Under the Southern Stars
Venue J.C. Lowe Oval, Yarrawonga, Victoria Australia
Sunday March 13th, 2022
Reviewer Natasha Rachow
As I write this review, I cannot begin without acknowledging the determination and commitment of promoters for delivering this show to Australian shores. On what is the third attempt to bring this show to Australian shores it eventually went off like clockwork, providing ticket holders with a killer show on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Victoria.
Opening act Rose Tattoo hit the stage lead by guitarist Bob Spencer (former Skyhooks and Angels member) and lead singer Angry Anderson was on point from the first note. ‘we are here to get you loose’ raised laughter and noise from a devoted crowd, at the end of the hour plus set everybody was exactly that, loose. The band did not hold back on anything, and the devoted audience was treated to hits going back into the late 70’s. One Of The Boys, Juice On The Loose, Assault & Battery, Tramp, Rock ’n’ Roll Outlaw, Sweet Love, Black Eyed Bruiser dedicated to Stevie Wright, Rock ’n’ Roll Is King, Scared For Life, Snow Queen, Bad Boy For Love, Astra Wally, We Can’t Be Beaten & Nice Boys. All songs were played with power and commitment, they have simply lost nothing.
Enter Black Rebel Motorcycle Club consisting of Peter Hayes, Robert Levon Been and drummer Leah Shapiro hit the stage and rattled the audience with one ferocious beat of the drum. The LA based rockers have been gracing the worlds stages for over 24 years. Fans were treated to a selection from the bands 8 albums including, Red Eyes & Tears, Beat The Devil’s Tattoo, Hate The Taste, In Like The Rose, Berlin, Conscience Killer, American X, Spread Your Love and Whatever Happened To My Rock ’n’ Roll (Punk Song). This was a great set from this three piece which without doubt drew new members to their ever-growing fan base, I know I am one of them.
Bush made a welcome return to Australian shores with lead singer Gavin Rossdale, Chris Traynor on lead guitar, Corey Britz on the bass, and newest member Nik Hughes hitting the drums. Rosedale run onto the stage and for the next hour maintained a sprinters pace of enthusiasm. Alternating between microphone and guitar Rosedale acknowledged and appreciated Australia’s support for the band over the past 20 plus years. From Hughes first drum beat to the final guitar lick from Traynor the performance was about giving people what they have been thirsting for loud, raw rock. The playlist didn’t disappoint with most hits covered including The Kingdom, Machinehead, Blood River, The Chemicals Between Us, Quicksand, Everything Zen, Ghosts In The Machine, Bullet Holes, Flowers On A Grave, Glycerine and Comedown. ‘Glycerine’ played solo by Rossdale complete with electric guitar was a highlight. At one point Rossdale launched from the stage and provided fans some an up close and personal encounter something that has sadly been missing for the past 2 years.
Cheap Trick opened the set with a trip back to 1977 ‘Elo Kiddies’ went over a well with the mature audience singing each word to the song and, no doubt for a brief moment, even thinking they were back in the 70’s. The band still carries three original members with Robin Zander on vocals complete with cap, Beatles t-shirt and white pants with light blue stars, Rick Nielsen on guitar complete with his array of classic electric guitars, and bass player Tom Petersson complete with hat, scarf and sunglasses. The nights set list was aimed to please with an ever-growing audience participation. Elo Kiddies, Lookout, Southern Girls, Big Eyes, If You Want My Love, You Got It Going On, Ain’t That A Shame, Ghost Town, I Want You To Want Me, Dream Police, Never Had A Lot To Loose, Surrender, Clock Strikes Ten, Goodnight. On stage, the band really seemed to enjoy themselves. The audience performed the loudest during the hits especially ‘Dream Police’ and ’Surrender’.
As the crowd swelled and moved towards the front of the stage there was growing anticipation headliners Stone Temple Pilots or STP’s as they are more commonly known amongst fans were about to take the stage. A bolt of set lighting, and a loud beat of the drum and STP’s arrive on stage. Co-founding members, brothers Dean Deleo on guitar, and Robert Deleo on bass, combine with original drummer Eric Kretz to get the party started, lead singer Jeff Gutt makes his appearance complete with leather jacket and sunglasses.
Gutt’s presence and vocals delivering each song to fans in a way that has them involved from the start, he is the ultimate showman. The setlist is short but covers most of the hits and wants of the crowd. Wicked Garden, Vasoline, Big Bang Baby, Down, Big Empty, Meadow, Plush, Interstate Love Song, Roll Me Under, Dead & Bloated, Trippin On A Whole In A Paper Heart, Sex Type Thing. As quick as the energy rises, the crowd is vocal, and the party is in full swing the band acknowledges and shows appreciation by playing with the last hit of the night ‘Sex Type Thing’ complete with full audience participation. Before leaving to loud applause.
This really is a show not to be missed, from the quality of the line-up to the mixing and light show you will not be disappointed.
Photo Gallery : UNDER THE SOUTHERN STARS 2022 – Yarrawonga
UNDER THE SOUTHERN STARS 2022
Fri, March 11: Maitland Showground, Maitland, NSW
Sat, March 12: Foreshore Reserve, Hastings, VIC
Sun, March 13: JC Lowe Oval, Yarrawonga, VIC
Wed, March 16: Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne, VIC
Fri, March 18: Bonython Park, Adelaide, SA
Sat, March 19: Bonython Park, Adelaide, SA
Sun, March 20: Bonython Park, Adelaide, SA
Tues, March 22: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, NSW
Wed, March 23: Quodos Bank Arena, Sydney, NSW
Fri, March 25: Kings Beach Ampitheatre, Caloundra, QLD
Sat, March 26: Southport Sharks, Gold Coast, QLD
Sun, March 27: Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
www.underthesouthernstars.com.au
