Months after announcing they were breaking up, Camp Cope has confirmed one final show at the Sydney Opera House. On the back of three critically acclaimed albums, the Australian band has developed a loyal and fierce following over the past 8 years, all the while taking on the industry and misogyny one ripping song at a time.
But before Georgia Maq gets to yell “show ’em Kelly” for the final time, we’ve put together a few songs we’d love to see Camp Cope play for their fans, themselves and greedily ourselves at the show.
“The Opener”
The band’s crowning glory, this song was pivotal in the making of who and what Camp Cope stood for. Not afraid to call out shit behaviour and abuse within the industry, “The Opener” will go down as one of the best ‘up yours’ of all time, and should be hung in the Louvre.
“Keep Growing”
A song about personal growth and not needing the approval of a shit person, “Keep Growing” should be on all post break up playlists and hopefully the band’s final setlist. Remember, ‘it’s not for you.’
“Jet Fuel Can’t Melt Steel Beams”
A dog whistle to all conspiracy theorists (joking), this was one of the first songs from the band that really put forward their zero-tolerance stance on shit blokes in society.
“I’ve Got You”
A song for her father and their relationship, Georgia spills out all her feelings as she comes to terms with the death of her dad and the pride she feels about being her father’s daughter. It tears at the heartstrings and will always be one of their greatest songs, even though it’s emotionally devastating.
“Flesh and Electricity”
A song released years before the pandemic, it touches on the work life of nurses in a hospital setting. As someone who dates a nurse, this song gives more meaning to the gratitude the entire populace should feel for the burden frontline workers have carried for the country over the past three years.
“Running With the Hurricane”
The second single from the album of the same name, “Running With the Hurricane” is a fierce song of empowerment when in tough times. Its chorus is bloody beautiful, while the line “look out boys, I’m on fire and I’m not going out” should be the catchphrase of a generation.
“Sing Your Heart Out”
The last song on their final album, this would be almost the perfect closer for the band. While I feel it might end up being something like “The Opener”, “Sing Your Heart Out” with its piano, slow build, delicious harmonies and closing chant ‘you can change and so can I’, rightfully deserves to be included in this final show.
“Maps” (Yeah Yeah Yeahs cover)
There’s next to no chance of this being played live again, but this cover has been on my playlists for the better part of six years now. This version gives another level to a song that is devastatingly sad and brilliant at the same time.
Camp Cope will go down as one of the most influential bands in Australian history. They’re the type of band that will play an important role in the growth and discovery of plenty of young people for generations to come. I hope I’m right.
Camp Cope play their final show at the Sydney Opera House on Friday 13 October. General public tickets go on sale at 9am Monday 26 June. Head here for more details.
Header image credit: Bruce Baker
