Elvis Costello & The Imposters – 31/03/2024 – Sydney Opera House

It’s a year later but at least it wasn’t postponed again or worse. Sydney is always so impressive to me. It’s so big and familiar and sometimes so surprising. Unsurprising is my love of the opera house and approaching its majestic structure is always so overwhelming. We had a safe dinner at Grill’d and got to the venue an hour early. To take selfies and buy merch. And then wait for doors to open to the auditorium. While we wait we comment on the crowd. Middle aged. Privileged. Most people seem to be between 55 and their late 60s and it makes sense. Elvis started making and recording music in the late 70s. We enjoy some of the crowds outfits. No old Elvis tees are spotted. Some of the current ones or other bands including a recent Wilco one. I love seeing fan crossovers.
Once inside we sit and wait and stare at the stage production. The final fixings by the roadies are made. And not too long after 7 PM the band enters the stage. Elvis looks spectacular in his full suit and red shirt and thin scarf. Most musicians have multiple guitar changes through the night and he does, but he also changes his hat three times. Two brown, one of which was a pork pie, one wider brim. And then a red one. Magnificent. I read years ago he uses the same milliner the late Queen did.
The band sound great. Some of the songs get a tempo change and for Accidents Will Happen it doesn’t work. They sound out of key. We all agree. And the backing vocals are virtually indistinguishable. But for the most part we love what they offer us. It’s a diverse set. I would guess about half the songs are unknown by me. The classics of course get the loudest whoops including by me. Elvis is generous and chats between songs. Talks about how they got delayed at Dubai… for 12 months… there is a lot of love in the room but the audience is very respectful, almost too quiet. I always find it harder to connect with the performers at seated gigs. Even if my weary legs enjoyed being in my seat. My favourites were What’s so funny bout peace love and understanding. Watching the detectives. Radio radio. There was a bluesy number I also loved – maybe Like Liquorice On Your Tongue. When they ventured into either country or blues I was very interested. Its definitely  sound they feel comfortable in.
They end up playing for over two hours. Instead of leaving stage for the encores they just cease playing and move to the front of the stage. And then back to their instruments.
They finish the set with What’s So Funny (‘Bout Peace, Love And Understanding). And I feel satiated. There is always more songs I want to hear. But with such a hefty back catalogue I’m never going to hear it all. I would have loved to hear She as it’s the song that my friends M and D first danced to at their wedding but it will need to be experienced another day. For now we lazily leave the Opera House and wander back to China town.

Wilco – 13/03/2024 -Princess Theatre

I thought I knew what to expect. And I did. With the venue, and the timing. This night my brother came along with me. I was feeling better than the night before. My stomach was settled. And I was extremely excited, but expectant as to what S would feel about them. This band is so revered by me. I hoped he would feel the same. We got a centralised position. Further back, but it just felt right. I felt comfortable with the crowd. The people around me were mainly men, some solo, but some groups. And then it began. Second song in feels like encore number two. At Least That’s What You Said.
And that’s how it goes. Epic sound scapes. Stand outs are Impossible Germany. I Am Trying to Break Your Heart. I am a Wheel. I hear songs that I have never heard before. Less country set. More rock. They look more relaxed. Even less banter, but its okay. Because they look like they’re really enjoying themselves.

I overheard a guy near me in a Loft tee talking about the night before (turns out he was Phillip), and how it was to hear Spiders (Kidsmoke) the night before (it blew his mind) and how he’d love to hear it again. Later I made his acquaintance and asked if he lamented not hearing it a second time. Flat out no from him. You could tell though he was completely satisfied. That’s how I felt too. It was joyful, it was full of searing solos and people who love their craft and are completely proficient and passionate about it. This night I had space, and felt comfortable enough to dance and move.

And S loved it. Said they were better than he even thought they’d be.

I just wanted to see them again. Please let them not leave it another 11 years til they come back.

