In Fremantle, music aficionados were treated to a talent rich evening as Brendon B Brown, lead singer of “Wheatus”, and Art Alexakis, frontman of “Everclear”, graced the stage for an intimate acoustic show. I was as giddy as a school boy….. Monday morning again lol and all eyes were on the front of the classroom (Stage) and we were waiting on Brendon the relief teacher……what mischief were we going to get up to?
Brendon kicked off the evening with his signature charm and wit, immediately captivating the crowd with his engaging stage presence. Throughout his performance, Brown weaved between heartfelt ballads and lively tales, he felt like he was a good friend that you haven’t seen in a while and you were keen to hear his stories of his adventures. Brown’s storytelling prowess was second to none, he regaled the crowd with tales of his encounters with the late great “Heath Ledger”, a memorable mishap involving a broken collarbone with 15-year-olds, and he put his point forward about the peculiar storyline of the cult classic film “BMX Bandits,” which he later delighted the crowd with by playing.
Brown’s setlist was a diverse mix of originals and covers, showcasing his versatility as a musician. From a sneaky Willie Nelson cover to a “twofer” (as he called it) rendition of “Leeroy” and “Jessie’s Girl,” Brown kept the audience on their toes, providing insightful commentary on the lyrics and the stories behind the songs. One particularly memorable moment was Brown’s performance of “Lullaby,” during which he shared his perspective on generational divides and those “Damn baby boomers” on Oxycontin. Both music and jokes flowed quickly, leaving no real chance to grab a drink equalling another first world problem.
However, the peak of Brown’s performance came when he was playfully heckled by Art Alexakis, who demanded, “Put the damn hat on!” Brown took the jest in stride before launching into the iconic hit “Teenage Dirtbag,” much to the delight of the crowd. We all sung like we were all in high school and we knew the noise that we were making our Teacher “Brendan B. Brown as giving us detention…. But we didn’t care, it was worth it.
Next up Art Alexakis took the stage next, drawing even more eager fans to the front rail as he prepared to share his musical journey with the audience. As the frontman of Everclear, a band that recently celebrated their impressive 30th year in music in 2022, Alexakis carried with him a wealth of experience and stories to boot.
From the moment he began to speak, it was evident that Alexakis was not only a seasoned musician but also a captivating storyteller. With raw honesty and candor, he delved into his personal history, sharing stories of his upbringing in the projects, his experiences as a father to two daughters (and how “god hates him” as he put it), his battles with addiction, proudly proclaiming his sobriety of 34 years—a testament to his resilience and character.
Throughout his performance, Alexakis skilfully wove together tales from his tumultuous life with the evolution of his music, offering fans a glimpse into the inspirations behind his iconic songs. Each gritty detail served to deepen the audience’s understanding of Alexakis as both an artist and a human being, allowing them to connect with his music on a personal level. From driving 100 miles to get laid to the enigmatic allure of the “Yellow House” in his personal Summerland, Alexakis’ anecdotes added depth and richness to his songs, transforming each track into a vivid chapter of his life experiences.
From the raw energy of “World of Noise” in 1993 to the introspective musings of “Black is the New Black” in 2015, Alexakis took fans on a personal guided tour through Everclear’s extensive discography. With each song, he shared quips and reflections, shedding light on the meaning behind the lyrics and the emotions that fuelled his creative process.
Art played the classics, he had taken requests and questions from the crowd – each receiving the attention to detailed that only he could delivered. There were so many highlights for me – “Local God, “Molly lips”, “Heroin Girl”, “Santa Monica” “Heart Spark Dollar sign”, “Everything to Everyone”….. too many to list.
By the end of his set, it was clear that Alexakis had not only entertained the crowd but had also left a lasting impact on each and every listener. Through his music and storytelling, he had invited fans into his world, allowing them to see the man behind the music and to understand the struggles and triumphs that had shaped his journey. It was clear that love for an artist’s music can only be deepened when they take the time to share their stories and connect with their fans on a personal level. And for that, we are eternally grateful……. thanks Brendan and Art!
If you have the chance and this amazing tour is coming to a city near you, grab a ticket, you will be more musically richer for it.
Amazing
With thanks to Jo Corbett Publicity for arranging media access
Don’t miss Art Alexakis (Everclear) and Brendan B. Brown (Wheatus) on their National Australian tour in February 2024. Tickets are on sale now, with VIP meet & greet packages also available. For all tickets & more info, head to www.everclearmusic.com/tour
