Fanning Dempsey National Park - Canberra Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fanning Dempsey National Park

Canberra Theatre

18/5/25

 

The easy path for older rock stars to take is to churn out the hits to receptive crowds until you retire. It’s a guaranteed way to have your fans leave satisfied every night. You just need to keep repeating this every year or two and you’d have a very successful life. This applies even more so when you are the lead singer from 90s icons Powerfinger or Something For Kate. There’s a back catalogue of hits that you can draw from which everyone knows and everyone likes.

 

However, I can’t imagine that would be too musically satisfying and that’s not the path that Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey took for their new project Fanning Dempsey National Park. It speaks to my musical taste but I’m not sure there was much more musical ground left to explore by the tail end of Powderfinger or Something for Kate’s careers. Similarly, for a solo career, rehashing their old hits or mining the same musical ground they did with their old groups doesn’t sound like it would be too interesting. Surely, part of being an artist is to try new things, explore new music and to create.

 

I’m not 100% sure the rest of the crowd agreed with me but I really liked it. Clues about what to expect from the set came early with the warm up music. Prince (Raspberry Beret), John Waite (I’m not missing you) and Lou Gramm (Midnight Blue) set the mood. Their new album reminds me of early Simple Minds, Icehouse and Roxy Music.  It’s electro and 80s influenced, but with the steady hand of two of the greatest songwriters that Australia has produced.

 

The gig was played to a lightshow and background that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a Countdown set. This suited their new album down to the ground.

The choice of covers might have raised an eyebrow in their previous bands, but they fitted right into the set – Wouldn’t it be good (Nick Kershaw) and Under Pressure (Bowie/Queen) explored the same musical ground as their album. They also recast some of their old hits with this new found spirit and sound. Pick You Up was especially great. It started off with an electronic keyboard setting the mood, before building into an anthemic ending.  

 

Whether this is a whole new path these songwriters are going to take or just an interesting diversion in their career it’s too early to say. But the songs are as good as any they’ve previously written and I, for one, would be more than happy to hear more like this.

Ben Lee - Belconnen Arts Centre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Lee

Belconnen Arts Centre

12 April 2025

 

 

The best thing about seeing an artist live is that you are in the moment. It’s not a recording. It’s a once in a lifetime event, never to be repeated. You don’t always feel that when you go to one of the big touring shows. Understandably, they have big productions (lights, confetti, etc) which have to be the same night after night.

 

Which is why seeing an artist in a small venue can be such a treat. It takes confidence to play a show without a setlist and not make it feel like a gimmick, but that’s what Ben Lee did. Not only did the show “feel” unique. It definitely was unique. No two shows on this tour will be the same. After playing a few songs, he said “let’s open this up to requests”. But he also said “don’t request Catch my disease, or Cigarette’s will kill you… I’m going to play those. I’ve been in the business for 35 years… I know which side my bread is buttered on”.

 

I can’t think of a better quote to sum up the show. Usually when an artist plays a new song it’s a sign to head to the bar but when most of the set is obscure songs, you have to be pretty sure of your material and that you can hold the attention of the audience. He played songs from all the periods of his long career, from when he was a teenager, to when was dating famous actresses, to his side projects and also his 90s heyday.

 

Audience members got respect for requesting obscure songs, which he dutifully played. Sometimes he forgot the lyrics to these songs, but that was part of the charm. Watching him google them from the stage was very amusing. It definitely added to the show and created a sense of community.

 

He asked us if it was OK for him to forget the pretend “hide and seek” game of going off for an encore, and said that the next few songs would be “bonus songs”. They certainly were. That’s when he brought out his big hits. As he said, he knew what he was doing. It was definitely a show not to be repeated. But one I’d happily revisit anytime.

Blossoms - Enmore Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blossoms

Enmore Theatre

15 March 2025

 

Sometimes I question whether it is it worth it. Going to gigs that is. Being honest, travelling to another city to see a band is kind of crazy. First of all, there’s the expense, then there’s the hassle of being away from home. Often, I travel by myself, as I find it hard to get someone to come with me. That isn’t the easiest thing in the world. In short, it’s a lot of effort. Is it worth it?

 

This question is brought into sharp focus when the band you want to see is a support band and they’re guaranteed to play a short set.

 

It has to be said that there aren’t many advantages to being an Australian fan of UK music. They’re not always part of the cultural zeitgeist, so it’s hard keeping up with any current news and releases. Back when you had to actually buy records, they were often imports at inflated prices, and you had to wait months to get them. Finally, the bands hardly ever tour here. But when they do come you need to grasp the opportunity with both hands. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity go to waste. 

