R A N D O M R E V I E W S
SEEN & HEARD on the SUNSET COAST
People, places, performances, parties, promotions in Perth & WA.
Video taken from Private Dinner & Show Live @ The Point Riverside Drive East Perth : Proudly supported by Sunset Coast Life :
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RUSSELL MORRIS LIVE
Every year sometimes twice Russell Morris will make his way over to the west to feed the fans some of his classic hits & a new track or two that he may be working on. Either as a solo show with band or he supports international acts for the mature audience. After 50 years his voice is still as good as ever with his last trilogy of albums telling many amazing stories of Australian legends. From 2012 – 2015 recordings “Sharkmouth”, Van Diemens Land, Red Dirt-Red Heart winning new acclaim from industry & fans for a more blues based sound. Morriss always plays a good gig with his latest & greatest for all the fans to hear & sing-a-long.
Morris History
A bit of history on the man, during the 60’s & early 70’s he had a string of hits which dominated for over a decade with Australian radio support which was his the glory days. He has was “The Real Thing” claiming fame with a little help from his friends written by Perth man Johnny Young, produced by Molly Meldrum, backing tracks by Brian Cadd & guitar by Zoot band guitarist Roger Hicks. So a big deal back then with heavy weights in the Aussie industry involvement. The main instrument was Russell Morris voice which is undoubtedly extra ordinary & beautiful to hear. Coupled with a psychedelic feels in the era in an acoustic mode along with “Wings of an Eagle, “Part 3 into Paper Walls”, “Sweet Sweet Love”, Live with Friends”, “Rachel”, “The Girl that I Love”, “Hush”, “Mr America”, that still stand up strong today.
As a journeyman mid to late 70’s moved to London & then New York USA with 2 albums then returned down under. For the next decade & turn of the century toured, wrote more songs, collaborating with lots of artists & musical projects like The Lonely Boys, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, Morris remained in work & relevant. Then a decade with music mates Ronnie Burns, Darryl Cotton of Zoot, Jim Keays of Master Apprentices & 5 albums. After an acoustic recording of his earlier hits & greatest Also rejoining with old friend Brian Cadd for a few years then inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame 40 years after starting his musical journey. Today he is enjoying a resurgence of the heritage mature music fan getting out to concerts & events with him happily on the billboard. Morris is a living legend of OZ music & is well worth the money for a live music night out. Check out whats up @ russellmorris.com.au
Reviewed by Deano
LIVE WIRE LIVE
This band LIVE WIRE aptly named after one of the kick ass songs played by ACDC. They havehas been one of Perth’s most consistent ACDC Tribute act for gigging up & down the state for years. Because WA is the home of Bon Scott its some pretty big shoes to fill so the act & singing has just got to be spot on. Rolling out the band to showcase arguable the greatest rock band of all time. All the classics are cranked out of this really good tribute band that are tight, on point, voice is very close & performances that are dynamic with a bit of tongue in cheek but doing the band proud keeping the tunes alive.
Special guest singer Skenie was flown in from the east coast to change up the pace with some of the later stuff in Back in Black album. Skenie was very good with a voice that is on another level doing Brian Johnson insane vocal range scream. Always a good night out seeing a live show but sometimes a bit hesitant to do the tribute band due to some ordinary ones out there in band land. But Live Wire are the next best thing for a small to medium show of what it was like when the band was starting out doing pubs. I do know what it was like seeing them as a underage punter at the Stockade Band Room beside the Leederville Hotel then the Perth Entertainment Center.
