Melbourne based music photographer at www.blackshadow.com.au
It’s pretty hard to put these in order but I’ll give it a bash. My top ten gigs of the year were:
1. Patti Smith at Hamer Hall – simply one of the best rock performances I have ever seen. Her voice and stage presence were magnificent as were her band. She’s still got it!
2. Eddy Current Suppression Ring album launch at The Corner. You always knew this was going to be a big one with tickets selling out in short order with virtually no publicity. The place was jam packed, hot and sweaty and Eddy Current Suppression Ring unleashed a sonic fury that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Usually shy Brendan Suppression had a manic glint in his eye as he encouraged more and more mayhem from the mosh pit. Sensational stuff
3. Devo at Festival Hall. Devo showed that they still have it and remain the kings of electro rock – their performance was great.
4. Died Pretty + Ed Kuepper Don’t Look Back performance at The Forum. This was a very special night – you could literally see the years fall away from Ron Peno as he was out front of Died Pretty – magical stuff.
5. Ween at The Forum. I’d only heard bits and pieces of Ween on the radio over the years. I wasn’t sure what to expect but they delivered a three hour joyful musical journey. Very impressive stuff
6. Airbourne at The HiFi Bar. This was the last show that Airbourne played in Melbourne before relocating overseas in their quest for world domination. It was a stinking hot January night, people were crammed into The HiFi like sardines and Airbourne were ready to rock. And rock they did! Yes they cut it very close to old AC/DC but they know how to put on a show and they leave nothing in the tank.
7. John Fogerty at the Point Nepean Music Festival. On Easter Saturday John Fogerty took to the stage, with a full moon back drop and ocean views he delved into the Creedence catalogue and delivered two hours of greatness. He was there to play – his voice and fiery guitar work were masterful. Classy stuff.
8. Children Collide at Revolver. I’m writing this list the morning after this show. The gig kicked off a tour to launch this Melbourne trio’s debut album. Sonically intense, musically adept and with a great performance that erupts several times during the show. This was an hour of pure rock – no encores, no bullshit, just a damned fine show. Definitely the band to watch in 2009 – I have a feeling they are going to make it big.
9. SixFtHick at Roxanne’s Parlour showed that the twin headed rock n roll hydra from Queensland are still one of the best live acts in this country… loud, nasty and in your face… yes please!
10. X at Cherry Rock – Steve Lucas, Cathy Green and Kim Volkman fired up this old warhorse again and blew every other band away at this year’s Cherry Rock. They made the competition including the likes of The Supersuckers and The Hitmen looked tame in comparison. X is not the same band as with Ian Rilen on bass, but still a force to be reckoned with.
