Australia March 2025

Dennis Remmer wrote:

CTB wrote: Not the best bit of media coverage...

Stupid f#$king article, that one. Probably based on a handful of whiners on social media. 9000+ people turned up and had a brilliant time, enjoying some joy after a week of anxiety and drama.

Being in Brisbane, and having liaised with band management over the course of the preceding week on the conditions here, I can talk directly to this.

Firstly the band was watching very carefully, and ready to pull the plug, go to alternate venues, etc as needed. In no way were they going to proceed unless the conditions had cleared, the site was safe, and things were returning to some level of normaility.

For those unaware, Brisbane / SE-QLD had just gone through a Cat-2 Cyclone (Hurricane/Typhoon), and major associated rain event; the first directly on the city for 50 years. The system was supposed to hit on Thursday, but f@#ked around for 2 days out to sea before crossing the coast on Sat morning, and sitting still for 48 hours, dumping >500mm rain on us. The risk of major flood was real. Airports were closed, etc.

Having said that, the system had downgraded by Sunday night to a point where the window was open (no pun intended). Plans were made to go to an optional venue (indoors) if needed, etc, and the band wanted - if possible - to proceed. Which they did, in spades. By Monday the weather had dissipated, the venue had not flooded and was able to get prepared, the airports opened, the CBD had avoided a real cannonball of weather, and the promoter had gotten council approval to proceed.

So yes, some in certain parts of the region may still have had challenges in attending, but for the vast majority it was a wonderful gig of pure bliss, and the disappointment and noise would have been far greater had they cancelled. But as usual, the press will prefer to report the minority view, won't they...

...and so backstage after the gig I had the chance to say proper thanks to Bernard & co.

Fair enough - just to clarify, I wasn't endorsing the news, just pointing it out as it popped up in my feed. Agree it had all the hallmarks of a beat-up.

Hope you weathered ex-trop Alfie ok, Dennis!

ctb

Brisbane review: Scenestr.com

Andy wrote: Brisbane review: Scenestr.com

"At age 69, it's forgivable that he could be fatigued or faltered in onstage breath work, but it weakens the famously uplifting track. Maybe it's something for the frontman to consider as the years gain and physical abilities wane."

This bit made me laugh out loud

Sydney, night one: Setlist.fm

Setlist.fm does not put Vanishing Point on Sydney night #1, at this moment I’m having a look, at least. It is usually segued from BLT these days. If that’s the case, back to an 18-song setlist then.

The Japanese One wrote: Setlist.fm does not put Vanishing Point on Sydney night #1, at this moment I’m having a look, at least. It is usually segued from BLT these days. If that’s the case, back to an 18-song setlist then.

There is debate over the accuracy of the setlist posting in the comments.

Sydney, night two: Setlist.fm

"Nothing but a Fool" returns.

Andy wrote:

The Japanese One wrote: Setlist.fm does not put Vanishing Point on Sydney night #1, at this moment I’m having a look, at least. It is usually segued from BLT these days. If that’s the case, back to an 18-song setlist then.

There is debate over the accuracy of the setlist posting in the comments.

I know. But there is no mention as to Vanishing Point being played or not on the comments section both nights.

The Japanese One wrote:

Andy wrote:

The Japanese One wrote: Setlist.fm does not put Vanishing Point on Sydney night #1, at this moment I’m having a look, at least. It is usually segued from BLT these days. If that’s the case, back to an 18-song setlist then.

There is debate over the accuracy of the setlist posting in the comments.

I know. But there is no mention as to Vanishing Point being played or not on the comments section both nights.

This reviewer says it was played during the second night: TheMusic.com.au

I would think people motivated enough to post on Setlist.fm would know that "Vanishing Point" is actually a separate, distinct song to "Bizarre Love Triangle". But there are also idiots that edit things on the site unnecessarily...

The Japanese One wrote:

Andy wrote:

The Japanese One wrote: Setlist.fm does not put Vanishing Point on Sydney night #1, at this moment I’m having a look, at least. It is usually segued from BLT these days. If that’s the case, back to an 18-song setlist then.

There is debate over the accuracy of the setlist posting in the comments.

I know. But there is no mention as to Vanishing Point being played or not on the comments section both nights.

While the mystery of the vanishing (or not) "Vanishing Point" remains, the band did make an effort to differentiate between the two nights in Sydney.

First night only: Krafty, State of the Nation and Decades.

Second night only: Academic, Nothing but a Fool and Atmosphere.

Andy wrote: This reviewer says it was played during the second night: TheMusic.com.au

I would think people motivated enough to post on Setlist.fm would know that "Vanishing Point" is actually a separate, distinct song to "Bizarre Love Triangle". But there are also idiots that edit things on the site unnecessarily...

Yeah, their “setlist police” often makes me cringe hell of a lot! For example; when it comes to cover songs, they are dead adamant in putting the original titles instead of the way the artists give a credit to on the record labels and sleeves, which are usually better known and more commonly referred to among the music listeners and general public alike, e.g. in case of Cream, “Cross Road Blues” for “Crossroads”.

Andy wrote: This reviewer says it was played during the second night: TheMusic.com.au

I reread the text. The reviewer also says Loveless was played — “Love Less was a more introspective moment, its plaintive melody weaving through the humid night air.”

Is he credible enough?

The Japanese One wrote:

Andy wrote: This reviewer says it was played during the second night: TheMusic.com.au

I reread the text. The reviewer also says Loveless was played — “Love Less was a more introspective moment, its plaintive melody weaving through the humid night air.”

Is he credible enough?

That's a good point, they might have gotten the song confused with "Nothing but a Fool".

The Japanese One wrote: Setlist.fm does not put Vanishing Point on Sydney night #1, at this moment I’m having a look, at least. It is usually segued from BLT these days. If that’s the case, back to an 18-song setlist then.

Can definitely confirm no Vanishing Point on night 1 in Sydney. Was ready for the segue to kick in but it never happened. State of the Nation, never one of my favourites, was immense. Thought Barney was in excellent form, getting a bit narky at times which is always good. Decades was majestic (musically at least) and I couldn't help getting a bit emotional with the stunning Harbour backdrop framing it beautifully. I liked the more 'acoustic' take on LWTUA without the whoops and come- ons. Having said that I'd be happy if the JD tracks were rested but I don't suppose they will be from this point on. Same with the lumpen arrangement of True Faith and well, I really have nothing nice to say about Be a Rebel.

M1 wrote: Can definitely confirm no Vanishing Point on night 1 in Sydney. Was ready for the segue to kick in but it never happened.

That’s a shame, because in Brisbane Bernard was pulling off some stylish air-violin moves during the segue.

Dennis Remmer wrote:

M1 wrote: Can definitely confirm no Vanishing Point on night 1 in Sydney. Was ready for the segue to kick in but it never happened.

That’s a shame, because in Brisbane Bernard was pulling off some stylish air-violin moves during the segue.

He did the same in Melbourne too, commenting at the end that he can't really play violin, but he can program it.

I quite like 'Be a Rebel' live, and I'm happy efforts have been made to add different songs to the set. In general they were far better live this time around than I was expecting; dare I say it, they were better live than the times I saw them in Aus in the latter Hook era.

Ctb