Category: Concert Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sting @ Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley – 18 February 2023

By now you might realise that this won’t be a standard concert review. However, while Saturday’s Sting concert wasn’t what any of us wanted and expected, we still received an afternoon filled with great music so I decided it was important to write about what I did experience.

When you buy tickets to an outdoor show, you never know quite what you’re going to get. The weather in late summer can be fickle. While I was in pants earlier in the week, the mercury hovered somewhere around 40 degrees in the Hunter Valley on Saturday. Shout-out to my dad, the real MVP, who drove Mum and I to the Hunter for a nice lunch, then some wine-tasting in air-conditioned cellars until the show was nearly about to begin. With our AAMI Lucky Club membership we were ushered through our special line without queuing and quickly found our seats. No lines at the exclusive AAMI Lucky Club bar either. No, this isn’t a paid promotion, but those perks make sticking with my insurance provider so worthwhile. Mum told me the seats were much better than they were last time she saw Sting, even though we didn’t splurge on close to the top tier.

I didn’t have high expectations for Joe Sumner, assuming he just got the gig because his dad was the headliner, but I really enjoyed his set. He reminded me a lot of his father vocally, although his top register was a little weaker. But he has some really solid pop-rock songs. He’s definitely got the goods as a singer-songwriter, and he’s super charismatic. One of the things I really love about these Day on the Green shows is you can often be pleasantly surprised by an artist who you wouldn’t ordinarily have seen. Rest assured, I’ll be checking out his back catalogue.

Unlike Joe, I knew exactly what I was getting with James Reyne. He’s one of Australia’s most dependable musicians, with one of the country’s most impressive back catalogues. When you can throw “Reckless” into the middle of your set, because you know there is plenty more people want to hear, you know you’ve got the goods. He has us all singing along, even if we were probably wrong with most of the words. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen James, but it’s always a thrill.

Sting is another one of those artists who has so many hits that he doesn’t need to save them for an encore. He walked out without fanfare, just a man with his guitar ready to put on a great show. “Message in a Bottle,” bam, “Englishman in New York,” bam, “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic,” bam. Sounding just as good as he ever has, with so much charm. With a triple-treat of hits so early, we didn’t even mind when he apologised for playing a couple of new songs. They were less familiar but still superb songs, and they gave us all a chance to catch our breath and take our seats for a bit. We were back to the hits for “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” a song made a bit more pleasant as the breeze picked up. We had been so hot that the wind was a welcome relief. I was honestly shocked when security ushered Sting off the stage. He said he’d be back if he could, and we were sure he would be. I called my dad, who was already on the way to pick us up, and told him the show might take a little longer as we were on a break waiting for the high winds to pass. He turned around to go home, and almost got there when I called him back to say we were being evacuated. We were a bit shocked really. It wasn’t raining, and I’ve been in some pretty heavy rain for Day on the Green shows, but I guess the wind and forecast lightning was the deciding factor.

I’ve attended countless Day on the Green shows and never had an experience like that. So perhaps it’s not a surprise that I felt the venue staff were ill-prepared for the turn of events. My mum and I were told to leave our seats, but we had no where to go, with my Dad around 50 minutes away. And then the rain started. Another shout-out to the amazing couple who let us take shelter in their car, insisting that they wouldn’t be moving for ages (they were right). Would we have been waiting in the conditions that were deemed too unsafe for a concert if they weren’t willing to help?

Now we’re left wondering what happens next. The team behind A Day on the Green say they’ll be in touch in the next day or so, suggesting there’ll be some kind of compensation. A reschedule seems unlikely given Sting’s busy schedule. Some people online have suggested we don’t deserve any sort of compensation, because we saw all three acts we paid for. However, if you’d asked me to pay $200 to see Sting sing seven songs, I’d have told you where to go. It’s the sort of experience that makes you wonder whether you should buy tickets to the shows at the safe, if somewhat sterile, indoor venues instead of the wineries. So I’m glad to hear A Day on the Green are looking to make up for our disappointment. It certainly wasn’t the show we hoped for, even if there was plenty to smile about early on.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Phil Burton @ Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 10 February 2023

After decades touring with Human Nature, Phil Burton has gone solo. It must be a daunting prospect, stepping out from one of Australia’s most beloved acts, especially one that relies so heavily on harmonies. He admitted to the crowd at Lizotte’s, his very first solo show, that he was terrified. But he kept those nerves in check and proved that he doesn’t need the safety net of Human Nature to wow music lovers.

