In 1999, a who’s who of the Australian entertainment industry descended on Dili to entertain our troops. Australian Road Crew Association has now released a recording of their star-studded concert. Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium’s release marks the first time that people could enjoy this concert since it originally aired on Channel Seven and Nine.
This album captures a moment in time. It feels like forever since Roy & HG hosted a gig, and gee it’s good to hear them taking the reins here. We get to hear Doc Neeson at the height of his powers delivering hits like “Shadow Boxer” and “No Secrets,” and John Farnham belting out so many of his classics like “Playing to Win” and “That’s Freedom.” He even “reluctantly” agrees to a rousing rendition of “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)”! We’ve lost Doc, and likely we’ll never hear John Farnham sound like this again, so it’s a real thrill listening to them separately and duetting on timeless tracks like a medley of The Easybeats’ “She’s So Fine” and “Sorry.” Relative up-and-comers at the time like Gina Jeffreys and The Living End also make incredible appearances, along with our pop princess Kylie. You couldn’t wipe the smile from my face as I listened to big singalong numbers featuring the entire cast like “You’re The Voice” and the poignant closer, “I Still Call Australia Home.”
Admittedly some bits haven’t aged well, from the RMC Band’s cover of “Mambo No. 5” to John Farnham introducing Rachel Starkey of the RMC Band as a “pretty young lady.” But again, I remind you, this album captures a moment in time. And what a moment it was.
If there wasn’t enough incentive to get your ears around this release, all money raised with benefit Support Act’s Roadies Fund, which provides financial, health, counselling, and wellbeing services to local roadies and crews in crisis. Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium is out now and available on streaming services and as a digital download.
Images used with permission from On the Map PR
Of course this puts a stop to Doc’s touring plans. While the Brewster Brothers are touring as The Angels with Dave Gleeson as a stand-in singer, Doc has his own version of The Angels with longtime drummer Buzz Bidstrup. They intended to start a national tour in February, but that’s on hold until Doc’s fighting fit.