Thirsty Merc blazed their way back in to WA for the first of eight shows in nine nights, kicking off with a near sold-out opener at The Stirling Arms in Guildford. Perth rockers The Silent Deeds brought the party from the opening minute, starting things off with a bang mixing it up with a series of originals & covers.
Firing things up with a speedy double comprising of ‘Cross the Line’ and ‘The Race’, The Deeds settled into their rhythm quickly before encouraging crowd participation with the Foo Fighters classic ‘Times Like These’. Delving into their recent EP ‘Down with Me’ they followed with the funk laden ‘Come Alive’ making sure they warmed up the expectant crowd nicely for the Merc. Forthcoming single ‘Lady’ was warmly received before the room lit up in a ball of energy with Wolfmother’s ‘Joker & The Thief’ making sure anyone not already involved was bouncing frantically with hands in the air.
‘Ghosts’ is a party-piece of goodness to behold and this was mashed with KISS’s ‘ I Was Made for Loving You’ much to the crowds excitement. ‘Down with Me’ finished the set with The Silent Deeds leaving the stage satisfied with their night’s work and gathering a few new fans along the way.
Thirsty Merc entered stage left, with the room filled with excited music lovers. It wasn’t that long ago that the Merc were in town and it is a testament to their hard work ethic that they pull such huge numbers each and every time – a band who looks to enjoy what they do just as much as we enjoy listening to them. Tonight, and for the rest of this tour we are celebrating ’20 Good Years’ of Thirsty Merc and with a back catalogue filled with so many fan favourites it was always going to be a challenge for the trio to select the set list.
Die-hard fans were not left disappointed as the usual pleasers were their for all to hear; Mousetrap Heart, Someday, Someday, Tommy & Krista and Hard Way all scream out for audience participation and tonight was no exception. The inclusion of ‘Mozambique’ was one of the set highlights. In Rai Thistlethwayte, Thirsty Merc have a genuine star and a man who just doesn’t seem to sit still for very long; he’s just hit Australian shores on the back of sell-out shows in the US, UK & Europe with guitar legend Joe Satriani, before a Merc show in the Eastern States as well a couple of nights in the Pilbra.
But still, along with his wonderful musical cohorts Matt Smith (guitar), Perth drummer Ben Vanderwal and Phil Stack (bass) they seem to love the level of musicianship they set themselves, playing, experimenting, changing things up to ensure we are all kept on our toes.
‘I Wish Somebody Would Build a Bridge’ rocked the entire room before ’20 Good Reasons’ threatened to have the structural inspectors visiting to check for roof damage, such was the loudness of the crowds sing-a-long! Some bands can be haunted by ‘that song’ but ‘In The Summertime’ just oozes classic aussie fun – and didn’t the audience just love it as a finale!
Thirsty Merc head to Ravenswood Hotel tonight with a few tickets still left as well as for the next six shows. I highly recommend getting out to see one of Australia’s top bands out there on the circuit. They never disappoint, give it their all and have bloody good fun doing it.
With thanks to Starr Special Events for the media access
GALLERY by Hunter Brothers Media
The Silent Deeds
Thirsty Merc
