As I write, bushfires continue burning in Victoria and southern New South Wales. At least 28 people have died, around 3,000 homes have been lost, around 18 million acres have burned, and countless animals have died or been severely burned. The statistics could make you despair, but that’s not what Aussies are about. We’re the kind of people who see a problem and take matters into our own hands. We band together and do what we can to make things better. That’s why 75,000 Aussies from across the country and I headed to Sydney’s ANZ Stadium yesterday. Oh, and there might have been the added incentive of one of the best concerts the country has ever seen: Fire Fight Australia.
I firstly want to give a shout-out to TEG Dainty for putting together such a stellar line-up. It was a show that offered something for everybody with acts that crossed generations and genres. I like to think everyone discovered a new act or enjoyed a performance they didn’t expect to. For me, those unexpected moments of enjoyment came watching Baker Boy, Hilltop Hoods, and Peking Duk. I won’t say that I didn’t enjoy their music but I certainly wouldn’t have categorised myself as a fan. However, it was impossible not to get swept up in the energy of what these acts do. They were so much fun, I can understand why the younger punters on the dancefloor were anticipating their sets. Brilliant stuff with a few special guests including Montaigne and Ecca Vandal thrown in the mix.
There were also several acts whose music I’ve enjoyed but had never seen live before. Illy’s set was pure joy while Amy Shark’s had so much heart. I loved the energy of 5 Seconds of Summer. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a drummer give as much as Ashton Irwin to a performance! Delta Goodrem had me squealing with her nostalgic set. Her medley of hits was a wonderful way to get around the standard four-song set! Guy Sebastian and Jess Mauboy have such incredible voices in the flesh.
Then there were the artists we expected goosebumps from. If these legendary performers felt the weight of expectation, they didn’t show it. Alice Cooper gave an absolute rock masterclass. What a showman he is. I first saw him with the Ultimate Rock Symphony tour around 20 years ago and he has lost nothing since then. Queen might not be the same band they were when they played their original Live Aid set, but Adam Lambert was there to silence any naysayers who insist he’d not Freddie Mercury. Of course he’s not, but he doesn’t try to be. I’ve been a fan since his American Idol days, and I think he’s such a worthy successor. What a voice, what charisma.
I initially questioned the decision to put k.d. lang on after the Hilltop Hoods but when she stepped on stage after the names of people we lost in the bushfires were beamed onto the giant screens it made total sense. She was like an angel dressed in white, with her haunting voice delivering such perfect song choices: “The Valley” and “Hallelujah” from Hymns of the 49th Parallel. This quiet, reflective moment near the end of the party reminded us all of the reason we were there. However, we couldn’t stay somber for long, with Icehouse, John Farnham, and Olivia Newtown-John rounding out proceedings. They performed songs that are such an important part of the fabric of this country, the kind of songs that bring the voices of generations together. The feeling of singing songs like “Great Southern Land” and “You’re The Voice” with 75,000 Aussies was something I’ll never forget.
Full credit to the organisers of Fire Fight Australia, the artists who so generously gave their time, and of course the firefighters and first responders who we celebrated at this show. The event raised closed to $10 million to help bushfire recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts and gave all of us who were a part of it memories to last a lifetime. If you want to help boost the fundraising efforts, you can still buy event T-shirts at Cotton On stores and online.
Image source: own photos