Tag: Newcastle Entertainment Centre

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cyndi Lauper @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 7 April 2025

After more than four decades touring the world, Cyndi Lauper’s made the decision to step away from the stage. Thankfully not before bidding fans around the world a fond farewell. It’s been 14 years since I saw this icon live. I resisted a few double bills and had a few clashes, so I was thrilled that the stars aligned for me to see her one last time.

The Veronicas didn’t just warm up the stage; they made it red hot. They delivered a smart set made up of their many bangers and some choice covers. “Edge of Seventeen” was an electric opening number that played perfectly to the crowd of ‘80s music fans. “Love is a Battlefield” and an incredible cover of “Simply the Best” also made their way into the set. These songs sat easily amongst the Veronicas originals. I’m not sure I realised how many chart toppers they’d released, but I knew and loved everything they performed. Some of those songs are heavily produced on the record, so it’s easy to forget just how good their voices are. Whether singing independently or harmonising in the way only siblings can, they sounded sublime. They also had such energy; I couldn’t look away. Note to self: make a point to see more Veronicas shows.

This was a very different Cyndi show than the last one I attended; I feel so blessed that I got to see both. Last time she was promoting her Memphis Blues album, and with a crack team of blues musicians around her focusing on that album felt right. The biggest hits came out near the end, giving fans an opportunity to sing along before the end of the night. This time around the hits came out early after a rainbow explosion of confetti. Talk about starting the night with a bang! I sang along heartily with tracks like “She Bop,” “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,” and her iconic cover of Prince’s “When You Were Mine.” I marvelled at the sight of this ‘80s icon with her bold outfits and colourful wigs bopping around the stage.

This show wasn’t just about the hits and Cyndi’s bubbly persona though. Without a new album to promote, Cyndi could use her time playing songs that moved her in the moment. I was thrilled to hear many of the softer, more personal songs that didn’t make the set list last time like “Sally’s Pigeons” and “Who Let in the Rain.” One of my very favourite moments was watching Cyndi standing in place, without a trademark wig in place, wearing all black, delivering the most incredible version of Frankie Laine’s “I’m Gonna Be Strong.”

This show wasn’t just about the songs either. Cyndi told us several times she didn’t just want to sing at us. She shared stories freely, about her working-class upbringing, her career, and her beliefs. I hung on her every word. She’s such an incredible storyteller and I loved getting to know her heart a little more.

For the encore, Cyndi moved to a smaller stage in the centre of the floor. Watching the fans circling her, gazing on adoringly as she performed the powerful “Shine,” I thought this is probably as close as I come to church. It was that powerful. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Cyndi delivered “True Colours.” I’ve heard this song so many times, but I’ve never been as moved as I was last night watching Cyndi deliver it as she waved a beautiful rainbow scarf. It was such a powerful symbol of allyship delivered at a time when the political war against the LGBTQIA+ community is raging. I don’t mind admitting that I was moved to tears. As I wiped them away, Cyndi lifted us up one more time with her girl power anthem, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” She told us she wanted us to sing loudly and joyfully, and we all did. I experienced pure, unfettered happiness. How special is that?

It must be a difficult decision for artists to step away from the stage. Cut it too short and you miss that connection with fans that Cyndi clearly enjoys. But overstay your welcome and you might tarnish your legacy. It’s very rare that you see an artist time it as beautifully as Cyndi. While she wasn’t quite as energetic as the last time I saw her, she still had plenty in the tank and she gave me everything that mattered. Her vocals were incredible. Her artistic vision was still so fresh. And she still had a few moves up her sleeve. Saying goodbye is so bittersweet, but if we had to do it, I’m so glad we did it this way.

Cyndi has just a few shows left on the Australian leg of her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour. If you are on the fence, trust me, buy the tickets. You will not regret it.

8 April 2025 – Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney
10 April 2025 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tarntanya/Adelaide
12 April 2025 – RAC Arena, Boorloo/Perth

Photos: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cold Chisel @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Like so many Australians, the music of Cold Chisel is part of my DNA. They’ve been pumping out hits since before I was born. East and Circus Animals were on regular rotation as I grew up. I don’t remember when I learned the lyrics to these songs, in much the same way I don’t know when I learned English. It just seems like I always have. So when the band announced their Big Five-0 tour, celebrating 50 years in the biz, I knew I had to be there. Dad passed, insisting he saw them enough times in local pubs and clubs that he didn’t need to brave the crowds now. But as someone who missed those heady days, who has had much more limited opportunities to see Chisel do their thing, I knew I had to be there.

Karen Lee Andrews warmed up the crowd and reminded me just how good she is. I’ve seen her perform a few times now with the Barnes family, but those sets were solo and stripped back. Normally acoustic sets are my bag, but with a full band Karen really shines. Sharing the stage with her band seemed to calm her nerves and she was more confident than I’ve seen before. Her songs are superb and she’s got such a cool, blues-rock voice. I definitely need to listen to more of her original music, because she’s exceptional.

Tickets for Chisel’s Big Five-0 tour were arguably as hot property as tickets for Coldplay or Taylor Swift, but unlike these international luminaries, there weren’t a lot of bells and whistles about the Cold Chisel experience. There were no pyrotechnics, no costume changes, not even any of those screens ensuring people near the back got a closer view of the action. Just a bunch of Aussie blokes on stage doing what they do best. The stages have gotten bigger over the decades but this band refuses to upgrade the spectacle, so the music remains the focus.

And what music it is. Cold Chisel have been mixing up the set list this tour, so you never know exactly what you’re going to get. But with such a rich catalogue, hits can come out early. “Standing on the Outside,” “Cheap Wine,” “Rising Sun,” and “My Baby” in just the first five songs? Incredible. Cold Chisel catered for all kinds of fans, those of us who flogged Chisel Gold and cranked up their tunes whenever they came on the radio and those hardcore enthusiasts who devoured each and every album. I’ve seen Chisel several times now, but I can’t recall them ever playing so many album tracks. Digging into the vault while keeping casual fans happy is a delicate balancing act, but Chisel walked that tightrope beautifully.

