THE STRANGLERS – Brisbane, Australia 21st April 2023
Originally planned to be playing at Brisbane’s Princess Theatre the demand for tickets was so high that common sense prevailed and, not since their previous trip in 2020, The Stranglers once again commanded the Tivoli stage. It was another sell out performance, this iconic band adorned in their traditional foreboding black attire entertaining their mass of diehard Brisbane based fans.
In advance of their eagerly awaited arrival on stage, the crowd were treated to a support performance from the Victorian based three piece psychedelic rock band Heavy Amber, consisting of Kasinda Faase (guitars/vox) Sienna Laycock (bass/vox) and Samuel Drew-Rumoro (drums). A genre of music which is perhaps in contrast to what tonight’s crowd were used to.
Heavy Amber warmed the audience up with their 1960/70’s inspired fusion of rock, their mind-bending sounds perhaps inspiring some of the older audience to dig out their tie-dyed shirts and reminding them of that period where, pre Stranglers, surrealism with a few dodgy herbs played a significant part in musical history. This aspect of providing a platform for fresh bands to perform on a big stage in support of international artists is a fantastic opportunity for the future of live music, something that Kasinda, Sienna and Samuel were very appreciative of.
It’s difficult to digest that it is almost 49 years since The Stranglers first formed, of course they’ve had a few changes throughout that period, is there a band who hasn’t? However, what the band have been so successful in achieving is maintaining that sustained exceptional high standard of musical and lyrical performance throughout their journey, and producing a sound that can only be The Stranglers. As an original fan who would wander around Liverpool in the seventies with a noose drawn on the back of my Fleming’s jacket (think Wrangler but only local to Liverpool), I thankfully hear the same sound, lyrics and outstanding quality I first heard with the release of their 1977 single ‘Get a grip’.
With an air of excited anticipation, the crowd roared as the band entered the iconic Tivoli stage to the tune of Waltzinblack, with the age defying bassist Jean Jacques Burnel (JJ), guitarist Baz Warne, drummer Jim Macaulay and keyboardist Toby Hounsham, kicking the evening off with ‘Toiler on the Sea’. The crowd capitulated and en masse transcended to that magical place only experienced when you are in the presence of musical gods. We are physically witnessing one of the most iconic punk/new wave bands ever to exist, a 23 set performance of songs that stretches back over almost fifty years, each one sounding as fresh as it did when first released.
The connection with the audience was immediate, Baz and JJ harmoniously working the crowd from the front of stage with their humour and quality of performance and, along with the other band members clearly enjoying the night and embracing the passion of this sweaty, excited Brisbane crowd. JJ’s pulsating base is something that I’m sure vibrates the bones of those fortunate enough to witness his performance. Combine this with the synonymous Strangler’s sounds emulating from the keys along with the quality of Baz’s lead guitar and the rhythmic pulse and groove provided by Jim on the earthy beat of the drum, the band had the audience in the palm of their hand.
What we experienced here tonight was a historic parade, a band, like a peacock in full display showing off its finery, performing many hits selected from their 17 or so produced albums. Already satisfied by what they were witnessing, the band took the crowd to another level, who appreciatively screamed, oohed and aahed when they broke into each of their numerous classics such as ‘Peaches’, ‘Duchess’, ‘No More Heroes’, ‘Golden Brown’, and Hanging Around’. The band positively encouraging crowd participation and interaction; the follicle challenged Baz humorously, perhaps jealously, articulating his disgust of the Australian mullet and when attempting to assess the level of interstate rivalry, being informed “There’s only two States in Australia mate, Queensland and drunken”, to which he roared and gladly dedicated the next song to the respondent.
With two encores the band departed, leaving the crowd satisfied, exhausted and contemplative, particularly after listening to the heartfelt performance of ‘And If You Should See Dave’, a song created and dedicated to the previous keyboard player Dave Greenfield, an outstanding musician and stalwart Strangler who sadly passed away in May 2020. Dave’s passing was just three months after the band’s last performance at The Tivoli. JJ informed the audience that although they miss Dave deeply, his position in the band has rightly been passed on to Toby, an individual and master of the keyboard himself and someone who has passionately studied and been in awe of Dave over the years. From a fan’s perspective, Toby has fitted in seamlessly. Along with many others here tonight, I recall witnessing Dave necking a full beer mid performance of their 2020 Tivoli visit, much to the appreciation of the other band members and the crowd, RIP Dave Greenfield.
Is this The Stranglers last tour of Australia, I hope not, they still have so much to offer. Baz is on record stating that when JJ decides to leave that will be it for the Stranglers. Talking to members of the crowd I came upon a group of Strangler fanatics, two from England, who along with like-minded individuals from NZ, have created a holiday from their home shores which consists of following the band throughout their tour, such is the draw of The Stranglers – bloody great effort Phill and Charlie. I suppose one of the overriding questions is whether JJ, with his Peter Pan attributes and longevity, can continue to defy nature? Bloody oath he can, absolutely. With open arms, we will continue to welcome The Stranglers back to embrace, support and participate in their mastery, we will conduct this in both States! Baz’s departing words “Thank you Brisbane, we will be back”.
Playlist:
Toiler, Duchess, Sometimes, Relentless, Sleazy, This Song, The Raven, Sun, Skin deep, Peaches, Golden Brown, Stallion, Get a Grip on Yourself, Sweden, Nuke, Walk on By, Change, Hanging Around, Tank.
Encore 1- Lines, If You See Dave.
Encore 2 – Go Buddy Go, Heroes
Review & Photos: Terry O’Hagan
