Bachelor Girl opened today’s line up with a short but very sweet 40-minute set. 2024 also celebrates the 25th anniversary of their debut album ‘Waiting For The Day’. It’s hard to fathom where time has gone. Ageless and timeless the duo of Tania Doko and James Roche transported us back to that debut. The remainder of Bachelor Girl consists of Hayden Meggitt (Drums) and Michael Paynter on guitar.
Live, Bachelor Girl sounds amazing and this configuration of the band is exceptional. Despite James’s iPad and computer suffering from the heat and failing to work, it was the perfect reminder of those classic songs. A surprise inclusion of a cover of the Motels ‘Total Control’ was well received and their latest single ‘Calling Out Your Name’ made for a great way to kick of the day.
The usual hits of the era being represented today was pumped out between bands as the crew worked tirelessly configuring the stage for the next act. It’s moments where songs that are a little out of place could actually belong. I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid at hearing ‘Thunderstruck’, ‘ Sweet Child of Mine’ or even ‘Enter Sandman’ being blasted through the PA in fact I would have almost expected it, but when ‘Enter Sandman’ forms a part of Daryl Braithwaite’s intro tape you take notice.
The band took their positions on stage and sure enough just as the song had built to where it starts the verse the band launch into a killer version of 1976’s ‘Blues Walkin’. Daryl and band were hot off the mark and simply sounded amazing. Donning blue zinc cream which his band mates likened to Braveheart war paint the banter was strong on stage. Tearing through a set of Australian standards Braithwaite was not only paying homage to his Sherbet career but his solo career.
During ‘As The Days Go By’ we were all invited to join in and participate in a sing-a-long which had two parts a short part and a part where he asked us to hang on the by part of the chorus. Braithwaite claiming that Mornington couldn’t get it right yesterday he had high hopes for the Yarra Valley crowd. Unfortunately we didn’t get it quite right either. Braithwaite and his band took the opportunity to throw t-shirts into the crowd of his now famous Byron Bay photo taken during ‘the Horses’ a few years back.
This led to a set closing, full crowd participation sing along of ‘The Horses’ which marked the end of a short but really enjoyable set from Daryl and Co. His band is simply superb and allow for Braithwaite to effortlessly shine. As a huge Sherbet fan, I wished that there were a couple more song from that classic catalogue. Given it was a short set we were delivered a bonafide set of classics.
Daryl Braithwaite Setlist: Blues Walkin’, All I Do, Rise, Howzat, Love Songs, As The Days Go By, Higher than Hope, One Summer, Horses
Noiseworks are one of those Australian bands that never cease to deliver, with a songbook so rich in hits it’s always a guaranteed good time. Today was no exception. Playing in the hottest part of the day, the band matched that heat with their performance. From opening keyboard riff of ‘Touch’ the now rather hot and sun beaten crowd showed no signs of losing energy or passion for the songs as they danced, bounced and sang every word.
The heartfelt dedication to Stu ‘Chet’ Fraser that introduced ‘Heart and Soul’ from 2022’s comeback album ‘Evolution’ was a tribute to their brother and the songs he wrote with them. It’s great to see that ‘Heart and Soul’ now sits very comfortable among the hits as a fan favourite.
Seeing three of the five founding members on stage is always a treat. Steve Balbi (Bass) and Kevin Nichol (Drums) along with Jon Stevens has a synergy that is pure magic to witness. Stevens’ solo band guitarist Tim Henwood filled some might big shoes today. Not only did he fill those shoes, he filled them perfectly as if they were his own.
Henwood’s playing and backing vocals were integral in taking us back to the magic sound and tones the band had in its original line up. That in itself is no mean feat. On keyboards was Tony Featherstone (Pseudo Echo) who played the parts of the absent Justin Stanley who resides in the USA these days. Again adding his touch to the songs and melodies of this classic catalogue.
Steven’s in his between song moments spoke of love, loss, peace and love. Reminding us how important life is and how it should not be taken for granted. He reminded us of the power of music and delivered an as usual flawless performance. There is a magic to this line up in what was a great set.
Noiseworks Setlist: Touch, Burning Feeling, Love Somebody, Heart & Soul, Voice Of Reason, Miles and Miles, In My Youth, No Lies, Take Me Back, Hot Chili Woman, Rock N Roll
For the familiar there isn’t too much that can be said about an Icehouse performance. It is always a trip down the most amazing set of songs. From the outright fun of ‘Walls’ to the sets closing of ‘We Can Get Together’ the Yarra Valley was in full voice and fine form. Watching the way that the audience reacted to their favourite song was a testament to how incredible this bands legacy is. With a set that has a song no newer than 1990 being featured in a set this was a trip back to many in attendances youth. For me it was a series of reminders to a time and place in life where these songs were embedded in pages of my life. I’m sure there were many other who had those same moments.
Frontman Iva Davies and his partner in musical mischief Paul Gildea have such an unspoken connection and play off each other so well. As a band longtime members Paul Wheeler (Drums), Steve Bull (Bass), Michael Paynter (Keybords/Guitar/Vocals) are on point and provide such a solid field for Davies and Gildea to play on. Recent addition to the band Hugo Lee (Keys/Sax) is a huge talent that has been given room to shine in this line up. Lee has a confidence and presence that is well beyond his years.
