Here we are, after 21 years and seven massive albums, saying goodbye at Powderfinger’s last show ever in Victoria
I owe a lot to Powderfinger. Internationalist was the first ‘cool’ album I ever heard. My sister gave it to me in grade six to prevent me from going down the dreaded ‘Will Smith’ pop path…and Hindley Street is still one of my favourite songs.
And now here we are, after 21 years and seven massive albums, saying goodbye at Powderfinger’s last show ever in Victoria.
So it’s understandable that I completely lose my shit when they step on stage, to the thundering drums of Internationalist’s Belter. Immediately and without saying a word, they leap straight into Lost & Running, which has some of us thinking it’s going to be a rushed and unemotional show. But before Burn Your Name, Bernard Fanning reminds us why he is one of the nicest guys in music, declaring “It’s good to be back!” with a smile. And we know they’re going to give us something special.
A burning red sun starts to fade behind the band during Sunsets, keeping even the coldest hands warm (congratulations to the stage and lighting guys – it propelled the show to a whole other level).
Then a run of old favourites has the entire crowd shouting in unison, with the “one, two, three, four” before each chorus of Already Gone, and for the beautiful Not My Kinda Scene.
In a weird intermission, the band leaves the stage as we watch footage of war, space and Anthony Mundine. However, all is forgiven as they re-emerge on a second stage, in the middle of a raving crowd, playing Like A Dog.
Excitement builds as they start to reel off the final few classics. The crowd claps together for the catchy chorus of Private Man, sing word-for-word during My Happiness (to the point that the band stops entirely, leaving us chanting the entire last verse) and listen in awe of Fanning’s vocals (with special guests, Tiddas) during Passenger.
The first encore begins slowly with Capoicity, building momentum before leading into Pick You Up. The energy levels finally peak with a rocked-out version of On My Mind, causing everyone who screams along to lose their voice.
With a final thanks to fans for their support, Powderfinger leave the stage once more. But they’re soon back for the song we all hoped it would end on – These Days. The acoustic version is an emotional send-off, with the boys bowing gracefully to a loud and lengthy applause, capping off an epic career with a show we’ll all remember