 

One of the advantages of seeing UK bands, however, is the chance to see them in relatively intimate venues. Blossoms (from Stockport, just outside Manchester) were supporting Kasabian and they played the relatively small Enmore Theatre, as compared to their recent hometown show to 30,000 fans!

 

It was almost like seeing them when they were just starting out. The stage props were non-existent, their lighting show was rudimentary. But the songs! Oh my god the songs! With only a limited time for their set, they focussed on their big hitters and they knocked it out of the park. They played a set that picked the eyes out of their five album back catalogue.

 

They were incredible. Really incredible. All those years of performing on larger stages really showed. They are a band that knows what they’re doing. Tight, but also loose. Note perfect, but also willing to cut loose when required. Having an arsenal of great songs definitely helps, but knowing how to perform them is essential.

 

Yes, the set was too short. Yes, I travelled too far to see them. Yes, it was a big effort. But would I do it again? Yes, no question. In a heartbeat. It was definitely worth it!

 

A postscript.

 

As Blossoms were the support band, I had found myself at the front barrier for the set, but decided that I wasn’t really interested in Kasabian so I went to the back of the theatre to watch them. After watching a handful of songs of the headliner I’d had enough, so decided to leave the venue. As I was walking out, I ran into the lead singer and drummer from Blossoms!!! Unbelievable! I told them that I’d travelled 300kms to see them and that they were amazing! I asked for a selfie (and they happily obliged). I shook their hands and went home very happy!

Kylie - Qudos Bank Arena

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kylie feels like family. She’s a bit like your cool older cousin. When you were growing up, she had all the cool friends, knew all the great music, always made you felt included. Her concert felt like she was hosting a party and you were invited. The overwhelming feeling is of love in the room. It wasn’t just because it was Mardi Gras weekend (that certainly helped), but you could definitely feel it. She loves her audience, and her audience loves her back.

 

She pointed out that she has spent her whole life on stage. And it showed. She was so comfortable on stage, engaging with the audience, dedicating songs to them (one person had seen her 30 times!) bringing them on stage (a beautiful moment where the lucky recipient couldn’t believe he was so close to his idol) and making everyone feel included. I think that’s part of her appeal.

 

I know Taylor Swift has (probably) trade marked the phrase “era” but Kylie has more than a few eras of her own. With nearly 40 years of hits she had a lot of ground to cover, but she had something for everyone and I think everyone went home happy.  

 

She wasn’t embarrassed by her 80s pop. In fact, Locomotion was a highlight. A time machine (her words) that brought the whole arena back to their youth (let’s be honest, we were among our people). But she also affectionately sang I Should Be So Lucky and Hand On Your Heart from the Stock, Aitken and Waterman years.

 

Her fantastic 90s songs (Better the Devil You Know, Shocked, What Do I Have To Do among others) were highlights. But this isn’t entirely a nostalgia show, her more modern songs fitted in seamlessly into the set. Her recent hit Padam, Padam, the timeless Can’t Get You Of My Head and a selection of songs from her most recent albums were also winners. 

 

Who would have imagined that she would be more popular than ever in 2025? It’s hard to believe that some people (ok, it was me) once thought that she was uncool. She is 100% authentic. She feels like that person you first met on Neighbours in the 80s. She feels like someone you’ve known your whole life. She feels like family.

Coldplay - Marvel Stadium Melbourne

 

Have you ever wondered how your favourite musician arrives for a stadium show? If, like me, you imaged they’d arrive by limo, or at the very least a minivan driving into the depths of the stadium, I can confirm that Chris Martin walked to Marvel Stadium.

 

I decided that we would go to the stadium a day early to get some merch, mainly so that we wouldn’t have to bother on the day of the show. Walking back to our accommodation, right next to the train station with hundreds of other Coldplay fans making their way to the stadium (about 500 metres away from the venue), I was following my children and out of the corner of my eye I saw a familiar face walking with purpose in the other direction towards the show.

 

Oh my god, that’s Chris Martin.

 

I knew I had only seconds to act. The exact recollection of events differ, depending on who you ask, but my children say that I took off like a scalded cat and ran towards him. He had a female body guard (I think this is relevant – it wasn’t what I would have expected and meant that he didn’t draw attention to himself) walking about 2 metres behind him. I ran up to him. She intervened and said “you shouldn’t run towards anyone”. To which I apologised (I immediately backed away) which I think diffused the situation. I think she clocked me as a “harmless fanboy” (true). She stepped back. I then shook his hand. More reliable witnesses than me (i.e.my children) say that I don’t meet old friends like I said hello to him. I was much more effusive. My right hand was shaking his hand and my left was on his shoulder. I think I was holding onto him like I couldn’t believe that he was real. I introduced myself and said that I was really looking forward to tomorrow’s show. He said “nice to meet you brother” and then he was on his way. Powering towards the stadium. Clearly, he couldn’t stop – the hundreds of other fans around would have swarmed him. I can’t believe that no one else recognised him.

