Wests Leagues Club, Newcastle
Wednesday July 3, 2013 :
Going to a Jon English concert is like running into an old friend you have not seen for a number of years. You try to keep in touch as the years go by, contact is lost but the memories survive. An artist who dominated the charts in the ’70s and ’80s, who was renowned for his live performances and for a long time almost called Newcastle his second home, English returned to the town on Wednesday armed with a commitment to memories and his original band. The Foster Brothers consisting of the ’80s original lineup consisting of Peter Deacon, John Dallimore, John ‘Chief’ Coker, Keith ‘Stretch’ Kerwin, and Greg Henson. English got “the band back together” to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Beating the Boards – a live double album recorded in the early ’80s. At this point I should declare I am a fan and to show how long I have been a fan, I was at the original recording of the album at the Civic Theatre in ’83.
For a packed house on a cold Wednesday night, this concert provided a lively trip down memory lane comprising of classic songs, timeless humor and even the odd female flasher proving English still has what it takes even though his is well into his ’60s. Opening the concert with ‘Turn The Page’, English is at home with humor and a musical presence that should be reserved for Australia’s musical statesman. The Foster Brothers were tight, the old jokes were the same even up to the point where the audience could predict and sing along, “out the back in the ute” being a common join in. The hits kept coming including ‘Carmilla’, ‘Hot Town’, ‘Get Your Love Right’, ‘Six Ribbons’ and ‘Words Are Not Enough’. Songs that were not as well know but again were as equally impressive including ‘Shinning’ and the haunting ‘She Was Real’ also figured in this two and a half hours two set show. English’s band have lost nothing over the years, with highlights including John Dallimore’s guitar ability and Kerwin’s songwriting.
It would not be Jon English concert without ‘Hollywood Seven’ which echoed around the room, touching each person and providing English with a very powerful choir, a tribute to how many people really love this man and his music. For me, English was a must see in the ’80s and really is a must see now. A truly great night.
Reviewer and Photographer: David Jackson
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZduyL7xpV0