With this being one of our live shows of the year and being given the opportunity to cover the St Kilda show, we thought why not. Take it away Andrew Slaidins…
The Palais Theatre in St. Kilda is such a gorgeous venue visually and acoustically. It is a fitting place to enjoy an evening full of incredible music, stories, friendship and family connection.
Watching artists play to a home town Melbourne crowd is always a special treat and seeing these two Superstars Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens reunited in celebration of their careers, peers, Australian music and of what they did thirty-two years ago as they stormed Australia as key cast in Jesus Christ Superstar; which was a showcase of this country’s finest musicians and voices. That was what seems to be a lifetime ago but here, now and tonight it was time to revisit moments from Jesus Christ Superstar and their respective careers as solo artists.
It’s hard to believe that forty years ago I first discovered Kate Ceberano in I’m Talking and Jon in Noiseworks three years later although his solo career had been in full flight in New Zealand well before then. To think these two voices have been the soundtrack to so many parts of my life made tonight even more of a celebration and the fact that over the last decade I can call them friends is even more special. In fact I had the pleasure of seeing these two tear up a stage together in Tasmania about six years ago even if it was just for a couple of songs.
Starting tonight was a short and sweet set from Gypsy Lee, Kate’s daughter who along with her guitarist delivered a twenty minute set of original songs. This short but all so sweet set gave us all a clear idea that talent in this family is super strong. Gypsy’s presence and interaction with the crowd is one that is beyond her years. Her story telling between songs and confidence is engaging. There were elements to Gypsy’s performance and songs that offered reminders of the sass that her mother possess. I can’t wait to see what this young lady has instore for us in the months and years to come.
A short break and the second act for the night father and daughter duo of Tim and Caitlin Rizzoli took to the stage. For those who are unaware of this duo they won 2022’s The Voice: Generations. Tim has also been seen joining his good friend Jason Singh at a few of his of Heavens Greatest Hits shows and most recently at the twentieth anniversary celebration of Jeff Buckley’s “Grace” earlier this year where he duetted with Jason on ‘Halleliujah’. All that I can say is Tim Rizzoli has a voice of pure gold. Seeing Tim with his daughter on stage was a touching and heartfelt experience, Caitlin delivered a silky vocal as the duo opened with ‘Big Jet Plane’ by Angus & Julia Stone. From there we got a great selection of covers that showcased both voices and the guitar skills of Tim. This was an amazing showcase of the family duo’s talents. Tim even threw in one of his original tunes that he originally penned as an ode to his love for his wife but adapted to now being a duet with his daughter. The song itself leaned towards a slight country feel but was right at home with their takes on Foo Fighters, Righteous Brothers and Lady Gaga/Bradley Cooper covers. I wish there was more original material in the set, but this was a great indication of the talent on display and what is to come. Keep an eye out for this duo as there is definitely some magic there.
The main even was upon us and I had purposely avoided reading about this show before-hand so that what was instore from the show would be a surprise, and tonight’s show was full of surprises and moments that I couldn’t have possibly though of.
As the name of this tour suggested “Superstars” was the theme, the starting place of a friendship that is just incredible to watch, but most of all it celebrated that ground breaking Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar which still sits fondly in my memory from all those years ago. The show itself opened and closed with keys songs from the stage show. Jon Stevens took the reins with a red-hot version of ‘Heaven On Their Minds’ followed by a simply spellbinding version of ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ from Kate. All the magic from thirty-two years came flooding back.
From here we were treated to a best of the best from both Jon and Kate, their careers and the people and music that touched us all. If the Palais wasn’t already warmed-up they would be as Jon launched into ‘Touch’ from the sophomore Noiseworks album of the same name and by mid song had the entire Palais singing at full voice. My god what an energy in the room. Not one to let a vibe go Kate took to the stage and delivered possibly my favourite song of hers ‘Brave’. The feeling and message in this song has always been amazing and Jon singing the second verse was a real treat and amazing take on the song. To say tonight was going to be nothing short than a series of home runs truly is playing down the fun that is this show.
What can I say about the band as well. With the majority of the band being Jon’s Tim Henwood (Guitar), Tony Kopa (Guitar and Vocal), Jonny Salerno (Drums), Chris Bekker (Bass) and Glenn Reither (Keys/Sax) there were the amazing additions of Kathleen Halloran (Guitars) who has been with Kate for many years now and Grant Windsor on keys as well. To say the level of musicianship was next level is selling this show short. Kathleen Halloran was truly a treat to watch and hear as she put on what I think is her greatest showcase of her talent. To say she can play the hell out of a guitar and shred with the best of them is something I just can’t put into words, you have to experience Kathleen in her natural habitat the stage. The pairing of Kathleen and the immensely talented Tim Henwood is a guitarists dream. Sonically it has all of the feels, power, precision and technical ability you could ever ask for. This duo is simply lightning in a bottle and the way they play off and with each other just adds another WOW factor to this show. Kathleen lit a fuse during tonight version of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ that just simply exploded during her solo.