Keep up with all the bands shows : Live Wire Band Facebook
Reviewed by Deano
JPY : JOHN PAUL YOUNG @ ASTOR
This Hall of Famer was possibly the best show I have seen by
John Paul Young [JPY] aptly named because of local artist & national TV host Johnny Young. He had European success with top 10 hits in Germany, Netherlands, plus South Africa. JPY took on a new look & feel show that was a narrated documentary of Alberts Music & Records company. An iconic lable & studio made famous by the Easy Beats then members of that band Young & Vander also recording as Flash in the Pan. JPY was a young new talent taken on by Alberts then given a range of songs to perform which made him a household name along with Countdowns favorite son beside Molly. The first part of the show was all about the Vander & Young paying tribute to there genius. Along with the Easy Beats unbelievable rise to world wide fame & of course Stevie Wright one of the best front men ever to come out of Australia. The young family are Australian rock royaly with ACDC so a few choice songs were sung from the band as well. JPY told all the stories, worked through the ups & the downs of musical history flashing slide images up behind hie & the band then performing a song in relation to the story. JPY was brilliant singing in a manner that allowed him to freely go where alot of his own songs have maybe limited the voice. The audience was hanging on every word & loving every song it was electric & so interesting. A massive hit list to get through with Easy Beats – Friday on My Mind, Shes so Fine, Women, Eve + Flash in the Pan – Hey St Peter, The band played On, Down among the Dead Men. + ACDC
Then second half of the show JPY mega Oz Hits, Love is in the air, Pasadena, , Standing in the Rain, I Hate the Music, Lost in Your Love, Love Game, Where the Action is, Keep Smilin, Soldier of Fortune, Wanna do it with You, finishing with Yesterdays Hero.
WOW what a night & great story about Alberts Music & Productions & Ted Albert who as the Oz rock revolutionary continuing the legacy as one of the most influential families in Australian Music history.
A bit of Oz broadway was on show with a One Man show JPY & killer band that probably only JPY could have presented sung & told the story of his past association, life & intimate relationships with all who was in Alberts. This was one of the Best Shows of 2019
SPECIAL NOTE: Alberts 70’s – 80’s simultaneously managed, produced, recorded othe aussie rock legends Billy Thorpe & Aztecs, Ted Mulray, The Angels, Chior Boys, Cheetah, William Shakespere.
Reviewed by Deano
JON STEVENS LIVE
After many years on the mature age circuit Jon Stevens has done his fair share of pubs & club gigs. It is a testament to his work ethic that he still keeps showing up to venues he has done for 3 decades. As an kiwi NZ turned Aussie back in the day 80’s he was an Oz rock rock phenomenon as a favorite of the suburban teen + twenty something girls & boys. But the boys wanted to be the power vocal in good shape, good looking, classy rock bogan Stevens represented. Its been a long winding road with alot of work, band mates coming & going.
His latest show incorporates his journey so far with Noiseworks, Jesus Christ Superstar, INXS with full band & an acoustic performance his latest originals. This show is like a comeback to full production pub rock style from some of his last decade of stripped back shows that did lack a bit of band action. Yes he has done multi act bills, concerts, events, but raw & rocking in a bar with 500-1000 in front of him with just his stuff, his story, his voice for 90mins – 120 mins with a kick ass band there is nowhere to hide, be complimented with a monster stage, massive production. Stevens is one of the best voices in the country & possibly top 10 of all time. But when he is grinding, working it, sweating, powering through a song with a band up close & personal he is at his best. Always liked JS he has an international sounding voice, look after himself phsically, well presented on stage, gives it a good go, puts on a good show that should be global. We are privileged to have & enjoy such a vocalist, artist, songwriter in our country being willing to continually tour Australia & serve his fans with small shows such as this with a ticket price that is good value. A powerhouse that when he is rocking its game on good time!
Check out this guy online for what he is up to, tour dates & dont miss his next time in town : JonStevens
Reviewed by Deano
DAVE HOLE LIVE @ THE RAVENSWOOD HOTEL
Blues slide guitar virtuoso… the man …the myth… the legend lives.
