You could feel the energy in the room as the crowd slowly filled the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
The atmosphere was set by DJ Total Eclipse, spinning between some classic hip hop tracks and classic rock hits (21 February).
The live music started with Adelaide's own Trigger Trials, of Funkoars and A.B. Original, but tonight he was "up here on his lonesome". His solo style was musically very different to his other groups' works, but as a multi-instrumentalist, it was energetic and captivating.
Total Eclipse returned to keep the vibe going after which Maverick Sabre took the stage. Maverick brought a very different vibe. I'd only heard him singing with the Hoods, so it was a great experience to hear him doing his own songs.
Very soulful voice, that commanded our attention. Aside from his originals, he did an incredible rendition of Oasis' 'Don't Look Back In Anger'. Total Eclipse return once more to hype us up for Hilltop Hoods.
Once he finished, you could feel the energy building. The anticipation was incredible. The lights went out and a few chants of "HILLTOP!" echoed through the venue.
The Hoods kicked off their set with the high-energy classic 'Leave Me Lonely', receiving a frenzied response from the crowd. Once it finished, they quickly moved into another classic, with 'Chase That Feeling'. If there was a feeling we were chasing, the almighty Hoods were delivering. High-octane energy was on the menu.
Suffa asked if there was anyone present who hadn't been to a Hoods show before, and then proceeded to say they were about to do a song we should all know. They launched into arguably their most recognised song, the Melanie Safka sampled 'The Nosebleed Section'.
With nostalgia and energy running at full throttle, they introduced both their first special guest, and the title track from their latest album, 2025's 'Fall From The Light'. Nyassa entered and instantly commanded our attention. Her voice was incredible.
The Adelaide boys then took us back in time, to '1955', bringing the amazing Montaigne to the stage. This wasn't just your usual Hoods show. This was an epic showcase of some of their best music from a career that's spanned 30-plus years.
Before launching into 'The Gift', Suffa announced: "Last night was lit, this might be more lit."
With knowledge that Maverick Sabre was in attendance, I was ecstatic to hear 'Live And Let Go' and 'Won't Let You Down' live with him on the chorus, and they did not disappoint.
With every track the Hoods performed, it felt more like a room full of friends than a live concert. They also brought to the stage Adrian Eagle, Illy and Matiu Walters (from Six60) to run through 'Clark Griswold', 'Exit Sign' and 'Never Coming Home' respectively. In this reviewer's opinion, they were even better than the album versions.
Their set ended on an energetic high note, as they ran through the heavy hitting 'Rattling The Keys'. They thanked the crowd and exited, but we knew. If you've ever seen the Hood live, you know they always have a couple of songs up their sleeves.
After a few minutes of teasing with the house lights turned back on and then off, they finally returned and kicked into their 2009 classic 'Still Standing'. It seemed even more appropriate than ever; arriving from a time when hip hop was still considered a fad, this song spoke of being still here. Triumphantly it appears.
They finally launched into what would be their final song of the night, the now infamous 'Cosby Sweater'. It started off like you'd expect (complete with cheeky taunt from Suffa about "f... Bill Cosby!"), but just as it seemed like it would end, the three members of Funkoars entered the stage.
As someone who's been a fan of the Certified Wise Crew (Hilltop Hoods, Funkoars, After Hours and Terra Firma), it was so amazing to see Funkoars veterans Sesta, Hons and Trials back together with their mates.
I've seen quite a few Hilltop Hoods shows over the years, from intimate 500-people shows right through to stadiums, and this was unequivocally hands down the best I've ever seen them. Still rocking the mic. Still writing quality tracks. Still standing.
- written by Wayde Richardson
