Voted number four in triple j’s Hottest 100 Australian Albums Of All Time, The Living End’s self titled debut became the soundtrack for youthful rebellion in the late ‘90s. The challenge that Cheney faces, along with band mates Scott Owen and Andy Strachan, is showcasing the group’s musical growth over the past decade and a half, whilst indulging their fans’ nostalgia. Especially since it was clear from Thursday night’s gig, that’s what the fans were there for.
The atmosphere is surprisingly subdued until Cheney asks the mostly thirty-something male crowd “How about an old one?” He launches into Second Solution and The Palace dance floor becomes a mosh pit of writhing bodies. Roll On needs no introduction- the first few chords alone are enough to have the entire venue chanting the chorus in eager anticipation until interrupted by a segue way into The Choirboy’s Run To Paradise.
You know you’re in good hands with The Living End. From the seamless lighting to their onstage antics (Owen plays his double bass whilst standing on it at one point) their professionalism is faultless. The trio is also incredibly efficient: short breaks and minimal banter between songs allows for nearly twenty songs over the course of their set.
It is during the slower tracks, in particular Nothing Lasts Forever that The Living End really shines. Cheney begins the track solo, the momentum growing as Owen and Stachan join in until it’s a truly poignant moment in the show. Pockets of fans dutifully wave their phones and lighters along, taking the chance to catch a breather. But then All Torn Down begins and it’s back to business.
Final tracks Who’s Gonna Save Us? and Prisoner Of Society have the audience in a fist pumping frenzy and latest single The Ending Is Just the Beginning Repeating is warmly received…for a new track. The battle between the old and new The Living End is never more evident than half way through the show when Cheney tells the audience that his skolling days are over, eliciting boos from all three levels of the venue. “I’m as disappointed as you,” he concedes. The front man has surrendered by the time he returns for the encore however, downing a beer in seconds and making it apparent he’ll do what it takes to delight this audience.
Finishing, as The Living End often do, with suburban anthem West End Riot, the audience is left satisfied.