Phil’s Songs That Shaped My Soul tour concept is a simple one, but a real crowd-pleaser. It makes sense, given Human Nature’s recent success playing Motown covers, that he’d stick to popular songs rather than originals. However, this show gives Phil the freedom to branch out from that box and present a much wider range of music that made him the man he is today. He told us about discovering his father’s record collection and flashed us a few of its gems. Albums like “Dark Side of the Moon,” “Hotel California,” and “Silk Degrees” – my dad had them all too. Having a similar musical upbringing, I loved hearing his covers of tracks like “Lido Shuffle” and “New York State of Mind”. His version of John Farnham’s “Comic Conversations”, the song he used to perform to show off, left no doubt that he’s a vocal talent to be reckoned with. These are songs that would never make a Human Nature set, and he clearly relished performing them for us.

Of course, Phil couldn’t totally ignore his part in Australia’s biggest boyband. After realising a song like Tellin’ Everybody, where he simply provided harmonies, wouldn’t work, he took the lead on “Wishes” and “Every Time You Cry.” He also brought us plenty of soul, including those Motown songs that packed out the houses in Vegas.

Since this was Phil’s show, he could cherry-pick the songs that meant the most to him, and the gig was stronger for it. I was a massive Human Nature fan in my teens, but they kind of lost me with the Motown era as I felt it was a little by the numbers. While it sounded good, it lacked a little heart for me. Here though Phil was in his element.

I saw this show with my parents. It occurred to me that Dad hadn’t seen Human Nature since he happened upon them by chance supporting Celine Dion at the very start of their careers. He’d never felt compelled to see a show, even though there was a time his daughter didn’t miss one. He initially wasn’t going to come to this date, but after seeing Phil being interviewed on one of the morning TV shows, he realised he would play plenty of the songs he loved and asked if we could add a seat at our table.

My mother has gone to a handful of Human Nature gigs with me over the years. Yet I’ve never heard her rave about one of them as she did the other night. I lost count of the number of times she leaned over to excitedly say “He’s so good!” She was one of the many people up dancing by the end of the night.

As for me, the passionate Human Nature fan back in the day, I felt an immense sense of pride. I loved the nostalgia of this show, hearing a few Human Nature classics but also the songs I grew up listening to. Phil’s voice was flawless, proving that while he sounds great harmonising he can more than hold his own fronting his own gig. As word spreads about his solo shows, I have no doubt that he can keep on packing out venues as he did with Human Nature. For now he’s clearly testing the waters with New South Wales dates, but hopefully he’ll get the confidence from this run and announce shows in the other states. Until then, you can catch him at these remaining dates:

16 February 2023 – Camelot Lounge, Bulanaming/Marrickville
25 February 2023 – Brass Monkey, Kurranulla/Cronulla

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness @ The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane – 8 February 2023

I don’t often travel interstate for gigs. But when Andrew McMahon announced his current Australian tour and the Sydney date clashed with previously made plans, I knew I had to head to Meeanjin/Brisbane. I’m a relative newcomer to Andrew’s music, discovering it through a friend in the early days of the pandemic. In a dark time, sinking my teeth into his exhaustive back catalogue brought colour into my world. I listened to little else for months. When I was at my angstiest, there was Something Corporate. When I needed hope, there was the lighter indie-pop of his Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness material. I thought Everything in Transit, from his Jack’s Mannequin days, was one of the most exciting albums I’d ever heard. I’ve always been of the belief that it doesn’t matter when you get into an artist’s music. It’s there when you need it. And if you’re lucky, you get to join long-term fans in a gig like Wednesday night’s show at The Triffid in Brisbane and feel like part of a community.