Wilco – 12/03/2024 – Princess Theatre

I almost didn’t make it tonight. Got home from work. Prepared some dinner. And as I went to eat it I felt sick. Nauseous. But I ate. And I drank water laced with apple cider vinegar. The only trick I had access to. As I was driven to the venue I felt really weak and like I was going to faint. Not a good sign. But I ploughed on like the fan that I am. As I waited in line outside the venue I felt better. I was asked for my ticket and to search my bag. Including the inner pocket, “it’s where the young people hide their drugs” I was told. Inside, I headed to the merch counter. I knew I wanted a shirt and selected the one with the cover art of their latest album, Cousin. But then I spotted the tour poster and it was so beautiful I caved. And then felt silly as I had to clutch the plastic bag that held it all night, trying awfully hard not to damage it.
I found a spot left of the stage. About five deep from the crowd. Listened to Leah Senior. Sweet voice and cute songs.
A guy directly behind my back sounded like he was struggling with a cold. Ew. I pressed forward. And made friends with a guy who had travelled to see Wilco all the way from Cairns. He proclaimed me a super fan because of my Jeff Tweedy shirt. But I marvelled at the kilometres he had taken to be there. He said he’d seen the bassist with Ray La montagne at Bluesfest. It must have been the same year I saw them. 2019. Although this chap thought it was 2013. It’s no wonder he got confused with dates though. He goes to Bluesfest every single year and has done for decades.
My friend tells a story to one of his friends he’s with tonight and turns out he’s good friends with Ian Hoag of powderfinger. Interesting.
He tells me the most amazing moment he has ever had at Bluesfest is when he saw seasick Steve. And Steve told his story about being homeless and then he said he wanted to bring out a special friend on stage and it was JOHN PAUL JONES!
Wilcos roadies are very efficient. The stage and instruments are readied. And then at nine on the dot Wilco take the stage. Wilco haven’t been here as a band since 2013. So this moment feels so huge.
My new friend gets angry as a guy moves right in front of us to plant himself with his big head in our line of sight. The audacity. He must know what he has done, but he doesn’t waver. All night. He’s a chunk. Finally before encore he leaves and my uninterrupted view returns. One lady is overcome when she screams out for California Stars and the bands grant her wish. She is allowed to take another punters spot right on the barricade as she sings long with Jeff. Over two hours Wilco have played for and I’ve sung along and been in awe of how they move and play as a group. There is low banter (good) and plenty of amazing song choices. I’m blown away by Via Chicago. Impossible Germany. Evicted. Shot in the arm. And Spiders (Kidsmoke) ends the night. Riotous applause. And a heart full of love. My Cairns friend high fives me and looks overcome.
Let’s do it all again tomorrow!

Mr Bungle and Melvins – 10/03/2024 – Fortitude Music Hall

Hesitation. Nervy. Describing words. Words that describe me pre-Mr Bungle gig. We arrived as the Melvin’s were already on stage. Blasting out their wall of sound. Ear plugs were inserted early. It wasn’t a sold out gig but all that were there kinda clogged up the place and it took a while to find a good spot. Simon and I had places away from each other. I wanted to make sure he got a good spot to see the drum kit and Mike. A lot of very serious fans in the mix. A lot of men in black tees. Melvins sounded so good. Tight. The lead singer, Buzz, was wearing a bedazzled robe. Looked incredible. Black with a lot of shiny gold eyes. And his huge grey/silver Afro. I don’t know much of Mr Bungle. But I know even less of the Melvin’s. In fact zilch. But they had a really good sound. Very cool. A short pause. And then Mr Bungle took the stage and the atmosphere was electric.
Mike was full energy and sounded great. They did a lot of covers. And their own stuff. They sounded great. They weren’t as loud as I thought they might be, but in a good way. I was glad I wasn’t down in the mosh pit, but it wasn’t too bad. Although one guy walked past me later and proclaimed it hectic.
I got talking to a lady near me and she said she saw Faith No More in Hungary with her husband and someone threw a shoe on stage and Mike ended up eating the shoelace. That’s the kind of performer he is. Mad.

