Del Amitri @ Enmore Theatre, Eora/Newtown- 28 February 2023

I thought I’d missed out on the chance to see Scottish pop-rock act Del Amitri. They last toured Australia when I was around 10, and while they continue to gig around Europe I thought their days of international touring may be far behind them. I jumped on tickets when they finally announced an Aussie tour last year and felt fever-pitch excitement as I shuffled into the Enmore last Tuesday night.

Darren Middleton provided solid support, proving a capable frontman away from his Powderfinger bandmates. He could have taken the easy route and played at least one song from that massive Aussie act, but I appreciated his confidence in his solo skills. He’s such a gifted songwriter and he surrounds himself with quality musicians that help him bring them to life.

Looking at The Dels now, with graying hair and a few more wrinkles, you’re acutely aware of the passing of time. But then they play, and it’s as if no time has passed. Justin Currie’s voice sounds just as compelling as it ever did. While he and Iain Harvie are the only original members, the band sounds tight. Their songs have the power to transport you back to a simpler time, and I revelled in each and every one.

When you’re as good as Del Amitri, you don’t need to save big songs. “Always the Last to Know” was the fourth song of the night, “Kiss This Thing Goodbye” the sixth. I sang along to every word, although I missed the harmonica and banjo that drove the original recordings.

This wasn’t a nostalgia tour though. Songs from 2021 album Fatal Mistakes were scattered liberally through the set. From my privileged position in the dress circle, looking down on the front few rows, it seems the fans didn’t mind. They were there to hear all the old stuff back in the day, and they were thrilled to witness the new material they already knew well enough to sing along to.

They’re a band of few words, preferring to let the music do the talking. They seemed at ease on stage though, happy to share in this music with appreciative fans who helped them feel at home.

A generous five-song encore gave me some of my favourite moments of the show. Justin Currie took the lead on the stripped-back “Empty” and you could have heard a pin drop. It was a powerful, compelling performance that I’m going to remember for the rest of my life. “Be My Downfall” is my favourite Del Amitri song, and they saved it to the very end. I was starting to worry it wouldn’t make the set, as it didn’t crack the top 50 here in Australia, but it was so worth the wait. With house lights up and an audience singalong, I had chills.

I didn’t get back home until 1 am, which is some kind of lunacy in the middle of the week, but I was running on such post-gig adrenaline that I couldn’t sleep for hours. I can only hope the Dels had as much fun as I did. Maybe they won’t make us wait for another three decades before making a return visit.

Image source: own photos

ARC Does the Beatles for Abbey Road Live

It’s hard to believe 50 years have passed since the release of Abbey Road. Arguably The Beatles’ best, it still sounds fresh as a daisy thanks to choice cuts like “Come Together,” “Something,” and “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window.” Aussie supergroup ARC will pay tribute to that iconic album at upcoming Abbey Road Live shows.

ARC is Kram (Spiderbait), Mark Wilson (Jet), Davey Lane (You Am I), and Darren Middleton (Powderfinger). If that wasn’t enough reason to get excited, the shows will also feature special guests Ash Naylor (Paul Kelly, Even and Rockwiz), Linda Bull (The Black Sorrows, Vika and Linda Bull), Brett Wolfenden (The Pictures, James Keays) and James Keys (Eagle and the Worm, Bob Evans).

Tickets are selling fast, so make sure you get yours to see some of our finest talents interpreting some of the Beatles’ best.

11 August 2019 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth
13 August 2019 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
15 August 2019 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
17 August 2019 – The Star, Gold Coast
18 August 2019 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
20 August 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
22 August 2019 – NEX, Newcastle
23 August 2019 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong

Darren Middleton Releases Double-A Side Single Ahead of Album Shows

I’ve always thought that if your album has just one great single, you’re doing alright. But when you have enough superb material to release a double-A side single, with two songs that are equally as compelling, well the album’s got to be pretty special. That’s the case with Splinters, out November 6. The latest effort from former Powderfinger guitarist Darren Middleton features the double-A side “The Lines” and “Our Road.” The album’s title comes from the concept of Darren shedding a splinter of his soul as he shares these stories.

It’s really hard to pick a favourite out of these songs, but if you had me at gunpoint I’d go for “The Lines,” just because of the big gospel sounds courtesy of the Monash Choral Society. Talei Wolfram and Guy Pearce also guest on the track. I really wish the Soundcloud links that were passed on to me were shareable, but you can get the single yourself from iTunes. You can also hear a bit more if you catch one of Darren’s upcoming album preview shows.


28 August 2015 – The Vanguard, Sydney
12 September 2015 – The Toff, Melbourne
18 September 2015 – The Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Darren Middleton Announces “Translations” Launch Shows

Darren Middleton’s solo album Translations is in stores today!

The first solo effort from the former Powderfinger guitarist is a great collection of alternative pop tunes, including the lead single “Let Go.” It features guest appearances from some of Darren’s famous mates including Bernard Fanning, Nic Cester, Pete Murray, Clare Bowditch, and Stonefield’s Amy Findlay.

After earning rave reviews for his first live show at Big Sound, Darren’s giving fans in the other major capitals a chance to experience Translations in the flesh. With a stellar line-up featuring members of Clare Bowditch’s band and Something for Kate in tow, Darren will play the following intimate album launch shows. These are the only headlining gigs he’ll play this year, so make sure you seize the opportunity to see him while you can!

22 November 2013 – The Vanguard, Sydney
23 November 2013 – The Toff, Melbourne
29 November 2013 – Old Museum, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Darren Middleton Goes Solo

Bernard Fanning isn’t the only former member of Powderfinger eying solo success. Darren Middleton’s also having a crack with his new single “Let Go”.

I really love this track. It’s deceptively simple, with heartfelt delivery and an awesome philosophy. It’s clear that the time Darren’s taken to release his first solo number was well spent.

“It has been two and half years now since we parted ways and the final chords rang
out as our Powderfinger tour concluded,” Darren explained. 
”Initially I intended to get straight back on
the horse to write, record and perform … all
 the things I have loved so much over the 
years, but it wasn’t to be that way for quite 
some time. I knew that I loved writing and
 making music, I just didn’t feel it straight 
away … I didn’t feel I had anything to write
 about. As time moved on, I found myself
 dealing with a lot of emotions I hadn’t 
planned on and there were some bumpy
 seas for myself and those close to me.
 From that though, arose Translations, my 
first solo album.”

Translations is scheduled to hit stores on November 1. If this song’s any indication, it’s going to be pretty special.