I must admit I didn’t twig when Heavenshe was announced as Andrew’s support, but I got pretty excited when I realised this was the new moniker of Tonight Alive vocalist Jenna McDougall. What a brilliant reintroduction to this artist. We got to catch up on her new material and take a trip down Memory Lane with a couple of Tonight Alive classics. With just an acoustic guitar they sounded a little different to the way they did way back then, but I’ve always appreciated hearing songs stripped back to their purest forms. Speaking of appreciation, I’ve got to give a shout-out to the punters at the Triffid. They probably didn’t know most of this material, but they listened captivated and applauded enthusiastically. What an incredible bunch of humans. After hearing so many crowds talk over support acts, it was so refreshing to be amongst people who were so receptive to new music. Needless to say, I’ll be checking out Hevenshe’s music after this beautiful set.

Often when you get into an artist late in their career, you miss out on intimate gigs like Andrew’s set at The Triffid. So many years in they’ve already graduated to the big arenas or stadiums. I am so thankful that he remains underground here in Australia, at least for now. While he was up on stage, there was no barrier so he could easily chat to those of us in the front few rows between songs. He could hear the people who’d get excited when they heard the first few bars of their favourite tracks and acknowledge their joy. We felt like friends gathering around a piano to hear some tunes rather than punters at a gig.

I’ve always been a sucker for an acoustic show, so I really appreciated the simplicity of this gig. Just a man and a piano sharing songs and stories with us all. The set was incredible, a celebration of his entire career, although he joked that he probably should have played more than one track from his forthcoming album. Perhaps that’s for another tour. From my position in the second row, it seemed like we were all singing along with every word, although we joined in the woah-ohs of “Fire Escape” and the fuck yeahs of “Holiday from Real” with extra gusto. I saw people wiping away tears in “Swim,” a song that’s helped so many of us, including myself, through hard times. Hearing heavier tracks like “Straw Dog” and “Punk Rock Princess” broken down was a revelation. It all was.

And because we were good, because Andrew assured us it would only happen if we were, we got “Konstantine,” the nearly 10-minute epic from the Something Corporate days. Always requested but rarely played, it was so special. Closing out with the joyous “La La Lie,” I struggled to think how the show could have been better. You can never hear anything you want when an artist has such an exhaustive back catalogue, but this show certainly came close.

I mentioned before that I feel it doesn’t matter when you come to an artist’s music, it’ll be there for you when the time is right. I saw this gig with my best friend in the world, Lisa. She’d heard a couple of Andrew’s tracks but was pretty unfamiliar with his back catalogue. But she decided to go to the show anyway, trusting my judgement. She came out a fan. While she didn’t know the majority of the songs, she found herself so engaged by them. I am so thrilled that like my friend introduced me to Andrew’s music a couple of years ago, I could do the same for her. I am so grateful that she’s open-minded enough to just go and see what it’s all about. And that she’s selfless enough to give me the set list she caught, because she knows it’ll mean so much to me. Experiencing this show with her made it even more special.

When you travel for a gig, you want a show like this. When you stand up for a gig, even though you’re past 40 and feel too old for standing floor gigs, you want a show like this. I might have been late to the party, but you can bet I won’t miss another Andrew McMahon tour. If you’re in Eora/Sydney, you can catch him tonight at The Factory.

Images: Lauren Katulka and Lisa Mayer

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bat Out of Hell: The Musical @ Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney – 27 January 2023

I bought tickets for Bat Out of Hell: The Musical back in December 2019. Back then COVID-19 hadn’t arrived in Australia and both Meatloaf and Jim Steinman were still alive. I’m not sure how many times it was postponed, but I do know I was starting to wonder whether it’d ever happen. However, good things come to those who wait, and I finally got my chance to see the musical that’s had the West End buzzing.

I must admit, early on I was a little unsure. I couldn’t fault the singing and dancing chops of the cast which come to Australia directly from the West End. However, the plot, a love story with references to Romeo and Juliet and Peter Pan, was more than a little flimsy. Meatloaf music has always been a little over the top, but the larger-than-life acting sections felt really cheesy.
Somewhere along the way though, Bat Out of Hell: The Musical won me over. I found myself invested in the love story of Raven and Strat, hoping these crazy kids might just make it despite the odds. I embraced the cheese and finally understood why a friend who accompanied me had bought tickets to the Sydney show, despite seeing it already in London and Las Vegas.

