Same set in Brisbane as the previous show - which means Love Less and Player In The League were played again

https://www.setlist.fm/s...-australia-2b51a4d6.html

Despite that Guardian news article, it looks like plenty of people still made it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2L4oOBcmYo

Edited by user 11 March 2025 04:02:08(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I'm inclined to agree about the about those stalwarts in the set. But aside from the usual excuses for keeping them in (people might be seeing them for the first time, they've spent money and effort on programming sounds and visuals, they're lazy...), I believe there's something else at play: There's not going to be too many more go arounds. It's unlikely Bernard is going to be motivated to drag himself to Australia once he's in his seventies.

The main reason I'm going to see them in May is because there's a good chance it will be my last opportunity.

Stupid f#$king article, that one. Probably based on a handful of whiners on social media. 9000+ people turned up and had a brilliant time, enjoying some joy after a week of anxiety and drama.

Being in Brisbane, and having liaised with band management over the course of the preceding week on the conditions here, I can talk directly to this.

Firstly the band was watching very carefully, and ready to pull the plug, go to alternate venues, etc as needed. In no way were they going to proceed unless the conditions had cleared, the site was safe, and things were returning to some level of normaility.

For those unaware, Brisbane / SE-QLD had just gone through a Cat-2 Cyclone (Hurricane/Typhoon), and major associated rain event; the first directly on the city for 50 years. The system was supposed to hit on Thursday, but f@#ked around for 2 days out to sea before crossing the coast on Sat morning, and sitting still for 48 hours, dumping >500mm rain on us. The risk of major flood was real. Airports were closed, etc.

Having said that, the system had downgraded by Sunday night to a point where the window was open (no pun intended). Plans were made to go to an optional venue (indoors) if needed, etc, and the band wanted - if possible - to proceed. Which they did, in spades. By Monday the weather had dissipated, the venue had not flooded and was able to get prepared, the airports opened, the CBD had avoided a real cannonball of weather, and the promoter had gotten council approval to proceed.

So yes, some in certain parts of the region may still have had challenges in attending, but for the vast majority it was a wonderful gig of pure bliss, and the disappointment and noise would have been far greater had they cancelled. But as usual, the press will prefer to report the minority view, won't they...

...and so backstage after the gig I had the chance to say proper thanks to Bernard & co.

Edited by user 11 March 2025 20:30:42(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Brisbane review: Scenestr.com

Sydney, night one: Setlist.fm

There is debate over the accuracy of the setlist posting in the comments.

I know. But there is no mention as to Vanishing Point being played or not on the comments section both nights.

While the mystery of the vanishing (or not) "Vanishing Point" remains, the band did make an effort to differentiate between the two nights in Sydney.

First night only: Krafty, State of the Nation and Decades.

Second night only: Academic, Nothing but a Fool and Atmosphere.

I reread the text. The reviewer also says Loveless was played — “Love Less was a more introspective moment, its plaintive melody weaving through the humid night air.”

Is he credible enough?

Can definitely confirm no Vanishing Point on night 1 in Sydney. Was ready for the segue to kick in but it never happened. State of the Nation, never one of my favourites, was immense. Thought Barney was in excellent form, getting a bit narky at times which is always good. Decades was majestic (musically at least) and I couldn't help getting a bit emotional with the stunning Harbour backdrop framing it beautifully. I liked the more 'acoustic' take on LWTUA without the whoops and come- ons. Having said that I'd be happy if the JD tracks were rested but I don't suppose they will be from this point on. Same with the lumpen arrangement of True Faith and well, I really have nothing nice to say about Be a Rebel.

He did the same in Melbourne too, commenting at the end that he can't really play violin, but he can program it.

I quite like 'Be a Rebel' live, and I'm happy efforts have been made to add different songs to the set. In general they were far better live this time around than I was expecting; dare I say it, they were better live than the times I saw them in Aus in the latter Hook era.

Ctb