Hoodoo Gurus 'Dig it Up' - Adelaide, 24th April 2012
Words: Rob Lyon
Dig It Up! The Hoodoo Gurus invitational marks a massive thirty years as band experiencing the highs, lows and in-betweens in the rock ‘n roll caper. This tour is a little different in that the Gurus play Stoneage Romeos from start to end and also brought a star studded list of supports making for one hell of a billing. In Adelaide the line up featured The Sonics from Tacoma, Washington via Bremerton, Seattle and The Hard Ons from Sydney.
For most it was a bit unusual heading out on a Tuesday night but heck it was Anzac Day public holiday the next day. HQ really packed him them in, which was good considering the number of shows in and around town on the same night. The mood in the room was good with a big night of rock ‘n roll ahead.
First up was The Hard Ons and it was hard to say whether they captivated hearts and minds even though they have been touted as Australia’s most commercially successful independent bands. They definitely have a niche following and they played with the right rock ‘n roll spirit trying to upstage the headline act.
Holy Moses, smell the roses! If there was one band most punters thought that they’d never get to see in little ‘ole Adelaide is The Sonics. The Sonics have been kicking on since 1960, which not only is exhausting with all the touring but no mean feat playing with the intensity they do. There has been some changes to the line up over the years but in 2012 the line up that is doing the business features Gerry Roslie (organ, piano, lead vocals), Freddie Dennis (bass guitar, vocals), Larry Parypa (lead guitar, vocals), Rob Lind (saxophone, harp, vocals) and Ricky Lynn Johnson (drums).
The Sonics wasted no time opening with He’s Waitin’ followed by Money and Cinderella. It wasgreat to see punters getting in to it, even dancing their arses off. Freddie continued to fire up the crowd and ensured that they were “feeling the love”. Shot Down off Boom was just awesome as was the Richard Berry cover Have Love Will Travel. Covers were scattered through the set with Dirty Robbers (original by The Wailers), Keep-A-Knockin’ (Little Richard) and Louie, Louie (Richard Berry).
Their set was fast, intense and rocking and a shame it had to end and it was pleasing that their big moments were included in their hour set with the likes of Psycho, Strychnine, Boss Hoss and The Witch all being well received. Hopefully it’s not too long before they return for their own Australian tour.
For most it was a bit unusual heading out on a Tuesday night but heck it was Anzac Day public holiday the next day. HQ really packed him them in, which was good considering the number of shows in and around town on the same night. The mood in the room was good with a big night of rock ‘n roll ahead.
First up was The Hard Ons and it was hard to say whether they captivated hearts and minds even though they have been touted as Australia’s most commercially successful independent bands. They definitely have a niche following and they played with the right rock ‘n roll spirit trying to upstage the headline act.
Holy Moses, smell the roses! If there was one band most punters thought that they’d never get to see in little ‘ole Adelaide is The Sonics. The Sonics have been kicking on since 1960, which not only is exhausting with all the touring but no mean feat playing with the intensity they do. There has been some changes to the line up over the years but in 2012 the line up that is doing the business features Gerry Roslie (organ, piano, lead vocals), Freddie Dennis (bass guitar, vocals), Larry Parypa (lead guitar, vocals), Rob Lind (saxophone, harp, vocals) and Ricky Lynn Johnson (drums).
The Sonics wasted no time opening with He’s Waitin’ followed by Money and Cinderella. It wasgreat to see punters getting in to it, even dancing their arses off. Freddie continued to fire up the crowd and ensured that they were “feeling the love”. Shot Down off Boom was just awesome as was the Richard Berry cover Have Love Will Travel. Covers were scattered through the set with Dirty Robbers (original by The Wailers), Keep-A-Knockin’ (Little Richard) and Louie, Louie (Richard Berry).
Their set was fast, intense and rocking and a shame it had to end and it was pleasing that their big moments were included in their hour set with the likes of Psycho, Strychnine, Boss Hoss and The Witch all being well received. Hopefully it’s not too long before they return for their own Australian tour.
The wait was over and bang on ten thirty the Hoodoo Gurus hit the stage to plenty of fanfare and deservedly so. Thirty years should be celebrated and the closest thing to a gold watch that they would be receiving is their chart topping compilation Gold Watch: 20 Golden Greats. There’s no doubting that The Gurus are a class act and tight as ever.
Unlike their usual shows, the set list was a little predictable given the first part was Stone Age Romeos in its entirety. Kicking off with (Let’s All) Turn On it wasn’t long before there was something familiar by way of I Want You Back. Dave Faulkner talked about the story behind Arthur, clearing up a few misperceptions about its true meaning, saying it was about a bass player of that name. Dave also had a shot at one reviewer who claimed they didn’t play the set in the right order, suggesting he might have the US copy of the album.
Death Ship and Dig It Up were great but the real applause came for My Girl, which was absolute gold! After Zanzibar there was a simulated turning of the record going in to side “B”. There were some big cheers for Leilani and Tojo. Dave made the bold statement “no one rocks like us” – so true, so true! Wrapping with Kamikaze Pilot Dave said “it’s like we’re naked as we’ve got nothing left”.
Returning for an encore Hoodoo You Love was played (different to the set list) and hadn’t been done anywhere else on tour. Dave stated he was “fucking proud” of Crackin’ Up from their most recent album Purity Of Essence. Bittersweet was there and one of the best rock songs ever with the set coming to an end with The Right Time and 1000 Miles Away.
Let’s hope that there’s no talk of retirement as The Hoodoo Gurus are a class act and a statue should be erected in their honour and after the gig there should have been a twenty one gun salute and a fly over. Sounds over the top, but The Hoodoo Gurus are fucking tops and they proved that again here in Adelaide. In the spirit of Anzac Day, age shall not weary them, we salute you!
Unlike their usual shows, the set list was a little predictable given the first part was Stone Age Romeos in its entirety. Kicking off with (Let’s All) Turn On it wasn’t long before there was something familiar by way of I Want You Back. Dave Faulkner talked about the story behind Arthur, clearing up a few misperceptions about its true meaning, saying it was about a bass player of that name. Dave also had a shot at one reviewer who claimed they didn’t play the set in the right order, suggesting he might have the US copy of the album.
Death Ship and Dig It Up were great but the real applause came for My Girl, which was absolute gold! After Zanzibar there was a simulated turning of the record going in to side “B”. There were some big cheers for Leilani and Tojo. Dave made the bold statement “no one rocks like us” – so true, so true! Wrapping with Kamikaze Pilot Dave said “it’s like we’re naked as we’ve got nothing left”.
Returning for an encore Hoodoo You Love was played (different to the set list) and hadn’t been done anywhere else on tour. Dave stated he was “fucking proud” of Crackin’ Up from their most recent album Purity Of Essence. Bittersweet was there and one of the best rock songs ever with the set coming to an end with The Right Time and 1000 Miles Away.
Let’s hope that there’s no talk of retirement as The Hoodoo Gurus are a class act and a statue should be erected in their honour and after the gig there should have been a twenty one gun salute and a fly over. Sounds over the top, but The Hoodoo Gurus are fucking tops and they proved that again here in Adelaide. In the spirit of Anzac Day, age shall not weary them, we salute you!