Homage to Liverpool nakedness

I, like many other children of the Beatles revolution, owe my appreciation of Beatles music to my folks – in particular my old man. The Beatles for him is one of his favourite bands ever (the other being The Moody Blues). As I have not been fortunate enough to see any of the Beatles perform live, I have made the most of any tribute performances on offer (unlike my sister Dee who saw Sir Paul at Live 8 in 2005 - she was kind enough though to call me when he sang Hey Jude!)

What caught our eye for this event, the Let It Be (Naked) acoustic tribute at The Vanguard was the $15 tickets.  Cheap tickets at a great venue, what better way to spend a Sunday evening? We got to the Vanguard at 6.30 so we could nab a good spot. When we walked in we were told that we could sit at any of the tables which were not set for dinner downstairs – which was pretty much two thirds of the tables in the room...ok so maybe they didn’t sell that many tickets. That still didn’t put us off.

We earmarked a table then headed down the road for a bite to eat, and where do we end up, Guzman Y Gomez! Burritos and margaritas, what more could a girl ask for!

Afterwards we wandered back to The Vanguard and got comfy at our table while our new friend, the waiter, brought us drinks for the evening. Now I’m not a coffee drinker, so I’m going off the advice of Jay (a BFF of mine), the cocktail called the Howlin Wolf is awesome (coffee, tequila and some other bits and bobs).

The show began around 8pm with a gentleman called Russell Neal, who was the organiser, a performer and our MC for the evening. He started off with performances of One After909, All You Need is Love and With a Little Help from My Friends. Let’s just say an A for effort to Russell – we were kind of glad when he finished.

Pat O'Grady was up next and sang a great version of The Long and Winding Road giving us some hope that the evening was not all lost. Then Richie Hendo and his Beatles t shirt played Here Comes the Sun.

After these solo performances, Dan Hopkins and few got up on stage (the few could be better described as plus two and included a Bongo drum). We were intrigued by the bongo but there was nothing to worry about. These guys on stage were relaxed, had fun and didn’t sound too bad either. They played an amazing version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
It was also at this point that we realised that a lot of the audience comprised of musicians, their family and friends – so from then on we were a little cautious about what was said out loud! 

There were various other performers which weren’t too bad. Performers included Lucky Luke, Kris and Lian, Tense Formations and Ben Hardie.

Towards the end of the evening an older gentleman and lady got up on stage to perform under the name of Blue Taboo, and they were fantastic. Her voice was enchanting and there was something about her that screamed Joan Baez to me (perhaps it was her calm nature and the acoustic guitar). I would be happy to go and see them play live again.

Mr Malarkey and other performers singing Hey Jude

To finish off was the band Mr Malarkey. The evening ended on a high with them playing songs such as Let it Be, Lady Madonna, We Can Work it Out and Hey Jude, where all the performers who had stuck it out to the end got back up on stage with them. The lead singer had charisma and the backup singer showed some interesting Shakira style moves.

In summing up the evening, I would describe as surprising albeit entertaining. Despite thinking at times we were at an open mic competition we still had an enjoyable evening and appreciated the magical genius created by the lads from Liverpool.

An evening with locals

This Friday evening in Sydney saw us head to George Street to the old faithful, the Metro to see Thirsty Merc play their last gig as part of their national Mousetrap Heart tour.

Our evening began with a bite to eat at Mamak in Goulburn Street in Chinatown. Now for those not aware, I strongly believe that Mamak is the best Malaysian food in Sydney – and from my experience the best satay sauce ever. Needless to say satay chicken skewers were ordered and devoured along with plenty of other delicious flavours.

On the way to the Metro we stopped off at the World Square Pub. I have never been to this pub but I was quite surprised at how good it was. Happy hour was on and included $5 spirits from 5pm to 7pm and cocktails were $8 till 9pm. The crowd was good (no pretentious individuals), and everyone seemed to be having a good time! Plenty of mos were spotted in the crowd courtesy of Movember.

Around 7.30 we headed upstairs at the Metro where there was a DJ playing in the Foyer keeping everyone entertained. As we arrived, we were asked if we were Virgin Mobile customers (which none of us were) but because we were kind enough to stop and chat, we were given special VIP passes (not that they were trying to off load them or anything). The passes gave us access to a designated upstairs area and food (which we didn’t use) and given free drinks vouchers (which we did use).