Chisel might not tour with the same kind of gruelling schedule that they did back in the day, but there’s such a beautiful chemistry when this band is on stage. You won’t find a tighter act around. Everyone has a crucial part to play. Jimmy attacks those vocals, performing with the sort of gusto that makes you forget he’s only just come back from hip surgery. Ian Moss blows me away each and every time I see him with his guitar skills and those warm vocals that never seem to age. After seeing so many acoustic shows in recent years, I relished seeing him rocking out. Nothing sounds quite as comforting as Don Walker on piano. Bass players never get enough credit, but Phil Small’s instrument is the glue that holds this sound together. Steve Prestwich’s loss created a hole in this band of brothers, but Charley Drayton does an admirable job stepping into his shoes. I’m sorry I missed the names of the saxophonist and harmonica player, but they were also incredible.

Don Walker teased a little “Star Hotel” during the introduction of “Breakfast at Sweethearts,” but strangely that Novocastrian rock anthem never came. It’s a minor quibble though, because this set really delivered so much. As they rocked out one final time to their traditional closer “Goodbye (Astrid Goodbye)”, after two encores, I felt well and truly satisfied. After 50 years in the business, Cold Chisel are at the top of their game. And there aren’t a lot of bands who can say that. So many shows are sold out, but if you get the opportunity to see Chisel on any of their upcoming shows, you will not be disappointed.

9 November 2024 – Red Hot Summer @ Victoria Park, Balaarat/Ballarat (SOLD OUT)
10 November 2024 – Mornington Racecourse, Bunurong Country/Mornington (SOLD OUT)
13 November 2024 – MyState Bank Arena, Nipaluna/Hobart (SOLD OUT)
16 November 2024 – Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
17 November 2024 – VAILO Adelaide 500 @ Adelaide Street Circuit, Tarntanya/Adelaide
22 November 2024 – Arts Centre Melbourne @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
23 November 2024 – Arts Centre Melbourne @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
28 November 2024 – Stage 88, Wiradjuri Country/Parkes (SOLD OUT)
30 November 2024 – Roche Estate, Wonnarua Country/Pokolbin (SOLD OUT)
4 December 2024 – Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney
18 January 2025 – Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown
25 January 2025 – Taupo Amphitheatre & Riverside Park, Taupo
26 January 2024 – Whitianga Waterways Arena, Whitaianga

Photo credit: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cher @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle – 26 September 2018

This week has flown by in a whirlwind of deadlines and footy fun. I’ve scarcely had a moment to stop and absorb seeing Cher last week. I see a lot of concerts, so I don’t often have those shows where I’m bouncing around in anticipation. This one though, this was a bucket list event. The chance to see a true icon, at my old stomping ground of the Newcastle Entertainment Centre no less!

I must admit, I was surprised to hear there was a support act. How on earth do you support Cher? Andrew McClelland pulled it off in his own sensational style. He was billed as a DJ, but really he was so much more than that. Watching him dance with such joy and abandon to hits from Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, and other retro-fabulous acts was everything. I wish I had a photo that properly showed you what he was all about, but he was moving so fast his performance was impossible to capture.

I was having so much fun I almost forgot what I was there for, until one name was beamed up on the back of the stage and the screens. Cher. When you’re an icon, you only need one name to identify you. Watching a montage of footage and photos from her history, my excitement was fever pitch. And there she was, suspended above the stage on some regal kind of platform, with a flaming red wig and disco ball sparkly outfit. I wish I could have shown you, but all those sparkles were dazzling my camera. You’ll just have to believe me: she looked fierce. Feminist anthems “Woman’s World” and “Strong Enough” were the perfect openers.

I must admit, my enthusiasm waned a little as Cher launched into a rambling anecdote about aging, David Letterman, and her enthusiasm for acting. I love moments when artists share part of themselves with us, but her story went on so long and doubled back on itself so many times she started to lose us. No mean feat for such a commanding presence. It was the only real misstep though, and soon enough she was perched on an elephant wearing robes and delivering “Gayatri Mantra” like some kind of Indian queen. Because of course she was.

It might have taken a little while to settle in, but once she did Cher was everything I hoped she’d be. The anecdotes were tight and impactful. Her vocals were note perfect. Her costumes were breathtaking, and with dancers, aerialists, and acrobats keeping us entertained we barely noticed her slip away, only to return in something more fabulous.

These shows were billed as Cher’s farewell to Australia. If this is the last time we see her on our shores, I can’t imagine too many people will be disappointed. She played for us all, from the baby boomers who watched Sonny and Cher to the young things who hadn’t heard of her before recent starring turns in Burlesque and Mamma Mia 2. I was especially moved to hear she hasn’t performed “I Got You Babe” in many years. Seeing her sing it “with” Sonny again, thanks to the magic of technology, was so special. I shared my mum’s excitement when Cher played her favourite song, “Half Breed,” and had my own moments of bliss when she sang “After All,” from the movie Chances Are. I’ve never really been an ABBA fan, but I couldn’t help but be swept up in the fun of her covers of “Waterloo,” “SOS,” and “Fernando.” By the time she launched into “If I Could Turn Back Time” and the closer “Believe,” we were all on our feet, singing and dancing our hearts out.

The words icon and legend get bandied around a little too freely for my liking. They should be reserved for the true creative forces of this world, people like Cher. I had such high expectations of this show, but she exceeded them. At 72, no less. What a privilege to bask in her aura for just a little while.

Image source: Stephen Katulka