As a Meatloaf fan since I was around eight or nine, I loved watching these songs brought to life in front of my eyes. The cast is so strong, dancing up a storm and singing those familiar lyrics with gusto. Glenn Adamson and Kellie Gnauck are so compelling as star-crossed young lovers, beautiful, sexy people with serious pipes. As Raven’s parents, Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton have perhaps some of the most complex roles, mixing comic relief with much darker tones, and they carried them off admirably. While they had most of the spotlight, it almost seems unfair to single anyone out as every person on that stage was amazing.

Ticket agencies have slashed the price of all remaining Bat Out of Hell: The Musical tickets to as low as $65, suggesting many people didn’t have the patience to wait as long as me. If you enjoy the music of Meatloaf or musical theatre in general, I suggest taking them up on one of those great offers. Bat Out of Hell: The Musical is at times a little silly, but it’s also a joyous celebration of Meatloaf and Jim Steinman’s musical legacy and life in general. Leave your preconceptions at the door, don’t take it too seriously, and rock on at one of the remaining shows.

30 January 2023 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 February 2023 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena, Tarntanya/Adelaide
4 February 2023 – RAC Arena, Boorloo/Perth
8 February 2023 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Black Stump Band @ Avoca Picture Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 26 November 2022

I’ve seen The Whitlams and Tim Freedman solo countless times over the years. The ever-changing setlists ensure it never gets tired, yet I relished the opportunity to see them doing something completely new. When the Whitlams Black Stump Band stopped in to Darkinjung Country/Central Coast on Saturday, I got my chance.

After seeing my first gig at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, I’ll be keeping a close eye on their gig guide. I’ve seen movies there in the past, but you don’t really appreciate its intimacy as much when you’re looking at a big screen. It’s such a charming space, oozing with warmth and good vibes. I had tickets in the front row and didn’t dare bring out my camera out, lest I break the spell.

Courtney Keil was already on stage when I found my seat. She’s got a sweet voice and a youthful energy that’s perfect for her brand of country-pop. Cass Hopetoun was next, another country act but one I connected with instantly. Her songs were much quirkier, with plenty of sass and edge. She’s also a really compelling performer. Watching her interact with her fiancé on guitar was so special. I’ve been blasting her album since the show.

While the walk-on music was familiar, this was a very different Whitlams show to any other I’ve seen. With only two-fifths of the outfit Whitlams regulars, the band could best be described as an offshoot. While Rod McCormack, Matt Fell, and Ollie Thorpe are new additions, they’re such accomplished musicians that they sound as if they’ve been playing with Tim and Terepai, and playing these songs, for years. I’d heard a couple of the new arrangements through single releases, but getting to hear so many great Whitlams songs in new ways was thrilling. I hadn’t imagined slide guitar, banjo, or steel guitar on these tracks, but I’m so glad I got the opportunity to hear them that way. Certain songs also suit a more countrified treatment than others, so the show featured some tracks that don’t usually make the set list. If you’re a die-hard Whitlams fan, that alone is worth the price of admission. We were also treated to covers from artists like Kris Kristofferson and Neil Young. As I said before, this was not your typical Whitlams gig.

There’s something special that happens when a band are really vibing. You can tell that these guys love making music together. When the band loves what they do, the audience always has a good time. The Whitlams always bring the party, but the novelty of this new project takes these songs to another level. If you consider yourself a Whitlams fan, make sure you see the Whitlams Black Stump Band at one of their upcoming shows:
1 December 2022 – Royal Oak Hotel, Therrernotepanner, Leterrermairrener and Panniher Country/Launceston
2 December 2022 – LongHouse, Nipaluna/Hobart
3 December 2022 – Palais Theatre, Melukerdee and Lyluequonny Country/Franklin
20 January 2023 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
17 March 2023 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
18 March 2023 – Adelaide Fringe, Spiegeltent, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 March 2023 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
25 March 2023 – Memo Music Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
26 March 2023 – Archies Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
31 March 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
1 April 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Allen Stone @ Enmore Theatre, Eora/Newtown – 15 November 2022

It takes a lot to get me to a midweek gig. And I’m not just talking about the two trains that I need to catch to get to venues like the Enmore. I always know I’m going to be sluggish the next morning, so it’d better be worth my while. Having seen Allen Stone play The Metro back in 2019, I knew he would be. So last night I put on my best dress, dragged myself out of the house on a Tuesday (!), and prepared myself for the party.