Fleet Foxes/The National – 28/02/2024 – Riverstage

Once you parlay into it…..
I heard as I waited for my fellow concert goer to arrive on the Goodwill Bridge. I could pick every person about to cross the bridge to the gig. In a uniform. Smart casual. There was a smattering of Band Tees. Some recent ones – I spotted a QOTSA tee, and someone commented on mine.
As soon as we arrived we made a bee-line for the merch and I was talked into a beautiful tee by the Fleet Foxes. It’s stunning. Great artwork. Then we found a spot about 3/4 back from the concrete. For me definitely not bands I needed to be front and centre for. Much talk through the lead up. Fleet foxes were amazing and sounded so good as they started the first song accapella. They were swoony. Great little set. Played for an hour and included White Winter Hymmnal. The song that caused me to fall in love with them in 2008. I can’t get over how captivating they are and how good they sound. I was still miffed that they are playing second fiddle to another band.
The sun dipped. The hill filled up. The National arrived on stage at 8pm and started with Eucalyptus! One of my favourites. And they followed it up with two more faves : Blood Buzz Ohio and The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness. As Dave said, they’re playing all their best stuff too early. The set continued and they played their full two hours. We stood. And our legs ached. Matt Berninger the lead singer really threw himself into the role of frontman. Racing all over the stage. At times walking right out into the audience which is no mean feat at the Riverstage – much to the horroe of the roadies. But I admired his sense of adventure. Seeking connection. Feeling the emotion of the songs.
They played right up to the ten o’clock curfew alongside the Fleet Foxes, leading the crowd out with an acoustic Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks.

I’m so glad I didn’t wake up Thursday and regretfully admit, I wish I had gone. No one regrets Live Music do they?

Queens of the Stone Age – 26/02/2024 – Fortitude Music Hall

“Tonight will be a long French kiss”

And with that the band started their epic two hour set on a February Monday night. Josh wanted it not to feel like “a Monday” and he talked about us wanting freedom from our cubicle lives. I certainly was no longer thinking about my early start the next morning. Eyes to the front, my legs no longer ached. I could have stood their and experienced them for hours to come – well into the early hours of the next morning.

I had so much excitement and expectation for this concert. And I knew my brother and I would have to arrive early to get a good position. I wanted us to be on the mezzanine. Away from the potential of the mosh pit. We wandered in at seven thirty and upstairs after buying t-shirts. We managed to get a good spot by a barrier as a couple abandoned it. Staked our claim and made friends with the two masked women to our right just in case we needed them to defend our spot. We had a mutual arrangement. The first support was already playing as we steadied in our spot. Gut Health. I heard two guys exchanging words about them later. One asked the other if he’d heard them, as he’d spoken to a guy in the bathrooms who said it was lucky he had given them a miss. But I didn’t mind them at all. Their last song was indulgent, but I have heard a little of them on Double J and liked what I heard.
The next support – Pond – were very interesting. A contingent of musicians, some of whom are borrowed from Tame Impala. They had such an interesting sound. Simon likened them to Billy Idol. A definite 80s feel, with the lead singer reminding me so much of Bowie.
There was half an hour between Pond ending their set and Queens taking to the darkened stage. They were impactful. It felt like they all wanted to make a connection with their fans. Josh said all our loved ones are 5,000 miles away so we want to share the love with us. Is he flirty or friendly or funny or just arrogant?

They sounded wonderful! A night I will not forget for so much time to come. It felt very special.

Dinosaur Jr – 23/02/2024 – Tivoli

Tonnes of converse sneakers. A sea of denim. Slouchy pants. Tees. The majority of 50 something men. With smatterings of well dressed ladies . To say it’s a relaxed crowd would be a huge understatement.  
Talk of watermelon rum from the group of six guys in front of me.

Right in the middle of the first song. Out There. A mum and her son snuck right in front of me but didn’t keep going for more affable land. The son stopped dead in front of me. His lanky body right up against my nose. Luckily I had some solid advocates standing around me ready to tap him on the shoulder and shrug their shoulders. I did the same. “What the hell man?”
Eventually a lady next to me made him stand behind her. The band were so loud. My brother had warned me but wowee. He didn’t lie. I have never been so grateful for earplugs. I removed them at one point and the sound was painful.
They were so tight. They had so much sound for a three piece. I loved their Marshall amp stack. The audience was grateful. The audience didn’t know how to film the band without inadvertently popping on their flash or lights. It was an old school crowd. The merch sold out quickly apart from LPs.
I was grateful I’d been listening to a tonne of the featured album before the gig. They sounded great. I got to have a dance on the spot. Was not expecting that. I shuffled out after close to eleven.
Fin.

