Live at the Foreshore, Newcastle – 6 November 2016
Photographer: David Jackson
Review by Natasha Wyborn
Hits & memories Live at the Foreshore! Picturesque Nobbys Beach, could you ask for a better backdrop for a concert? One of Australia’s most scenic beaches complete with a working lighthouse, a bustling harbour and all in the heart of Newcastle. “Live at the foreshore” returned to this venue, this time selling out with a week to spare. Record sales prove yet again this country’s fixation with past music icons is not going away, in fact it will only get bigger.
This “Homebake” for over 45’s was played in perfect sunshine. On the bill were 16 multiple award winners including Hall of Fame inductees, AIRIA recipients and dare I mention Countdown award members. The line-up assured the near 5.000 crowd would be transported back to the early 80’s for the afternoon. Conversations within the crowd focused firmly on past memories in between the addictive and compulsory sing-alongs. A lot of the venues may be gone, some lost to an earthquake that reshaped the city over 25 years ago, but the stories will live on forever.
Beginning after lunch the bill consisted of 16 headline acts each playing 4 songs. The afternoon was broken up into 4 sets with a minimal break in between acts.
Some of the highlights of the afternoon included Kiwi Sharon O’Neill singing “Words”, Swanee romancing the crowd with “Lady what’s your name” and Dale Ryder from Boom Crash Opera singing “Dancing in the Storm”. Highlights are personal. Seriously, you would struggle to find a bad act or moment.
The day also brought together some powerhouse lead singers of the last three decades. Performances from Angry Anderson from Rose Tattoo, Steve Balbi from Noiseworks and Mi Sex and who could forget Ross Wilson doing the “Eagle Rock”. A finale featuring Wilson and Adam Thompson from Chocolate Starfish, Balbi and Steve Kilbey from The Church who paid tribute to Stevie Wright and Doc Neeson with moving performances of “Evie” and “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again”.
Acknowledgment must go to the promoters and organisers. The site was not only a cool place but also provided a great choice of food and a refund offered for every can that was returned ensuring a clean venue. Thoroughly enjoyed.