The racecourse has been wonderfully transformed into an outdoor concert venue, with an array of vendors, merch stands, and the crowd split into VIP and general punter sections. The stage is impressive and the space quickly fills. A festival vibe builds, despite the on-again off-again Melbourne weather. Rain or shine, the people are here for the music. Let’s have it!
The afternoon opens with Aussie pop/rocksters 1927, who launch straight into their 1989 hit single ‘To Love Me’. I’ve actually seen them perform this back in the day, and it’s lost none of it’s magic. It bops along wonderfully, and although the crowd still aren’t fully up and rarin’ quite just yet, it’s clear they’re enjoying themselves. Southern Sons’ Jack Jones certainly is – he’s watching from stageside and he’s loving it! 1927 are one of those amazing bands whose music you can always pull out, and it never loses it’s impact. ‘Tell Me A Story’ and ‘You’ll Never Know’ are both songs that deserved far greater accolades and overseas success than they received, and it’s wonderful seeing them performed live again. But the standout of 1927’s set is the anti-war song ‘Compulsory Hero’, that Erik introduces by reflecting on the current sad state of much of the world. It’s a song that still echoes a universal truth, and it’s performed with a genuine depth of feeling. “We’d love to stay here all afternoon,” Erik tells the crowd. But it’s not to be. And so the band launch into their closing number, ‘If I Could’, an aching lover’s ode that is actually a deeply personal favourite. It’s done to perfection. Erik leaves the stage with kisses and a prayer hand. Namaste.
Next up it’s Southern Sons – another amazing Aussie band that first came to prominence in the late 80s. From the moment he walks on, leader singer Jack Jones owns the stage. The man has talent and charisma like nobody’s business and the audience focus is palpable. He has a much younger energy that his years, and the crowd can’t get enough of it. The band open superbly with their hit ‘Always and Ever’, and there’s also classics like ‘Lead Me To Water’ and ‘Waiting for that Train’, but it’s the amazingly evocative ‘Hold Me in Your Arms’, that is my personal favourite. Ahhh! Goosebumps. Jack Jones’ voice is nothing short of superb and the band are solid. Not to mention the fact that Jack’s a pretty damn fine guitar player too!
Jones has often been compared vocally, to legendary Aussie music icon, John Farnham, and the highlight of the band’s set is without a doubt their amazing cover of Farnham’s ‘Burn For You’. Jack Jones prefaces this with a story of how he was invited to sing with Farnham on Farnham’s 50th Birthday tour, but due to fear, declined. “I don’t have many regrets in life,” he confesses to the crowd, but that’s one of them”. Then he tells the audience, “We’re going to celebrate our dear old mate John Farnham…we haven’t given up hope” – a reference to the fact that Farnham underwent oral surgery in 2022 for cancer, and has not sung since. As the band launch into the classic hit, I look up. The sun is shining down and the clouds have cleared. And although it may sound cliché and corny, it really is like heaven shining down on the many thousands strong crowd – a crowd who, in a true testament of love for one of Australia’s most beloved performers, are echoing out the chorus back to the band onstage. What a moment it is. And just when I think absolutely nothing can top that, along comes ‘Heart in Danger’ and ho-ly crap. My mind is blown.
Southern Sons truly are still a force to be reckoned with.
The afternoon is now heating up, the crowd increasing, and the vibe building as Kate Ceberano hits the stage. The beautiful Kate Ceberano, who burst onto the Aussie music scene in the mid 80’s with her band ‘I’m Talking’, has forged a lifelong career in music and has lost none of her sass or rapturous voice. She’s as vivacious and sassy as ever, and her energy is nothing short of infectious. She launches into her 1997 hit ‘Pash’ to start us off and then it’s all 80’s with covers of The Model’s classics ‘Outta Mind Outta Sight’ and ‘Barbados’. Brilliant. ‘Barbados’ leads into a long-ago 80’s cover that I haven’t heard in decades – early 80’s band Ph.D’s ‘I Won’t Let You Down’ all reggaed-up and oh what a vibe she creates for the crowd! There’s more covers in this set than I’ve seen Kate do before, but they work exceptionally well. The Divynls ‘Boys In Town’ is a wonderful tribute to the late Chrissie Ampheltt, and then we’re treated to a couple of Kate’s earlier hits from the I’m Talking days, namely ‘Holy Word’ and ‘Do You Wanna Be’. She performs them with all the same joy and energy as she did in her youth and they are just wonderful to experience live. One of the afternoon’s highlights though has to be ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’, a song that clearly showcases what a truly talented vocalist Kate really is. And what makes her such a joy to watch is, that no matter what the song, she truly lets the music move her – she’s all heart, all dance, all sass and celebration. From the UB40’s ‘Red Red Wine’ to the fabulous ‘Stay’ to the cheeky ‘Young Boys Are My Weakness’ and ‘Bedroom Eyes’ Kate Ceberao gives her all. Bravo!
By now it’s well into the afternoon and time for a veritable Australian music LEGEND – frontman for 70s pop superstars Sherbet, Australia’s King of Pop (‘75, ‘76 and ’77), and multi platinum award winning solo artist – Daryl Braithwaite. Confession. I’ve been a huge fan going all the way back to my childhood, and on more than one occasion, have proudly defended my beloved Sherbet against competitors (my brother’s favourite band at the time) Skyhooks. I played the Sherbet ‘Howzat’ album until the vinyl literally crackled – and I still know all the words by heart!! And so yes, I will admit. I’m mostly here for the Sherbet vibes and hoping hard that Daryl plays some of those songs I grew up with and still love. Well guess what? I’m in luck. Daryl Braithwaite starts off with the trifecta of trifectas. It’s Sherbet’s ‘Blueswalkin’ followed by ‘Howzat’ followed by ‘Summer Love’ And I. Am. Losing. My. Freaking. Mind !!!! These songs! For me, and I know for thousands of others in the audience today, this is heaven! This music…brings back all the best times, the best days, the best memories…just as the best music should. The songs stand up so, so well. The band is a powerhouse and Daryl, well he may be older, but he gives just as much as he’s ever done, and those same inflections in the way he sings, that unmistakable voice – it’s all still there.