Doors were opening at 8pm and as the time drew nearer the crowd surrounding the doors swelled. We hovered relatively close to the front and when the doors opened, we managed to get our favourite spot, the first tier behind the barrier – providing somewhere to sit while we waited, a drinks holder plus a great view of the band.

Lucy and her paper

A lass by the name of Lucy Hall was first up. Her sounds: acoustic and folk; and she has the voice to pull it off! She played the drums softly, the guitar and eukalalee. There was also an instrument where paper was wound through it to play music. It was interesting, especially when a short interlude was needed during this performance as unfortunately the paper had been ripped into separate pieces – but I was impressed as this didn’t stop her.  Phil from Thirsty Merc performed a couple of songs with Lucy and her voice really shone.

The White Bats doing their thing

The second support act was a band called The White Bats. At first I described them as sounding a little like the Foo Fighters, and Danny described them as sounding more like the Queens of the Stone Age. Later towards the end of their set, I thought I should add to that mix, a touch of Jet – rock style with a little bit of punk edge. They were entertaining and got the audience up and moving – providing a great vibe and energy in the room for the looming Thirsty Merc appearance.

Thirsty Merc wowing the audience

Not long after 10.30, the boys came on – Rai, his curly locks (which give my own a run for their money) and the rest of the crew came running on stage and started off with an oldie – I Wish Somebody Would Build a Bridge. The crowd got into the music and didn’t stop!

Thirst Merc covered a great mix of songs from their first album through to their most recent, Mousetrap Heart. The songs were balanced and at the end we were treated to Emancipate Myself. The only disappointment was that they weren’t on stage for long enough! (about 1 hour 10 minutes in total, but really for $35 I shouldn’t complain).

Waiting with baited breath for the encore!

Afterwards the band was courteous (as always) and was signing merchandise at the stand.

After the show we were on such a high that Danny, Jorge and myself headed down to King St Wharf to meet up with friends at Cargo Bar. The DJ at Cargo for the evening I reckon was pretty much just playing all the songs from the Ministry of Sound Annual 2010 - but that didn’t stop us from staying there till the ugly lights came on and the DJ stopped playing music!

A great evening full of entertainment - with the highlight of course being Thirsty Merc! Despite it being my third time seeing them and Danny and Jorge’s seventh, if not eighth time, they are still bloody fantastic!

The king of comedy

Robin Williams decided to add an extra Sydney show (at the Entertainment Centre) to his first Australian tour, Weapons of Self Destruction. This was announced five days before it occurred – cheap tix were on offer and snapped up quickly. We were lucky enough to get our hands on some.

Performance day – Tuesday: so my Tuesday afternoon started by flying back from Bris Vegas (was there for work) and included a delayed flight. Once I made it back to Sydney I swung by the office, dropped the bags off then headed down to Chinatown to Dixon St food court. I was disappointed after my long journey, our favourite place was closed (perhaps they were going to Robin Williams too!). Other food was sought and stomach was happy.

Myself, two of my regular partners in crime (Danny and Jorge) + one of Danny’s work mates made it in time with a few minutes to spare before the support act came on - the Umbilical Brothers. I have never seen them live before and they were impressive. They are a unique team that really do know what the other person is doing (or going to do). The majority of the performance was obviously rehearsed but there were some improv moments which flowed just as well as the practiced material. They are amazing – like two peas in a pod.

Action shot of the Umbilical Brothers

The boys did their thing, including the glass wall, guns, horses, some spectacular tap dancing moves and finished it all off with some interesting Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonations.

As soon as the Umbilical Brothers went off stage, the man of the moment, Mr Robin Williams made his entrance on stage (after an announcement that no photos were allowed to be taken...so I chickened out and didn’t take any of him).

Within the first five minutes I had tears from laughing so much. Robin was amazing! He took us all on a very interesting journey and pretty much had a go at everyone – his no-holds-barred approach I love and I think is part of what makes him so engaging!