This gig is one of the many times I have seen this outstanding performer & West Australian blues artist deliver a red hot show. Along with one of WA’s best traditional old school country pubs “The Ravo”. A touch of Australiana with the outdoor stage set on the bank of the Murray River. Such a great spot for a live outdoor show under the big trees, riverside, easy access, lots of parking, good sight lines to the stage & an operation that is sweet for snacks, brews, views. Ravenswood Hotel
Whenever Hole plays a show there is no doubt that he is world class act. Leaving everything on the stage & gives up all he has in musical talents for the show & performance which has been his trade mark playing for over 50 years. An incredible achievement in itself to be in front of people presenting his unique brand of blues but it has labeled him as a “living legend of blues” a “blues guitar master”, “guitar genius”. Because of an accident with his hand & fingers he decide to do slide with his index finger & go over the top on the guitar neck not under which adds to the visual presentation & difference in the sound compared to so many other blues slide guitarists. Vocally Hole is a rough, rasping, growling sound that adds to the early 1900’s electric blues vibe. Hole continues to be creative, write, produce, perform new music which is such a testament to one hard working passionate music man. One of WA & Australia’s living legends still live & kicking ass into his 70’s. davehole.com
Special Note:
Seeing & hearing Dave Hole do his thing always makes me reminisce back to my past pub roots as one of the first acts that I was to see at a Sunday Bag of Bones & Dave Hole live 4.30 – 7.30 as a double bill @ White Sands Scarborough. A hundred or so locals mainly a motley crew, bikers, surfers, bogans & suburban punters. My older brother & friends taking me for initiation to “the Sunday sess”. Little did I know that it was not only an intimidating experience with the afternoon boozing crowd but some pretty hard core blues coming from the stage. When Hole hit the stage it was electric as I have never seen a man do slide in the opening song with a jar of beer. The old beer with a handle he skulled it then used as a slide playing with a awesome sound that woke everyone up to be impressed. Then he proceeded to get serious with his over the top index finger slide style sounding like he had just landed from the southern states of America. On his knees, behind his head, just shredding the guitar with slide & licks that I had never heard before. It was exciting to watch & experience with all the crowd fixated on his performance. The seemingly heavy crowd with no aggro, no violence, no heckling, just music ruled with admiration of the fans & it was fun. I saw first hand the power of performance as I didnt know many of the songs, a few covers only with an old white guy up on stage delivering electric delta blues. Shoot forward another 10 years [1990] Short Fuse Blues was the break out album that launched Hole on to the global radio stations & blues stages around the world.
Proudly West Aussie Hole has done the hard yards & more consistently working pub, club, festival gigs as much as he can. Now when he plays getting full houses for a decade building a house hold name for his good work. Now several albums that have been significant & award winning later with Alligator Records, [’95] Steel on Steel, [’97] Ticket to Chicago, [’99] Under the Spell.
Discography
- Outlines – Dave Hole Band [1980]
- Short Fuse Blues – [1990]
- The Plumber – [1992]
- Working Overtime – [1993]
- Steel on Steel – [1995]
- Whole Lotta Blues – [1996]
- Ticket to Chicago – [1997]
- Under the Spell – [1999]
- Outside Looking In – [ 2001]
- The Live One – [2003]
- Rough Diamond – [2007]
- Goin’ Back Down – [2018]
Reviewed by Deano
JOE CAMERLLIERI & BLACK SORROWS
LIVE @ MUNDARING WIER HOTEL
SCREAMING JETS LIVE @ THE ASTOR
Dirty Thirty Tour : Over the last 3 decades The Screaming Jets have been touring the country of Australia & doing some overseas shows with their iconic aussie pub rock. Signed to a major record label in 1991 with a debut album All for One that was a killer. With a few songs that would set them up for decades ~ Single now anthem “Better”, “Helping Hand”, plus controversial song “Shiver” written by Rowland Howard who was at the time a band mate of Nick Cave. It was written in 1978 sung by Rolland & Cave in the 80’s but became famous after Molly Meldrom banned its commercial airplay as dark & disturbing song. However it has become a classic Glesson sings it well. As a lead singer he fills in other projects for The Angels, Choir Boys, Radiators & is fully respectful of the frontmen he replaces. Its hard not to like him a she still is a silly clown up front unpredictable a sever & relishes his live performance time.