Since we couldn’t leave Darkinjung Country/Central Coast until after my husband had finished work, I had to make the choice between getting a decent dinner or seeing the support act. Sorry WILSN, but my stomach won. We arrived with just enough time to settle ourselves in for Allen and admire the theatre. It was my first trip to the Enmore since its renovations. Gee the old girl scrubs up beautifully.

“Uncle Al” always brings the party. He’s such a natural on stage, dancing up a storm and playing off his band. His voice is so rich, warm and textured, perhaps even better in person than on the albums. He had us in raptures with upbeat singles like “Brown Eyed Lover” and “Taste of You.” I’m not sure if everyone was across the new single “5 Minutes”, but they were certainly happy to take Allen’s lead and engage in a little call-and-response. While we love grooving along with him, we’re also happy to swoon at his romantic ballads. Al knows how to write a real love song, ballads that speak from the heart and avoid the cliches. I found myself squeezing my husband’s hand tightly listening to “Consider Me” and “Bring You Blue”. Choice covers like Stevie Wonder’s “A Place in the Sun” and an epic version of Farnsy’s “Two Strong Hearts” had us in raptures.

I’ve got to take a moment to shout out to the audience. There’s often something really special about the crowds who go to see shows from artists who haven’t made an impact on the Australian charts. There are no casual fans, like when you see the latest big thing or an artist who’s been a radio mainstay for decades. They go because they really go. They also tend to be pretty passionate about great music, because they’ve sought this artist out rather than just waiting for radio to deliver them. I love being part of crowds like this. They cheered rapturously, but you could hear a pin drop in those quiet moments. Everyone was in the moment, lapping up every second. Allen praised the audience several times, and even declared we were the best crowd of the tour. Sure, he might say that in every city, but I’ll take it.

When crowds are that good, you can’t leave without an encore. I’m sure I read once that the Enmore’s residential neighbourhood restricts shows from going on too long, but Al insisted he wanted to play two more. I finally got my chance to see the support act WILSN when she joined Al on stage for “Naturally”. She was brilliant. I promise I’ll try to see her next time. Most artists would prefer to end with their own material, but on a night when there were such good vibes in the room, a singalong cover of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” was the perfect closer.
I didn’t get home until close to 1:30 a.m. Since there are fewer trains and everyone needs to get home, they stop at all stations on the way back home. We can also count on a long wait between connections. I’m very sluggish today, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Uncle Al is just that good.

Allen Stone’s The New Normal tour continues tonight in Naarm/Melbourne. I know midweek gigs are tough, but if you’re ever going to do it, make it for one of these shows:

16 November 2022 – Northcote Theatre/Naarm/Melbourne
19 November 2022 – Harvest Rock Festival, Tartanya/Adelaide
20 November 2022 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 November 2022 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gang of Youths @ Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney – 6 August 2022

More than a few times I wished I wasn’t going to Saturday’s Gang of Youths show in Eora/Sydney. It’s not that I didn’t want to see the band – far from it. But I hate Qudos Bank Arena. It often seems too big and impersonal. I have to take three trains to get there and it’s a hassle. But I bought the tickets anyway. I cursed that decision when the band announced a show in Mulubinba/Newcastle, and again when they announced an intimate acoustic gig at the Enmore. I had another little grumble when I stacked it on the uneven ground outside the venue before I even got inside. But you know, sometimes I think the universe puts you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Gretta Ray herself remarked on how grateful she was that a rock act like Gang of Youths enlisted a pop act like her for their support act. It certainly seemed a strange choice on paper, but the crowd lapped up her performance, singing along to the hits and listening attentively to the ones they weren’t familiar with. I unfortunately missed most of her set, but I really enjoyed what I did catch. Her music has mostly passed me by, but it gets a little extra something watching her twirl around and own the stage. I got to admire her voice a little more without studio production. I think I’ll have to delve into her catalogue a little more.

