Maxi Danger Uncut

Sunday, February 17, 2013

[Gig Review] - Paul Kelly and Neil Finn

Paul Kelly and Neil Finn, Palais Theatre, Sat 16th Feb 2013.

The PCE (pre-concert excitement) levels were approaching maximum prior to this event. Ever since I saw footage of Crowded House's farewell gig at the Opera House in front of a hundred thousand people in '96, I've wanted to be involved in something as monumental. With the added (massive) bonus of Paul Kelly thrown into the mix, this was a chance to perhaps re-create a little of that excitement. Lisa Mitchell opened, and crunched out a solid performance. My personal favourite was her tune 'Walk With Me'. 
The main act didn't disappoint - Paul Kelly and Neil Finn are a lethal combination. Kelly's voice is just amazing, and the performances of his Australian-heartland-describing classics were bang on. Neil Finn was incredible as well - and from their on-stage banter you can tell the two of them are obviously very comfortable with each other, on a personal level, as well as musically. The only detractor was the stiffness of the crowd - even after being invited by Finn to sing along to 'Better Be Home Soon', most of the lame fucks pretty much sat there, which was a bit disappointing.
All the crowd favourites were belted out, including 'Fall At Your Feet', 'Don't Dream It's Over', 'Dumb Things', 'How to Make Gravy' and 'To Her Door'. Hard to choose from so many available, but my personal highlights were Finn performing Kelly's 'You Can Put Your Shoes Under My Bed' (with Kelly on the harp), Finn singing 'Private Universe' (having Kelly on backing vocals just took it to another dimension), and also just experiencing the character seeping through Kelly's vocals and soulful harmonica solo's. Sensational night (best night eeeva?), would be very keen to see them in a more relaxed atmosphere, where the keenest amongst the crowd can surge to the front and belt out the classics in full voice. Here's hoping they play at the Cox Plate this year. With Syme, Fi and Sarah.