Over 6,000 people poured into the Kings Park amphitheater on Saturday night, for A Day (or more precisely, evening) on the Green to remember.
Mellen Events pulled together Australian music icons, The Black Sorrows, Ross Wilson, Daryl Braithwaite and headliner John Farnham, which drew a predominantly older crowd, but it didn’t stop them rocking and revelling for the full 6 hour (incident-free) concert.
While the majority of the crowd had come to see John Farnham, who famously retired in 2002 from large-scale national tours, nobody could complain about being shortchanged with the legendary list of support acts.
Charismatic front man of the Black Sorrows, Joe Camilleri sporting his cowboy hat and infectious smile, kicked things off with the 90’s classic Harley and Rose. Like many stalwarts of the music industry, the 2007 ARIA Hall of Fame inductee had a back catalogue of songs stretching back to 1975, to draw from.
Prior to creating the Black Sorrows in the early 80’s, Camilleri had already experienced success a decade earlier with Jo Jo Zep and Falcons. During the performance of Hit and Run, the song that put Jo Jo Zep on the map, the 67 year old, self-taught musician, showed no signs of slowing down. The tight-knit bands’ enthusiasm for doing what they love, came pouring out into the crowd and was one hell of a warm up act.
Next up on the ADOTG bill was Ross Wilson, the man that can’t make a comeback because in 40 years, he’s never been away. (PS: I stole that line from his website)
Wilson, lead singer of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock, busted out a plethora of familiar tunes, which had the audience immediately on side. The Mondo Rock coming of age song Come Said The Boy, had the crowd singing and reminiscing on the good old days, when the song was the favourite son of the airwaves.
Rockabilly Women and Cool World got an airing as well as the lesser-known I Come In Peace, written by Wilson and recorded by Joe Cocker just before his death in December 2014.
It only took the first recognisable riff of Wilson’s most famous song to get the 6000 strong crowd to stand to attention, as if saluting the flag, and together they bought the set home with a rousing and soul-satisfying rendition of 44-year-old classic Eagle Rock.
As a bonus for trivia lovers, apparently Eagle Rock was the inspiration for Elton John’s similarly titled Crocodile Rock.
As day turned to night, and a slight chill filled the air, Daryl Braithwaite took to the stage, dressed more like a roadie than a rock star, opening with the crowd pleasing Sherbert number Summer Love.
He followed that up with Howzat and while the grassed dance floor area to the side of the stage was pumping with fans dancing and bopping along, Braithwaite couldn’t help but air his frustration at the stagnant reception from the people in the premium priced front seats of the platinum and gold areas. In their defense it wasn’t the concert-goes taking the proverbial out of the ‘reserved seating’ label on their wristbands but the kill joy security guards, who were quick to dive on any rebel-rouser who dared to stand up and enjoy themselves.
Thankfully, solidarity outweighed authority in the front section, with everyone upstanding for Braithwaite’s biggest hit Horses and singing it with a passion so moving that even Braithwaite had to be proud of his Perth fans.
By the time John Farnham entered the stage, the crowd was primed. His mere presence evoked a reaction fit for a man who still holds the record for creating Australia’s highest selling album of all time, Whispering Jack.
Opening with Age of Reason, the lyrics resonated as loud, if not louder than they did back in 1988 and there is no doubt that Farnham was making a subtle political statement in its delivery.
He continued with timeless favourites such as Hearts on Fire, Burn for You, Touch of Paradise and That’s Freedom delighting his fans between songs with his warm sense of humor and boy-next-door likeability, proving his star quality is not diminished by age.
He bought the old band across with him, with long standing backing singers Lindsay Field and Lisa Edwards adding their vocal power, along with Susie Ahern and Rod Davies.
All round musical genius and loyal friend Chong Lim providing the keyboards, Angus Burchall on drums, Brett Garsed, Steve Williams and Stuart Fraser on guitar and ex-Hey Hey Its Saturday resident musician Craig Newman completed the line up on bass.
As with any band that has been together a long time, the performance did not miss a beat, even when the star of the show, forgot to come in at the right time and they all have to start again. Farnham would have to be the only artist I’ve ever seen who can get away with this and be forgiven, even endeared for it.
When You’re the Voice rang out, the rock anthem encore seemed to unite the world in that moment. It’s poignant lyrics and bagpipe soloist echoed across the city as the 6000 strong chorus sang in unison, as if their life depended on it.
As the large crowd reluctantly exited the venue in an orderly fashion, the chitter chatter, smiles and satisfaction hang tangibly in the air. It was a fantastic night, enjoyed by all and a timely reminder of how the power of music can move us, unite us and keep us evergreen. Don’t stay away too long fella’s, Perth loves you.
Check out upcoming events in the Summer Concert Series at Kings Park & Botanic Gardens here.