Gretta impressed me, but I was more than ready to enjoy Gang of Youths. As they kicked off with “angel of 8th ave.” I realised how long it’s been since I’ve been to a big rock show. It was definitely pre-pandemic. I’ve missed that energy, the real fire that comes when a crowd feeds off that music and gives all the love back to the performers. David Le’aupepe is such an incredible frontman, dancing up a storm, singing like a dream, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He seemed genuinely moved at the warm reception hometown fans delivered, and wanted to give back to us all whatever he could.

The set list leant heavily on their magnificent new album angel in realtime. After being so moved by that album, it was a bit jarring to hear it cut up for a show. I’d love to hear them play it in its entirety, in order, but that might be a concept for another time. For now, delivering those songs interspersed with the hits from Go Farther in Lightness kept the crowds happy. I loved hearing some of my favourites from that album, “What Can I Do When the Fire Goes Out?”, “The Heart is a Muscle,” and “The Deepest Sighs, The Frankest Shadows” with Dave sharing the lead vocals with Gretta Ray. The cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Boys are Back in Town” was the perfect nod to their Sydney return.

Angel in realtime. is such a powerful album and it gave the show some of its most poignant moments. You could hear a pin drop as Dave sat at the piano and played the gentle “brothers,” which he dedicated to his family in attendance. “Hand of god” was as close as I might get to a religious experience. “Goal of the century” is such an epic song, but Gang of Youths brought it to life without studio wizardry. What a way to close such a special show.

Gang of Youths’ music has taken them all over the world. Time away makes coming home so much sweeter. I might have begrudgingly dragged myself out to Qudos, but I am so thrilled I got to be part of the homecoming party. Gang of Youths’ tour continues in Melbourne on Friday night. There are limited tickets for the remaining shows on this tour:
12 August 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
13 August 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne
14 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ MAC 2, Nipaluna/Hobart
16 August 2022 – Hunter Lounge, Wellington
17 August 2022 – Powerstation, Auckland
20 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Yarun/Sandstone Point
22 August 2022 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
2 September 2022 – Electric Picnic Festival @ Stradbally, Ireland
13 September 2022 – The Rave II @ Milwaukee
14 September 2022 – First Avenue – Mainroom @ Minneapolis
16 September 2022 – Delmar Hall @ Saint Louis
17 September 2022 – The Bottleneck @ Lawrence
19 September 2022 – Gothic Theatre @ Englewood
20 September 2022 – Urban Lounge @ Salt Lake City
22 September 2022 – Revolution Hall @ Portland
23 September 2022 – Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver (SOLD OUT)
25 September 2022 – Neumos, Seattle
27 September 2022 – Ace Of Spades, Sacramento
28 September 2022 – The Ritz, San Jose
30 September 2022 – Ohana Fest, Dana Point
1 October 2022 – 24 Oxford, Las Vegas
25 October 2022 – Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
26 October 2022 – Gloria Theater, Cologne
28 October 2022 – Zoom Frankfurt, Frankfurt
30 October 2022 – Doornroosje, Nijmegen
31 October 2022 – De Oosterpoort, Groningen
2 November 2022 – Gruenspan, Hamburg
3 November 2022 – Kesselhaus, Berlin
6 November 2022 – AB – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels
7 November 2022 – Badaboum, Paris
9 & 10 November 2022 – Outernet, London
12 November 2022 – Academy, Manchester
13 November 2022 – The Academy, Dublin
15 November 2022 – Limelight, Belfast
17 November 2022 – The Leadmill, Sheffield
18 November 2022 – Rock City, Nottingham
20 November 2022 – Great Hall, Cardiff

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jagged Little Pill @ Theatre Royal, Eora/Sydney – 30 July 2021

Jagged Little Pill may be the greatest musical most people won’t see. The pandemic cut its original Broadway run heartbreakingly short. While it returned to New York’s Broadhurst Theatre, it closed soon after as America’s COVID-19 numbers picked up again. Here in Australia, the return season in Eora/Sydney is also being cut short as increasing case numbers become a concern. I feel pretty lucky I snuck in before the company pulls the plug. I bought tickets for the original run but transferred them when my husband ended up in hospital. Had I chosen a later date, it might not have happened.

