It’s a warm autumn day in Perth and today has been earmarked in 14,000+ people’s calendars for quite sometime – since the date was locked in for this amazing venue, the beautiful Sandalford Winery. Kick off is scheduled for 1pm – the gates will open and the flood of eager music aficionados will trickle down the hill, finding the path of least resistance to secure their piece of real-estate to witness this Australian rich performance. Once their location is locked in, the trek begins back up the hill to secure sufficient hydration before Vika & Linda open their account.
Vika & Linda burst onto the stage with a ton of energy and thanked the crowd for their amazing support. Two power-house female vocalists from my era (Black Sorrows), rocking out matching outfits with their unique twists a-typical of siblings. They share stories of their musical journey from times gone by travelling the world with the Black Sorrows, working with both Paul Kelly, Mark Seymour and carving out their successful sisterly voyage. It was a generous setlist consisting of new and older tracks – highlight for me was “Never Let Me Go”. That song is one of my personal favourites, with both Vika and Linda sounding just as crisp as the version I have in my collection (Harley and Rose album 1990) – a real tribute to just how good they are. The bar had been set really high!
It is a rare moment to capture two different genres crossing over live on stage, especially when those genres are headlined by two of the most iconic Australian performers that I have ever seen. Troy Cassar-Daley and Ian Moss. I have one huge problem with this act – a glaring issue… both artists were on each side of the stage and I only have one set of eyes. How do I focus on both amazing artists – the fear of missing out was intense….. who’s idea was this? Talk about first world problems. The chemistry on stage was electric, with each artist bringing their own personality, but they were keen on one upping the other in a game of musical tag. The banter was hilarious and genuine (particularly around the merch). Highlight for me was the version of “Bow River”. Both Troy and Ian are spectacular to watch and compliment each other really well … we off to a flying start!!!
Up next was Mark Seymour, and just when you thought you could not get anymore people into the standing only section of Red Hot Summer, the Mark Seymour fans said, “Hold my beer” with the section packed tighter than a parachute. From beyond the front rail it felt that we had just let in another 5000 more people, to the point that punters had to breathe in rhythm because of the lack of space. Mark delivered hits from his solo back catalogue right through to the Hunters & Collectors, keeping the faithful away from the bar and singing in tune. Highlight for me was the 14,000+ sing-along of “When The River Runs Dry”, the 1989 classic and there was no one in that winery that was not singing along – a real testament to just how good Mark is and how he has influenced so many people’s music taste.
Like a cool Autumn breeze Missy Higgins floats across the stage – smile brimming from ear to ear, you just can’t help smiling as well, she is so infectious – we all know we are if for an absolute treat. Rocking a blue jumpsuit, she looks stunning and we all know Missy is ready to put on a stellar show. Perched in front of her trusty set of keys Missy gets to work quickly, conversing with her fans about her tour so far, her appreciation for the moment and her private life (her recent divorce) paying special mention to her recent tattoo and its significance. Missy shares with us her affinity with WA and the special place it holds in her heart for the music that she writes. It is a personal set that everyone loves. Highlight for me was “Special Two”, its powerfulness shared among the countless fans.
Bernard Fanning enters the entertainment arena – there is a certain aura about him, joking with the fans you can tell he is excited to be here. It feels like he is a family member that has been away for so many years and we finally have him home, we are ecstatic to see him and hear of his tales of musical grandeur. Bernard gives the fans what they crave – the old, the new and the powder……I know there is not enough time of his set to give me (personally) every song I love from this talented champion but that’s ok. He sung, he strummed and he stunned!!!! Lyrically he delivered on point with little reprieve and all I know is that massive bar up the back would have been empty for his whole set……empty!!! Highlight for me, and it’s a tough one but I would have to say “Wish You Well” off one of the most poignant albums for me “Tea & Sympathy” – truly awe inspiring.
And then there was Paul……WOW……I have always loved Paul Kelly. There is something about his music , his story telling, his personal spin, which allows to him to guide you through the Paul Kelly Experience. His music is more than just notes or lyrics…. It feels like every song he has written has a piece of Paul in it. It was a path that everyone in the audience was willing to walk – we sung, we laughed, we reminisced, and we felt the every inch of the festival commute. The sold out Red Hot Summer crowd appreciated the technical prowess of such a melodious master. There was no single highlight for me….. the whole set was a highlight – from “How to Make Gravy”, “From Little Thing, Big Things Grow”, “To Her Door”, “Every Fucking City”, “Bradman” plus a heap more. He topped my experience and I was buzzing all the way home.
Red Hot Summer 2023 is like sitting at a table with all your favourite meals (an amazing spread) and it is all you can eat – guaranteed to put you in a food comma, the music will fill your soul and RED HOT SUMMER is the 5 star Michelin chef…….. this event is always high on my social calendar, it is a MUST for any serious music lover. Make sure you secure your tickets and pencil it in your diary so you can get your music fill.
Bon Appetit!
The Rockpit would like to thank Red Hot Summer, Zaccaria Concerts & Touring & Hot Off The Press for the access and experience.
GALLERY by Hunter Brothers Media
