tonight was simple, raw, honest and true in every sense. This is how Shiflett has written these songs, the birthplace of his melodies, structures and the building blocks to what we all hear on record. The story of how he came to arrange the track ‘Weigh You Down’ in his hotel room just prior to the show was one of these instances. With the track being added to ABC Country radios playlist Shiflett mused he had better come up with something for tonight.
All in attendance tonight was given a real treat in storytelling by word and song. Understated and down to earth it wasn’t hard to fall for Shiflett’s charm as a performer, singer and songwriter. Hearing this set of songs in the way they were written added a charm to every song, I love that bare boned stripped back energy that engaged the room tonight. While Chris is a member of one of the world’s biggest bands his soul sits humbly alongside his solo material. In his own words, tonight we were his rhythm section and like any good rhythm section the 260 plus in attendance were loud and present.
Shiflett also made mention that he is looking forward to bringing his solo band back out to Australia in the near future. For those that missed out, please get in early for his solo band tour as that will prove to be something very special is tonight was anything to judge by.
Photos by Shot by Slaidins Photography
Setlist : Dead and Gone, Liar’s Words, Sticks & Stones, Weigh You Down, Goodnight Little Rock, Room 102, Overboard, I’m Still Drunk, Damage Control, Long Long Year, Fell Into, I Don’t Trust My Memories Anymore, Welcome To Your First Heartache, Carrie Midnight Texas Queen, Black Top White Lines, All The Way
Encore: West Coast Town
GALLERY
Meghan Maike
Chris Shifflet
