Walter Schreifels, with only an electric guitar to accompany him, was a solitary figure on the Corner Hotel stage. He didn’t command the crowd, instead he casually, slightly awkwardly captivated his audience. As a founding member of acts including Gorilla Biscuits and Rival Schools – with a musical history dating back to the late ‘80s– Schreifels is no stranger to the stage. From the opening notes of Requiem until heartfelt closer Open Letter, Schreifels was a powerful presence, managing to mix in the right amount of banter to transport the audience to the comfy confines of their best mate’s loungeroom.
It’s a modest crowd that greeted Frank Iero and The Patience, but what they lacked in numbers they made up for in enthusiasm. After a brief acoustic tour earlier in the year, this was Iero’s first Melbourne unveiling as a frontman, but with his bandmates in tow– bassist Alex Grippo, drummer Matt Olsson and Iero’s brother, Evan Nestor on lead guitar– Iero seemed right at home when he was front and centre.
It’d be easy to assume that after spending most of your life in one of the biggest rock bands in the world, one might develop an ego, but Iero seems anything but jaded. In fact it’s his gratitude, towards the crowd, his bandmates, the support act and even his guitar tech, that made Frank Iero and The Patience that much more enjoyable to watch.
With a set weighted heavily with cuts from 2014’s Stomachaches, back when Iero was still joined by the cellarbration, the energy was at 100, not even a lack of voice thanks to nine flights in a few days could stop Iero from screaming and wailing every word. Without faltering for a single second, tracks like Neverenders and She’s The Prettiest Girl received the warmest receptions. Keen to show off some new material, fans were also treated to Remedy and the catchy-as-hell I’m A Mess.
Used to fanaticism by now, Iero relished in the love coming from the audience, sharing stories, making jokes and for finale Joyriding even bringing up two sign-bearing fans to dance and clap along.
Leaving the stage for just enough time to restock the guitar picks, Frank Iero and The Patience, now joined by Schreifels, blasted out their own version of the Ramones’ classic Rockaway Beach. The temporary five-piece throwing down power chords and cheerful harmonies, squeezing every last ounce of energy onto the stage.
By Gloria Brancatisano
Loved: The good time, happy vibes.
Hated: That more people weren’t around to enjoy it.
Drank: Happy Juice.