Where I have to truly tip the hat to Icehouse and Davies for being able to still perform songs within the catalogue that even at his vocal peek were near impossible to replicate live vocally. For years now Paynter has been an integral part of the performance of ‘Man Of Colours’ and ‘I Don’t Believe Anymore’. Paynter owns the vocal performances on these song so well it’s hard to now picture him not being the original voice.
For me the highlight of any Icehouse show is the songs that first introduced me to them when they were known as Flowers. ‘Walls’, ‘Can’t Help Myself’ and ‘We Can Get Together’ all make me smile and much like a reflex have me singing every word. Every time I have been to an Icehouse show I get that same joy, live have never disappointed.
Icehouse Setlist: Walls, Electric Blue ,Hey Little Girl, Crazy, No Promises, Touch The Fire, Man Of Colours, I Don’t Believe Anymore, Great Southern Land, Miss Divine, Can’t Help Myself, We Can Get Together
There isn’t too much that can be said that hasn’t already about Simple Minds. For a band that is forty-four years young with a list of hits that are indexed in pop culture and again the soundtrack to so many people’s lives, their history is a legacy.
Again I have to thank my childhood and the institution that was Countdown for giving me the first introduction to them back in 1982. ‘Promised You a Miracle’ was the song. ‘New Gold Dream’ was the album that hooked me. With each album from that point there was a natural progression in the bands style while still staying within the boundaries of the new romantic/new wave genre that they had been put in. That was until 1985 where the band became absolute global household names. As someone that grew up in an era of classic and cult movies who can deny the impact the band had on ‘The Breakfast Club’ soundtrack. ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’. Simple Minds had outgrown a definitive genre and were now a certified international arena rock band.
For the better part of a decade I has a passing interest in the band. Sure, I still listened to each album as they were released, but as we all evolve new genres and styles take us down different paths. It wasn’t until 1995’s ‘Good News from The Next World’ that I really took notice of Simple Minds again. There was something about that album that recaptured my attention. Perhaps it was harder edge to the album that grabbed me. In all honesty if ‘Good News’ was given the same attention U2 had at the time it would have been one of those albums every household owned. It had all the of the pop sensibilities that defined Simple Minds previously but showed a different side to the band. ‘Good News’ stands the test of time and if you haven’t heard it I urge you to check it out.
There is something to be said about seeing a band that has such a legacy behind them for the first time. Seeing a band that you have connections with and can take you back to a place and time with a single song. Today I was transported to at least three decades of people, places and times. Realising how engrained songs are in your music muscle memory and are able to sing every word to a song you haven’t heard in years is something remarkable.
From the moment Simple Minds took the stage there was a charm about them. They stood in front of the crowd and gave a bow showing the kind of love and display of respect commonly seen at the end of a show.
The opening keyboard/bass bounce of ‘Waterfront’ lit the fuse of a band simply ignited. Frontman and founding member Jim Kerr has a youthfulness to him as he walked the stage and genuine connected with the crowd while delivering a vocal that is ageless. Kerr’s musical partner since the beginning Charlie Churchill was full of smiles as he grazed his way through the lush licks of ‘Waterfront’. Seeing these two together on stage and still together is something special.
Rhythm guitarist Gordon Goldie has a presence and character that commands your attention. Bassist Ged Grimes just locks in with the amazing Cherisse Osei forming the rhythm section. Keyboardist Erik Ljunggren’s synth parts are on point and really do shape the whole live sound seemlessly transporting us through the bands signature sounds. Backing vocalist Sarah Brown is the perfect accompaniment to Kerr’s voice. Brown herself has a resume that has worked the best of the very best and has featured on the records of some of my all time favourite artists. If Duran Duran, Stevie Wonder, Roxy Music, George Michael, Simply Red and Pink Floyd aren’t a testament to Brown’s abilities I don’t know what is.
As far as setlists are concerned today we were given a career defining selection of songs that catered to every longtime fan. To have a selection of song that is so strong it was an incredibly well represented a cross section and showcase of what a career that is now in its fifth decade looks like.
While there was no real room for deep cuts in this abbreviated set these was no shortage of hits. Every song had an incredible reaction and connection with the audience involving some incredible audience participation. Most notably in during the extended ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ where Kerr’s conducted every voice in attendance. The pure joy of performing and the energy being sent back to the stage by the crowd shone through in everyone on that stage. To say there was a lot of love at Rochford Wines is an understatement.
From the first to the last note of Simple Minds set everything was exceptional. The sound was possibly the best I have heard in an open outdoor environment. For anyone that is on the fence about seeing this run of Red Hot Summer shows. I urge you to jump on it because this is one hell of a line up and a day you will remember forever.
Simple Minds setlist: Waterfront, I Travel, Love Song, She’s A River, Let There Be Love, Once Upon A Time, Glittering Prize, Promised You A Miracle, New Gold Dream (81, 82, 83, 84), Someone Somewhere In Summertime, Belfast Child, Don’t You Forget About Me
Encore: Alive & Kicking, Sanctify Yourself
With thanks to Leanne Mennard PR, Red Hot Summer & Face to Face Touring for the media access.
Photos by Shot by Slaidins Photography
