It’s hard to believe that Hoodoo Gurus released their debut album Stoneage Romeos forty years ago. Winning awards in the day, it’s as fresh and exciting now as it was back then. The sold out crowd crammed the three levels of the Hindley Street Music Hall to witness rock history.
Opening act, Dallas Crane are a classic Australian rock band, releasing their self-titled album back in 2004. Their driving energetic set was a perfect way to warm up the crowd. Taking songs from a broad cross section of their career, they know how to get down and get dirty with their rock and roll.
After a short changeover, Hoodoo Gurus burst on stage and launched straight into “(Let’s All) Turn On” followed by “I Want You Back”. It seemed that the whole audience were singing along in unison. Lead singer Dave Faulkner introduces “Arthur” as being a bit of a joke song about their missing bass-player. Although the current bass player Richard Grossman is very much alive and well and in good form. There was also an obvious rapport between lead guitarist Brad Shepherd and Faulkner that demonstrates an enduring relationship between the band members.
Highlights include the trio of songs, “Zanzibar,” “Leilani” and “Tojo” enticing the gathered throng to enthusiastically dance and sway along. It was obvious that the band members were enjoying themselves as much as the concertgoers were. Faulkner mentioned that it was good to see Adelaide audiences buying tickets early and selling out the show. Adelaide’s old reputation for waiting for cheaper last minute tickets meant that in the past many bands skipped the city.
Playing Stoneage Romeos in full was really just the start of the show. What followed was a selection of tunes from Mars Needs Guitars, as well as choices from albums from across their prolific career. There was even a moment for the audience to yell out their favorites, of which they obliged. The songs kept coming, with “The Right Time”, “Bittersweet” and “Miss Freelove ’69” making one realise the extent of their classic hits. Closing with their signature “Be My Guru” it wasn’t long before the Gurus were back on stage for an encore including “What’s My Scene”.
Hot, sweaty and happy – those words would describe both the Hoodoo Gurus and the audience members. What a celebration!
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Hoodoo Gurus Back to the Stoneage national tour
Performing Stoneage Romeos in its entirety plus all their hits! #HoodooGurus
Ticket details for all shows are available at hoodoogurus.net/tour
