Topic: Melbourne, Australia 27 May 2011
Hi All, Just home and still buzzing big-time from seeing Joe and the guys tonight. Venue was The Palais Theatre in St Kilda (inner Melbourne suburb) and audience numbered around 2,000 - theatre capacity is 2800 (3 tiered job with stalls, lounge and dress circle), so a great turnout and fabulous atmosphere.
Joe strode out looking enthusiastic and seemed delighted to have a great venue and large crowd whom he acknowledged with a couple of waves before ripping into his set. Set list I'll leave to someone else but was largely like Sydney except that 'Further On...' and 'Blues Deluxe' were dropped and others inserted. Thankfully he didn't repeat the inclusion of Ian Moss as he did in Sydney - from what I've read and seen on Youtube that was a disappointment.
The backline gear was [thankfully] true and trouble free. Sound was very very good. Cannot speak in technical terms but the Marshall quad amp stack was there with miked speakers and perspex sound baffle (?) in front. Rick and Tal were both on raised platforms. I think 5 guitars were used, the 59 Les Paul was used ALOT.
The dynamics of the group has sure changed since the visit in 2010 when Bogie was drumming. As I've read previously there is a tangible connection between Carmine and Tal and Tal hardly takes his eyes off Joe - the three are as tight as tight can be. Poor old Rick looks like the odd man out, but I also sense he's kinda happy with the arrangement and hangs in there with rhythym and the occasional highlight. I actually heard the keyboards a few times this gig unlike last year at the much smaller venue (Corner Hotel capacity about 250-300).
Highlights for me were Young Man Blues, Sloe Gin and Just Got Paid. Of course ALL the other tracks were great, but these three did it for me!
And Joe seemed rapt with the show. In fact he said he'd be back - that's one promise he will be made to keep for sure.
One last note, Melbourne audiences are (by law) required to remain seated in venues like this. they even had signs up about it and it's frustrating for us as members of the audience to toe the line. So when Joe came out for the encore of Just Got Paid, he was waving his arms and calling out "Get up...Get the f@#$ up.." so we were more than happy to oblige. What are they gonna do - throw everyone out at the end of the show?? It's not like we didn't WANT to get up and groove along but we're discouraged to do so. That's where a small venue like last year's Corner Hotel is more exciting from that perspective.
Anyway, that's it. I'm sure others will add their bits etc. Now to wait and wait for the next tour (maybe BCC will come out?!).
Goodnight all.
Peter C.
So much Blues, So little time...