Morrissey – 8/12/2023 – Fortitude Music Hall

It’s been 12 years almost to the day I last saw Morrissey.

I must have waxed lyrical after it that I caused Simon and Norman to feel like they needed to book a date with him if he ever returned and tonight he did.
With Norman he actually trusted me so much he said if he came back he’d personally come along with me and we’d see him together. Norman was true to his word. Truth be known I have an inkling he actually never thought he’d return to our shores after a bad heckle at a previous gig.
In your face Norman.

Anyway. We got to a hustly bustly valley mall tonight to read he was on at half eight. So we shuffled inside. Made our way upstairs past the exorbitantly priced merch desk to join the heaving masses. It was hard to get a spot and actually see the stage but as the night went on we did inch closer and eventually for the last half I could see his fine 64 year old form very well. Tight down to the last moment with him stripping off his skippy t-shirt and throwing it to the crowd. So glad I got to see his resplendent chest.
But before we got to that point we had a forty minute video and audio display. Armed with a g n t he came to stage at 9:10. He was beautiful. His voice was utterly perfect. He played and played. And the band was super tight. He was playful with the crowd and we all lapped it up. He made some Freudian slips including “breast”.
The audience swayed and sung and sweated and I loved every minute of it. A couple of songs I turned to Norman puzzled. Neither of us had heard them. What kind of fans are we?
But he also played ones I absolutely loved and knew by heart: girlfriend in a coma, Every day is like Sunday, How soon is now?, Suedehead.

He’s known for being surly and acerbic but tonight he was truly charismatic and delightful. I walked away with a big ol crush. And Norman said it was “good sh!t”. High praise.
I’d see him again and again.

Famous Diarists

I love my diary. I have kept one going since I was about ten years old. Perhaps a little younger. I think one of the first that I maintained was a travel journal back in 1992/1993 where I took a road trip with my family from the West to the East coast of Australia. I can still remember the cover in a marbled fabric in greens and grey. I still have it somewhere for that matter, back in WA in a box full of the incriminating/embarrassing words. 

My first journal writing began as a bulwark against my failing memory. I realised I would forget much of the activities of my younger days that I knew that I wanted to be kept. And now I benefit as reading back over my words adds meaning to my life. Richard E Grant, a writer, actor and a self-proclaimed “diarist” writes: “…it gives you a, sort of, third eye on things, I think, and I think it helps you in the way that you write or observe things. You just become acutely aware of that. It’s a way of making something that is unreal, somehow real. That you’re keeping a record of your own life somehow. I know it’s egocentric to do that, but it has a real – it’s a, sort of, pinch yourself kind of activity.”

I truly believe everything that he says there. It is a way of looking back and a look at what you are thinking in another light. It feels less of an egocentric way. 

I think it was my Oma that first encouraged my writing by buying me my very first book. It was a cute little pink book that was split up into three sections with lovely pink, blue and yellow pages. I still have it somewhere, stored away in a box with moth balls in my parents’ house in WA.

Later came travel journals – the one listed above, but also every single trip I took from then on. I felt like they needed their own unique space and bought separate books for their adventures. 

These days my writing has definitely become sparser. That’s not by choice, but I buy out less time to do so. Its something I am striving to change. I didn’t really want resolutions for 2024, but I did make myself just a small one. Which was to write in my journal daily. My current journal is a black moleskin that I began in 2019 so clearly my writing can be called pithy. My entries definitely haven’t been daily, but they have been more consistent. These days I try and record things that feel meaningful to me. The entries for the new year include; interior design motivational quotes, book recommendations, work shenanigans, breaking my big toe, friend catch-ups and movies. A good start anyway. Here is to it progressing. 

Do you journal? Do you record? Do you have a notes section on your phone that is overflowing?

Upcoming Tour – Pearl Jam announces Dark Matter

Exciting news! Pearl Jam are touring this year and are coming to the Gold Coast in November. I am so keen as I’m finally planning on going to see them. One of my workmates has been keeping me up to date with releases and yesterday we got the first drop from their new album which is to be released in full 19th April. Here is the first single: