The aging and charming Athenaeum was a perfect setting for both performer and audience alike. With an average age of 55 in the seats and the Crown Lager flowing, the atmosphere felt like that of a rowdy favourite uncles Sunday barbecue. The obvious father and son combinations gave an insight into the kind of career Garrett has had in his 40-odd years in the industry.
For anyone who was wondering about whether his time in politics and the public eye had withered his famous stage persona, it hadn’t. Garrett is still possessed by that snake that lives inside of his body that writhes and hisses with the music.
From the taunts and chants of the crowd it was obvious they were expecting a stripped back selection of Midnight Oil hits. Instead they were treated to a fully fledged rock show that was mostly centred around his new solo effort A Version Of Now, as well as a few choice Easter eggs.
The entire show was a reflection of not only his career, but other musicians and performers that have not only influenced him but given him personal encouragement along the way. Between songs, Garrett shared reflective remarks on both his musical and political lives. He delivered a set that was peppered with covers of bands including Skyhooks, En Vogue and The Saints.
By the second encore, the crowd were treated to a rendition of Midnight Oil’s The Dead Heart, the seating at the Athenaeum only getting in the way as the mum and dad dancing and (off beat) clapping was in full effect.
All in all, it was a return to form for an artist that should be held in the same place we hold artists like Jello Biafra, Henry Rollins and Joe Strummer.
BY DAVID BURGER
Loved: The sea of shiny heads.
Hated: Not much.
Drank: Crownies of course.
