Playing to a sold out audience, the Hoodoo Gurus celebrated 40 years of their iconic debut album Stoneage Romeos at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney. Awarded the 'Best Debut Album' of 1984 at the 1985 Countdown awards and scoring a number one in the American Alternative/College charts, this album has well and truly earned its place in the hall of Australian music fame and the hearts of their fans. For me this is unequivocally their best album, a sentiment clearly shared by their base of dedicated fans who turned out en masse, undeterred by the soggy and humid weather.
Playing the album in full at lightning pace, the crowd enthusiastically kept up, singing loudly and dancing to all the hits. Needless to say we all went nuts when they played I want you back, Dig it up, My Girl, Leilani and Tojo. Cleverly recreating the feel of the album cover, the stage backdrop provided a fun prehistoric atmosphere with flying pteryodactyls and a bright light show which added to their cheeky, surf rock, psychedelic sound.
Dave Faulkner on lead vocals/guitar was infectious with his enthusiasm and energy, sharing funny anecdotes about his musical influences and the albums touring mishaps. Brad Shepherd on lead guitar/harmonica and vocals maintained the momentum with his trademark riffs and craftsmanship. Meanwhile in the rhythm section, legendary bass player Rick Grossman and Nik Rieth on drums connected in perfect unison, giving each song just the right amount of drive and intensity.
Finishing the album, the Hoodoo Gurus delved into their back catalogue of songs, treating fans to Bittersweet and Miss Freelove 69. The encore was just as good with Axegrinder and Whats my Scene, finishing on a high note with the all time crowd favourite Like Wow Wipeout. Dig it up!
Kicking off the night Magic Dirt played a tight set of past and present songs, ripping straight into it with my personal favourite Ice. Adalita was mesmerising on vocals and guitar, bringing her "give it everything, no nonsense" energy as she rocked out the stage, which is why she is such an inspiration to so many artists. The guitars delivered the feedback and reverb,with the drums keeping the whole thing on track. I was reminded just how much I have loved and still love this band when they played Watch Out Boys, Pace It, Dirty Jeans and Plastic Loveless Letter - that riff, those lyrics, it was totally killer. How else could this set end but with a pull no punches delivery of She Riff, so perfectly heavy on guitar and pulsating drums, it really brought the energy to the room.
What a night and a fantastic way to end a very nostalgic November of great Australian music and bands in Sydney.
Words: Cathi Margherita
Images: Peter Dovgan
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