It’s heartbreaking that we don’t all get more time with this musical, because it is so special. Featuring the songs of Alanis Morisette, you might be forgiven for thinking it’s just another jukebox musical. However, this piece is so much more. The songs are used so cleverly as a launchpad for a series of stories that are so relevant for the modern age. Through the Healy family and those close to them, the musical explores prescription drug addiction, sexual violence, sexuality, societal pressure, trauma, and healing. It’s heavy material and difficult to watch at times, but Diablo Cody’s witty book and the joyous energy of the cast balance it beautifully.

Speaking of the cast, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a solid group of performers. I admit, I was pretty skeptical when I heard Natalie Bassingthwaite had landed the plum role of MJ Healy. I’d seen her in theatrical productions before, but her roles in Rent and Footloose were nowhere as meaty as this one or as challenging vocally. But I can freely admit I was wrong. She was an absolute revelation. I didn’t know she had this performance in her. MJ is such a complex character, but she really rose to the occasion. I was also particularly impressed with the young actors. Emily Nkomo brought such a light and passion to Frankie. Bella is relatively small but pivotal, and Grace Miell was sensational in the role. A character like Nick could easily become wooden, but I thought Liam Head was excellent. People have raved about Maggie McKenna’s performance as Jo, but on the Saturday matinee Mo Lovegrove stepped into the role. Honestly, I think we lucked out. What an incredible talent they are. “You Oughta Know” and “Your House” are some of Alanis’ most challenging songs to nail in my opinion. Few can convey their messy emotions the way that Alanis can, but I was captivated by Mo’s take on these songs, not to mention their more subtle moments. The ensemble were also such incredible dancers and singers. There were no weak links. Just incredible.

Honestly, I haven’t stopped thinking about Jagged Little Pill since I left the theatre on Saturday. It’s truly special. You’ve got two weeks before it closes. The producers say they’re committed to bringing this story back to Australian stages in the future, but in these uncertain times, there’s no telling when that will be if it happens at all. So see it while you can. There are limited tickets for performances at the Theatre Royal to August 14.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Human Nature @ The Art House, Wyong – 4 June 2022

I think most teenage girls need a boy band in their life. A bunch of good-looking, nice guys creating fun songs that can alleviate some of the angst that inevitably comes with that period. If they’re talented, well that’s a bonus. I like to think I had discerning taste even back then because my boy band of choice was truly talented. While many of my peers were swooning over Backstreet Boys, Take That, and East 17, I was mad for Human Nature. I moved on as so many of us do as we age, but with the fabulous foursome promising a night of greatest hits on the Central Coast, I couldn’t resist taking a trip down memory lane last weekend.

I must admit, as Human Nature began their signature acapella rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” I was transported back. I was sitting next to my husband now, but my heart still skipped a beat marvelling at these men who had meant so much to me as a teenager. This was a night when we revelled in nostalgia. Andrew, Mike, Toby, and Phil took turns sharing stories of their journey from the 4 Trax singing at local RSLs to the Las Vegas strip. Their jokes were cornier than I remembered, but the songs still stack up. “Whisper Your Name”, “Wishes”, “Don’t Cry”, “Last to Know” … the hits that had me lining up at countless shopping centre instores kept coming.

Motown has dominated the last few Human Nature shows I’ve seen, so to enjoy a set that celebrated the original music I loved most was thrilling. Back in the day, the sections of Human Nature shows where they stripped the songs back were always my favourites, so I was in raptures to see so many songs get that treatment. Acoustic versions were balanced by big danceable numbers. And in case you’re wondering, these guys still have the moves to match. I found myself squealing as they ripped off their jackets to reveal rippling biceps while performing the dance steps I still know by heart. Sorry, husband.

The night leaned heavily on those nostalgic originals, but after intermission they proved they’re still much more than a covers band. A string of new originals, sadly ignored by radio but every bit as good as their early hits reminded me I really need to dig into their new music. They’ve still got those songwriting chops.

However, as we all know it was covers that gave Human Nature’s careers a shot in the arm and took them to the Las Vegas strip. While it’s incredibly popular, I must admit that I’ve never been a big fan of their Motown material. I always felt there was just a little more heart when they were performing their own songs. However, in a show like this, we got the best of those soul covers. I also can’t deny the power these songs have on the audience. The aisles were filled with people dancing.