Key Albums ; All for One, Tear of Thought, Chrome & others followed.
But with the hand full of songs in their bag of tricks along with the most shocking song which was Angles like – Big Fat Rich Cunt a pub beer barn chant favorite. The Screaming Jets have worked the rock & roll outlaw life that their buddies Rose Tattoo sung about.
After seeing them at their first Perth show [as one of the young Xpress magazine crew] supported by Baby Animals @ the Balga Inn / Sundowner with 1000+ in the venue jam packed it was electric the atmosphere. Promoter of the time West Oz entertainment killing it with additional shows North & South West of the back of smash hit “Better”.
They again made the trip west 3 decades later & over 100 shows in WA later. They did not play not at a pub but at the Astor theatre. The seats were remover for around 400 to stage front of stage, seating for another couple hundred & more standing room to the back with 3 bars all serving brews, burbons & bubbles. The Astor is one of Perth’s best small to medium sized theatres which has become again in full glory putting on shows like this & taken over from the big pub that is no more. Plus Good priced tickets @ $50
With some of the best veteran musicians in the land of Oz & up front Neeson who has 101 moves of a mad man with the songs deeply burnt into his psych. He is very entertaining & always has been mucking around like the likable larikan of the old pub rock front men. Just a classic pro show full of classic hits, starting with Rose Tattoo into “Cant be Beaten” finishing with an encore of “Rocking in the Free World” a 1991 grunge cultish live electric sound of Neil Young.
Screaming Jets are evergreen & never let their fan base down with kick ass live shows.
Reviewed by Deano
THE POOR
The Poor supported in fast paced, full throttle, guitar driven rock show with a vocal scream that would rival ACDC. Branded as No BS Oz Rock. Lead vocalist Skenie has already impressed Perth audiences with special guest appearance at the Charles earlier in the year for a tribute to ACDC fund raiser with local band Livewire.
THUNDAMENTALS
Thundamentals have well and truly earned their mantle as one of Australia’s most exciting and dynamic live acts. Since the release of their ARIA nominated 3rd Album ‘So We Can Remember’, the Blue Mountains via Sydney Hip Hop outfit have toured frenetically in Australia and Europe, playing massive runs of club shows and almost every major music festival in the country, fostering a connection with fans that has blossomed into something truly special.
On ‘Everyone We Know’, Thundamentals’ first full-length release on their own newly minted label ‘High Depth’ and recorded at the studio of good friends Hermitude in Sydney’s Inner West, the band have reached new heights. Debuting at number 2 on the ARIA charts (the band’s highest chart position ever), the album “pushes their [the band’s] sound even further from their last genre-defying effort… cement[ing] them as a creative force to be reckoned with.” (says Rolling Stone who gave the record four stars). From the lush choral-jazz collision of the title track to the sublimely stuttering schitz of “Wyle Out Year” and the infectious funk of first single “Never Say Never”, it’s hard to argue that Thundas have stepped things up. With “Never Say Never” prompting a massive 17 date tour and “Think About It Ft. Peta & The Wolves” resulting in more National airplay than the band have ever had before, the ‘Everyone We Know Tour’ sees Thundamentals embark on their biggest ever. An epic celebration of a record which boasts a musicality rooted in hip hop but at the same time transcends the label, offering something for anyone who simply loves music, no genre attached.
Ross Wilson & Peaceniks
Review on Ross Wilson & Peaceniks Show Saturday 28th July
by Liston & photos by Taylor Mitchell
After a 3 month lead up promoting one of Australia’s most enduring artists to appear On The Point in the Beaumonde Ballroom on Riverside drive Perth east. It was a new venue doing a new thing with a 5 star public ticketed event for a dinner with show that was up close & personal intimate concert.
Ross the Boss was to take the stage with his old band buddies to put on a party. Ross who at 70 years old is still doing shows every week around the country. You got to respect his work ethic & commitment to his art, along with keepings his Australia wide fans happy. A one show only in WA which was his only venue appearance in 3 years. He did appear last year on stage for a set in Kings Park – On the Green with an Australian line-up to 15,000 in concert.
On the Point dinner & show was a success with over 200 in attendance at an average ticket price of $175 which included 3 course meal & drinks. It was a 5 star night with 6 star entertainment.
To start the night Aroura a young Duo of WAPA students opened the show with a set of covers. Mattie a female singer was sensational & Jason on guitar along with harmonies that worked beautifully.
Food was served from 7pm with Aroura on stage for a set of some familiar acoustic sounds whilst the conversations were humming around this large impressive room.
From the first song the dance floor was full & continued to be a party till late.
Just to explain a little more about Ross Wilson & his allstar band the Peakniks they are a classic hits band playing all their hits from the past. What is commonly called a heritage act.
For anyone too young or living in a cave this man & his band is a national treasure.
Ross Wilson is the an Australian entertainment living legend & two time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
He has become a brand that is representative of the 70’s & 80’s that achieved international airplay & recognition. Before the mobile phone, fax, internet, FB or any other electronic advantages of today. The artist & band had to write hit songs with popular melody & music. Then get airplay on commercial radio & tour relentlessly playing to as many punters as possible usually in a smelly pub to grind & carve out there place in history. It was alot of hard work, late nights, many miles traveled but I would say a stack of wild stories to tell around the social table.
The interesting thing is Ross Wilson & his band are real evergreens of music as they sound & play like half there age. It seems to ring true with this band that great art is ageless. There were sons & daughter, uncles & aunties, grandmother & pops all enjoying the music that spanned 3 generations.
Singer/Songwriter/Producer
Former Singer-songwriter at Mondo Rock
Former Singer-songwriter at Daddy Cool
Married to Tania Gogos-Wilson
Greatest Hits played live…
Eagle Rock, Come Back Again, Cool World, Come Said The Boy, State Of The Heart, A Touch Of Paradise, Primitive Love, Rites, Hi Honey Ho, Teenage Blues, I’ll Never Smile Again, Living In The Land Of Oz, The Fugitive Kind, Summer Of 81, No Time, Bed Of Nails, The Same As Me, Slave To My Emotions, Nothins Right Nothins Wrong, I Come In Peace.
All crowd pleasing songs played absolutely live all night….
So as we can see what a great set list for the night & still have songs that are relevant appealing to party to.
Ross & his band are casemate entertainers who amongst their air of confident seem still humble with an easy nature for fans to connect. Ross happily met with his fans for signing, selfies, photo shoots. Surprisingly looking younger than his age which maybe having fun, entertaining, may be the elixir for the fountain of youth. But Ross looked pretty dam good for a fossil rocker always being a professional at what he is doing.
ROSS WILSON is a LIVING LEGEND
Bit more background on Ross Wilson for interest on his biography….
He is an Australian singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer. He is the co-founder and front man of the long-standing rock groups Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock, as well as a number of other former bands, in addition to performing solo. He has produced records for bands such as Skyhooks and Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, as well as for those of his own bands. He appeared countless times on TV & show as a special guest act, personality, legend of the Aussie Rock industry. Also as a judge on celebrity singing TV series It Takes Two from 2005. Wilson was individually inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 1989 and again as a member of Daddy Cool in 2006. The only individual & band double Hall of Famer.
Ross is one of the most respected artists in the country & has a greatest hits list of chart topping songs that are the sound tracks to many Australians. He has continued performing regularly all over the country for 5 decades. Keep it up Ross & keep on keeping on…..
plus the boys in the band Peacniks who are also legendary….members who work on TV show RockWiz & James Reynes Band.
Reviewed by Deano
ON THE POINT Riverside Drive Perth
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