It was just Robin in this nonstop performance. He chatted to us for about an hour and a half. His ‘props’ included grabbing his crotch on numerous occasions, swiping his hair back and his all important water bottles which he used to rehydrate (he openly admitted he is a recovered alcoholic) or to demonstrate numerous activities...or should I say, demonstrate various fluids which can be emitted from, well, let’s say, various body parts! 

No one was untouchable – there was Barrack and Michelle Obama, where he commented on her very impressive guns; Jack Nicholson for president as there is no one he hasn’t slept with or no drug he has not taken (so no risk of any future scandals); Lindsay Lohan and her uncanny resemblance to Koalas (who tend to be comatosed from their eucalyptus intake); Bill and Hillary Clinton; Bill’s girlfriend, Monica Lewinsky; Julia Gillard; George W and Dick Cheney (do I need to say anything); Osama Bin Laden; Saddam Hussein; Jersey Shore; and Bono - just to name a few.

The audience got a very important education on the invention of the male and female reproductive system plus how they work and the implications on the male system after heart surgery and little blue pills are digested.

His movies were referenced – when he came on stage initially it was Good Morning Sydney (from Good Morning Vietnam); Patch Adams was discussed as well as its spin off porn movie Snatch Adams; and even Mrs Doubtfire made an appearance!

Some star spotting occurred (if you can call it that) – George Miller in the front Row, former Aussie soccer star Robbie Slater and the always lovely Marcia Hines. No doubt there would have been more names around, though we didn’t see (or recognise) anyone else.

As Robin finished his show, he promised he would be back. Many a performer come to Sydney and make this promise, but here’s hoping that Robin does fulfil it, because next time I would be more than happy to pay the full price for a ticket!

Having said all this, I should put a caveat on his performance – if you are someone who takes offence to use of colourful language, then perhaps seeing Robin Williams live is not quite your thing (if you haven’t gathered already, sorry mum). Though if you don’t mind it, be prepared for tears and sore cheeks...I’m sure Tena Lady would have loved it!

BTW - I also promised Danny and Jorge that I would let people know NOT to park at the Seasons Darling Harbour. Despite a flat rate for parking after 6pm, you can’t prepay your ticket and exit. You have to join the massive queues when it is time to go and pay then. So you can’t say I didn’t warn you!

The rebirth of Eddie K

Alright so I know this review is a bit late but I have been preoccupied fulfilling my duties as MOH (maid of honour) for my sister’s wedding.

Sunday 31^st October saw three of us head to the Enmore theatre to see the former front man of Live, Edward Kowalczyk perform – launching his debut solo album Alive.

Last year a couple of us saw him play acoustically and he was amazing – Ed’s voice was still just as impressive as it was when he was singing in his Live days. So our expectations going to this concert were high!

The support band was good (more like guy) – he had some slow sounds (which we weren’t quite expecting considering the type of music Ed plays). I actually never caught the name of the support act, I tried looking it up afterwards but was unsuccessful. What I can tell you is that the guy has his first single out at the moment (6.5 minutes in length, so he’s not expecting any air play!), and has an album due out next year. The lyrics were captivating and he had the audience completely drawn in.

As the time drew near for Ed to get on the stage, the sounds of Ave Maria came through the speakers while the dark stage waited for his presence. We were quite taken back by this entrance which went on for a tad too long. However once Ed was on stage (a little after 9pm) and got settled in, all was forgiven.

Early on during the night he played a number of his old tunes such as All Over You and then mixed it up with some of his new stuff. Part way through the evening The Dolphin’s Cry made an appearance much to the delight of the audience.

He then went on to sing Heaven from one of Live's later albums, Birds of Pray – he dedicated this song (as always) to his two little girls aged 6 and 8 years.
He then finished his main set with the classic I Alone and then Overcome (at least this time there were no US Fire fighters in the audience who were on the ground in New York after September 11, so there was no tribute to them by the Aussie audience chanting U-S-A, U-S-A)

His final songs (around 10.30) included Lightening Crashes (he remembered the words this time round!) and his first single, Grace from his solo album.

All in all a very entertaining evening. Our high expectations were met. If Ed were to come out and play in Australia, would I go see him again? Definitely yes!