Of course Daryl Braithwaite carved a very successful career for himself post-Sherbet, with hits like ‘As The Days Go By’ and ‘One Summer’, both of which he performs. As the audience clap and wave their arms in the air, Daryl notes out loud that it reminds him a bit of ‘Countdown’ – referring of course, to the iconic 70s and 80’s Aussie music show. The comment is a little bit tongue in cheek, and his humour is not lost on the crowd who laugh and cheer him on. Just by looking at them, you can see how much they love the history they share with him; he’s still their King of Pop, as respected and revered as ever – as it should be. He ends the set with his massive hit ‘Horses’ and as he leaves the stage, flashes us a peace symbol. Daryl ya spunk!! He’s still got it.
And then, it’s time for the first of the evening’s two headliners – chart-topping US singer/songwriter Richard Marx, whose impressive career has spanned many decades. This is an artist who has sold over 30 million albums to date and has had a total of 14 number one singles, who has collaborated with the likes of Luther Vandross, and toured with the legendary Ringo Starr. This folks, is music royalty. Marx is all smiles as he walks onstage to massive cheers from the crowd and launches into something new – 2023’s ‘Believe in Me’. It’s not a song everyone in the crowd knows, but regardless, it’s incredibly well received. Richard Marx is a consummate performer and from the get go holds the crowd in the palm of his hand. He immediately follows up with his 1988 smash hit ‘Endless Summer Nights’, a song that embodies all the melodic sounds of the late 80’s, and the crowd goes nuts. He performs effortlessly, and his band are tight. Richard Marx does the American pop/rock thing to perfection – yes, he has somewhat of a rock star candour about him – but it’s not a put on kind of thing. Marx is a born performer and it shines through in everything he does.
At one point, Marx reflects to the crowd how wondrous it still is to him to have an audience singing along to songs that he ‘thought up in his head’. It’s a genuine sentiment and forges a wonderful moment of connection. Hits like ‘Should’ve Known Better’ and ‘Hazard’ shine, but they’re not the only highlights. Marx works ballads ‘Hold On’ and ‘Now and Forever’ into a truly beautiful medley, and pays the second tribute of the night to his fellow long time friend John Farnham. ‘Long Hot Summer’ which he co-wrote with country music superstar Keith Urban, is also a standout. What’s great about Richard Marx as a performer is that everything he does he does with ease. It’s effortless, and he’s a joy to watch. He ends the set with his massive number one hit ‘Right Here Waiting’ and leaves the stage to a roar of approval.
Tina Arena is the performer who’s saved till last – and she has some big shoes to fill! From the little Italian-Australian kid with the powerhouse voice who performed weekly on ‘Young Talent Time’, Tina Arena has grown into a woman of substance, and a leading force in the entertainment scene. It’s been a pretty impressive day, but not to worry. Our Tina hits the stage like the Queen she is and launches into a magnificent version of ‘Heaven Help My Heart’ that leaves us with NO doubt that she’s got this!
Dressed in a dark dress and coat, reminiscent of a kimono, her hair piled high, and with glittery Endora eyes (think Bewitched’s fiercest of all mother in laws, Endora), Tina appears a dramatic and almost theatrical figure. Her performance matches the vibe – it is nothing short of grand in every way. Her gestures, THAT VOICE, and the way she carries herself, casts a wonderful spell on us all. But every now and then, she sneaks out a smile beyond the seriousness of her performance, and we know – we know – she’s having the time of her life. By now, night has set in; the sun is long gone and clouds have appeared once more. It’s cold. But songs like ‘Wasn’t It Good’ bring a warmth to us all. Tina is all heart – and not just in her performance – in the way she understands the crowd and connects with them. I love that she makes eye contact with those onstage too – there’s obvious camaraderie there, and such a wonderful vibe.
No matter how many times you see her, there’s no way you can’t be impressed by this woman’s spectacular vocal ability. And she’s so natural in the way she sings. She was born to do this. ‘Greatest Gift’ is a is nothing short of amazing. Songs like ‘That’s The Way A Woman Feels’ illustrate her as an artist with something to say – a theme that runs across her set. ‘Unravel Me’ is a standout, sung with such emotional depth and force, you know it was written from a place of deep experience. It’s a vocal showcase and then some.
Sadly, I did notice a small contingent of people leaving prior to the last set. Maybe it was the fact that they had a long trip home ahead, or maybe they were just feeling the effects of too much wine in the sun, still, it has to be said, that anyone who did leave early denied themselves of one of the greatest performances of the event. Because Tina Arena is an Australian legend. No, scratch that – a legend – period! She’s earnt it, and tonight, once again, she proves it beyond doubt. She ends the night with two of the biggest hits of her career, ‘Sorrento Moon’ and ‘Chains’, thanks us, and exits the stage.
Yes, the first Saturday of summer is over. Dragging a plethora of camp chairs and backpacks with them, the crowd head for the top of the hill and the gates beyond, taking every musical memory along with them.
It has been a show that will last all summer long. And then some.
[Linda Memphis, December 2024]
© 2024 Linda Memphis