 

The interaction lasted mere seconds. But I doubt I’ll ever forget it.

 

It was just as well I had a day to bring myself back down to earth before we attended the show.   

 

The concert itself was a thrilling spectacle, but also a very human experience. Coldplay started the gig like most bands play their encore. Five big hits (Adventure of a Lifetime, Paradise, the Scientist, Viva La Vida among them), with streamers, confetti, light up wrist bands, beach balls. They threw everything at the crowd and it was fantastic. You can only do that if you’ve got enough songs left in the tank for the end of the set that are equally as good. Coldplay have that.

 

The show didn’t let up and they embraced songs from their whole career. It’s hard to articulate what was so special about it, and I think you need to be a believer, but there was a balance between being slick and also allowing themselves to make mistakes. It was a huge show, but also intimate. There were a couple of mistakes. Chris Martin fell through an opening in the stage. That definitely wasn’t planned. He fortunately wasn’t injured and continued with the show.

 

Throwing in old favourites like Clocks, and the perennial Yellow mid set is brave. Other bands would have saved them for the end of the show, but they were certainly well received. The encore started with Fix You, not before Chris Martin flubbed the opening line of the song. But that was endearing. He got the band to start again by saying “let’s play Fix You … by Coldplay”. Maybe you needed to be there. But it was great. It was human. They played a couple of upbeat new songs to finish and, yes there were more streamers, and confetti, and fireworks and it was spectacular.

 

You might not like that the band have fully embraced pop, rather than rock. Or that their lyrics are a bit twee. Or that they are desperately uncool. It’s telling that the support acts came from Zimbabwe, Australia (via Iraq) and Nigeria. In Coldplay’s world, they want everyone to feel welcome and don’t want to be limited in what they can express. I think they achieved that.

 

While I can confirm that Chris Martin walks to the stadium, the gig itself was anything other than pedestrian.

Olivia Rodrigo - Qudos Bank Arena

 

The National - Accor Super Theatre

 

The National

Super Aware Theatre

1 March 2024

 

 

Getting a souvenir from a concert is always special. Usually, you have to buy a t shirt. Sometimes, if you’re really lucky, you can get a guitar pick, and if you come away with something like a setlist, you’ve done very well indeed! But sometimes you get even more than that.

 

I like to think of The National as a bit like the cooler friends you had at uni who formed a band and played at parties. The difference is, unlike your friends, the National can actually play and write music brilliantly. It was the kind of show that you might expect at a uni bar but writ large. There wasn’t a fancy light show and there were no costume changes. But the band was loose and happy to be on stage. 

 

When they were starting out, Michael Stipe from REM told the National in order to have a long career they either needed to have lots of hits, or none at all. They choose the latter option. But for a band with no hits, they’ve certainly got a lot of great songs. They’ve had a 20 year career and the show touches on every point in it. From their early successes to tracks from the two albums released last year, the setlist features songs from throughout their catalogue. A sign of how they’ve maintained their quality control is that the newer songs more than hold their own against the early classics. They don’t rely on their biggest albums to fill their set.

 

In the middle of the show, I remember thinking that this is what all rock bands should sound like. They were powerful. They rocked hard. But they also had a light melodic touch and they were engaging performers.

 

Lead singer Matt Berninger went into the crowd at a number of points in the show and the excitement level in the crowd certainly went up a notch. It was a great way to make an immediate connection with the audience. He didn’t rely on a wireless microphone. He must have the longest microphone lead in the music business. He walked 100 metres into the crowd and having this physical link to the stage somehow made this adventure even more compelling.  A side note is that his microphone roadie must be the hardest working person in showbusiness. How no one got injured is a miracle.

 

It was one of the things that reminded me of when you saw small indie bands playing in tiny venues. The lead singer goes into the crowd to get your attention. Tick. The guitarists stand at opposite sides of the stage and try to ‘out rock’ each other. Tick. The lead singer gives away his shoes at the end of the gig? Tick. The rhythm section stays mostly in the background, but still look effortlessly cool. Tick. Wait… The lead singer gave away his shoes? Yes, that’s true. That’s a cool souvenir! That’s hard to beat! But someone even went home with the mic stand.

 

It was that kind of gig!