This was a night for the fans, whether you were there screaming along at the shopping centre instores or you jumped on the Motown train. Human Nature evoked memories and reminded us all that 30 years on, they’ve still got it. Human Nature have plenty of local shows before Mike, Andrew, and Toby return to the US. If you’ve ever been a fan, you don’t want to miss this:

11 June 2022 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
14 June 2022 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane
15 June 2022 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane
16 June 2022 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
17 June 2022 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
18 June 2022 – Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Maryborough
21 June 2022 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
22 June 2022 – WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres, Wollongong
24 June 2022 – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Springwood
25 June 2022 – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Springwood
26 June 2022 – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Springwood
28 June 2022 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
29 June 2022 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
30 June 2022 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
1 July 2022 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
2 July 2022 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
3 July 2022 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
8 July 2022 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads
9 July 2022 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads
21 July 2022 – Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
22 July 2022 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
23 July 2022 – The Star Event Centre, Sydney
24 July 2022 – The Star Event Centre, Sydney
26 July 2022 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
27 July 2022 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
28 July 2022 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
29 July 2022 – Crown Theatre, Perth
30 July 2022 – Crown Theatre, Perth

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LANY @ Hordern Pavilion, Sydney – 25 May 2022

Midweek gigs are tough! You get to a certain age and it takes a lot to get you out in your local area, let alone make the trip from the Central Coast to Sydney for a show. But LANY put on one of the greatest live shows I’ve ever witnessed. I might be hurting now, but I was not going to miss it. So back to the Hordern I trudged, ready to back up the weekend’s Dermot Kennedy gig.

Adelaide act Bjéar were a late addition to the line-up after the original support act Sasha Alex Sloan couldn’t make the trip. The enthusiastic crowd didn’t mind the last-minute change one bit. The applause when they took the stage was so rapturous my husband asked me whether the crowd knew this wasn’t the main act. I can’t say, but I can say the young crowd ate up what they did. Meanwhile, I sat there feeling every one of my 42 years. There were moments I enjoyed, especially when the bassist took the mic and we discovered she has the most gorgeous voice. Overall though, the ambling songs and overuse of the vocoder left me feeling a bit disconnected. But as I say, the majority of the young crowd loved it, so maybe there’s something there I’m missing.

While Bjéar weren’t my cup of tea, LANY were all that and more. Near the top of the show, frontman Paul Klein told us we were going to have the best night of our lives. It’s an audacious claim, but I’m not sure he was wrong. I can’t honestly remember a time when I had more fun. Paul has such relentless energy. He’s a born performer, on the whole time whether he’s dancing about or jumping on platforms during upbeat numbers or taking us on a more emotional journey with a tender ballad. As an audience member, it’s infectious. It might have been late on a school night, but we were all partying along with him.

In the three years since LANY last played here, they’ve released two albums. I wondered whether old favourites might be sacrificed for new material, but this set was perfect. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a band get the balance so right. New favourites like “never mind, let’s break up”, “ex i never had”, and “cowboy in LA” took their place against classics like “Thick and Thin” and “Super Far”. I was thrilled to hear so many songs from Malibu Nights, the album that turned me onto the band, make the set. And then there were the deep cuts! After a band releases four albums, you don’t expect to hear early EP tracks like “pink skies” make the set. What a treat!

Speaking of fans, what a joy they are. I must admit, it’s still a little weird to go to concerts where most members of the audience are less than half your age. But after being annoyed by the incessant chatter at the Dermot Kennedy show, I appreciated these fans even more. They were so respectful of the artists, not just the headliner but the support act too. They were properly in it, singing along to every lyric, holding their phones aloft like cigarette lighters, soaking up every moment. No wonder by the end of the show Paul told us that we were the best audience of the Australian tour. He might say that in every city, but we’ll take it. He also assured us they’ll be back next year, the year after that, and every year for the rest of their lives. If they do, so will I. Because nothing is more fun than a LANY show.

LANY will play Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne tomorrow night and Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on Sunday night before they head to New Zealand. If you’re on the fence about a weeknight gig, just buy the tickets. Life is too short to miss shows this good.

Image source: own photos