The hits were not slowing down as we were treated to ‘No Lies’ from Jon and ‘Pash’ from Kate. Kate’s story behind the song is always great to hear.
Sharing vocals again Jon & Kate delivered a blinding version of the Eurythmic hit ‘Missionary Man’ along with a story that ties both to Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. Again, Jon and Kate shared vocal, this time on Kate’s hit ‘Bedroom Eyes’ again a song that I could only imagine being sung by Kate but with the addition of Jon it felt like it was always the way it was. The next section of the show allowed for reflection and tales of the iconic Australian Made tour of 1986/87 and acted as a tribute to those that sadly are no longer with us from that absolutely golden age of Australian Rock N Roll; Martin Plaza & Greedy Smith (Mental as Anything), James Freud (The Models), Chris Bailey (The Saints), Chrissy Amphlett (Divinyls) and Michael Hutchence (INXS).
For a lot of Australians The Models ‘Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight’ was possibly their introduction to Kate as her backing vocals are all over that track, if anything it’s almost worth as being called one of her own. Tonight’s version was just incredible. Seeing the entire Palais Theatre take to their feet for ‘Don’t Change’ before Kate absolutely nailed, channelled and embodied the spirit of Chrissy Amphlett in her delivery of ‘Boys In Town’ there were moments in that song that just brought on chills. The interaction of Tim Henwood and Kate during this song simply embodied everything that was Chrissy Amphlett and Mark McEntee’s onstage magic. To understand that you had to see how incredible that pair was live in their prime. That same spirit was there in spades tonight. Noisework’s classic ‘Hot Chili Woman’ followed and the energy just simply refused to let go.
Reflection for what was the production of Jesus Christ Superstar, first meetings between Jon & Kate. The memory of working with some of this countries finest talents in a production that I personally think will never be topped led into stories of John Farnham as they dedicated ‘Everything’s Alright’ to the man himself. Noting that members of Johns family were in attendance tonight was incredibly special for both of them. A medley of Farnham’s greatest songs followed in a beautiful tribute to a man who unfortunately shied away from the public eye since his diagnosis and successful treatment of cancer two years ago. Joining them for ‘You’re The Voice’ was a guest vocalist that they teased at, that guest was no other than the original Australian Idol, Guy Sebastian, who joined them in an amazing version ending tonight’s main set. Again, the perks of playing to a home town crowd.
After rounds of vigorous applause and cheers the band, Jon, Kate and Guy returned to the stage for the first of three encores a cover of Joe Cocker’s ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’. Once again the Palais was in full voice as the love on that stage took over this beautiful theatre embracing us all. As an added treat Kate spoke of the next song “Take Me Back’ and how it was so special to Jon and how it was a privilege for her to sing the first verse knowing what it meant to him. On their feet once again the entire Palais Theatre were if fine voice. Regardless of how many times you hear this song it still manages to stir something with its beauty and message.
Closing out tonight was a ripping version of ‘Superstar’ which concluded with a well-deserved standing ovation and putting a perfect bow on a night that will be remembered by those in attendance for a very long time to come.
To say tonight was a show is underselling it; it was an experience, an engagement, a cruise down memory lane that left smiles on so many faces. My regret is not seeing this show earlier as I will definitely see it again. It is a must see and do event. It needs an encore run and if you were even remotely interested, I urge you to check it out as you will simply have the time of your life. Most importantly thank you to all that performed for us tonight, to the production crew for an amazing show and to Jon and Kate for letting the love, friendship and stories that link the musical memories together.
In many ways I had to wait until this tour was over in respect of not spoiling it for anyone. With the last two shows of this run completed in Tasmania this weekend just gone it’s time for another run of these shows.
With thanks to Ian Ritter for the photos and to Tony Kopa, Lee Rogers and the team for the media access.
Setlist :
Heaven On Their Minds
I Don’t Know How To Love Him
Touch
Brave
The Chain
No Lies
Pash
Missionary Man
Bedroom Eyes
Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight
Don’t Change
Boys in Town
Hot Chili Woman
Everything’s Alright
Farnham Medley : Burn for you/Help/Touch Of Paradise/Pressure Down/That’s Freedom/Two strong hearts/You’re The Voice
Encore:
With A Little Help From My Friends
Take Me Back
Superstar
