Summer has officially left as winds whip around Liberty Hall in Sydney, but there is one place left where it will be hot as hell tonight.
Skindred kick off the night (20 March), entering to a remix version of 'The Imperial March', as frontman Benji Webbe holds up a black and white Union Jack flag. Their meld of metal and reggae works so well, the energy is through the roof."Can you remember when we used to go to rock concerts and bang our heads?" Webbe asks the crowd. They agree. "Well bang your f...in head then!" He's out of the blocks at 100 miles an hour, a truly impressive and powerful frontman.
"Life's too short right. Enjoy yourself," he incites the crowd. "This isn't another rock & roll show. It's a Skindred celebration of life." He starts an impressive vocal back and forth with the crowd before launching right into 'Rat Race'.
Next, he starts an a cappella crowd sing-along of 'Wonderwall', and just as the crowd gets into it, tells them to "shut the f... up !". "Thank you Sydney; we're Skindred. Good night," he continues his playfulness. The crowd groans. "I'm just f...ing around."
'Hot In Herre' plays as Webbe takes off his jacket, then a song medley ensues of hits like 'Need You Tonight' and ‘Jump Around’. The crowd dances energetically.
"If you're a creative, put your hand up," Webbe says. "Now listen, if you have any negative people in your life, f... that. My brother said I couldn't sing. Look at me now motherf...er. I'm in Australia!"
Webbe dons a new white leather jacket with tassels. He's an outstanding frontman, taking the crowd by the bellows and moving them at will. Already more than entertained, it's hard to believe we have the main act yet to come.
Halestorm's frontwoman Lzzy Hale enters with an a cappella introduction about raising your horns that is the most impressive way to start a show I have seen in a long time.
Fan favourite 'I Miss The Misery' kicks the front door in and we're off. The song ends with an elongated scream from Hale and slick guitar shredding that would rival any band.
We're straight into 'Love Bites (So Do I)'. There's no getting off this bus now, as Hale plays an equally impressive guitar solo. What can't she do? She strips down to a bra. "I see a lot of ladies in the house," she says, "and a lot of gentlemen. Thank you for not making me choose."
During 'I Get Off', Hale accompanied by sombre piano enacts a dramatic display of vocal acrobatics. Despite a taxing touring schedule, Hale is leaving nothing behind, pouring everything she has out.
'Amen' keeps the show rocking right along, with the thud of the kick drum hitting heavy in your chest. Guitarist Joe Hottinger stuns with another faultless solo, soaring between different techniques as easy as sipping tea. Halestorm are a perfectly crafted ensemble.
"We just love you so much Sydney," Hale confesses. 'Familiar Taste Of Poison' is a nice touch of sentimentality, before 'Takes My Life' features some of the cleanest band chops ever.
A drum solo comes courtesy of the other Hale, Arejay. Does this band ever sleep or do they just practice all day? Because they are seriously talented musicians. He finishes his solo with comically gigantic drum sticks. 'Rock Show' is fun and melodic as yellow and red lights stream over the crowd.
The encore begins with Lzzy alone on the piano, sharing how her brother has "gone down every rabbit hole with me," and how the full band has been together for 21 years. She tells how Arejay suggested 'Halestorm' for their band name before their first gig, to which she replied, "that'll do for today".
'Break In' is touching, before Hale plays 'Raise Your Horns' acoustically. The band then rejoin for a heartwarming rendition of 'Here's To Us', with a flurry of notes closing the show.
Halestorm are always a brilliant live act, pure class from start to finish. Lzzy in particular embodies the art of performance in such an immersive way, it's truly inspiring. If you want your socks rocked off, Halestorm are a wonderful place to start.
