As a 30-something-year-old Aussie rock chick, it goes without saying that Killing Heidi have influenced my life.
In my tween years, watching the rebelliously styled Ella Hooper every Saturday on 'Rage' had an impact that I'm still feeling years on. Twenty five years, to be more exact. As that's how many years it's been since the release of the band's debut album 'Reflector'.To celebrate this milestone, the rockers from Violet Town are hitting the road to play the album in full. First stop? A sold-out venue with a 100-plus waitlist, in Adelaide of all places!
With South Australian punters showing up to welcome the iconic Aussie rockers, it was evident I was not the only person who this band had impacted over their career.
Before we get into Killing Heidi's set, we have to talk about the openers. Warming up the crowd as they strolled in, many with wine in hand and settling in to find an ideal space at the iconic Adelaide venue The Gov, was Melbourne's Hassall.
The singer-songwriter was accompanied by the talented Will. Between the two of them, they had a setup that created that house party/ busker vibe (in the best way possible).
Hassall, dressed in almost femme Angus Young-inspired fit, with a guitar in hand operated a kick drum with her foot. Will shared duties by playing the keys, a snare drum and lending a foot for Hassall's guitar pedals. Sharing anecdotes behind her songs, thanking the crew and of course paying tribute to the headliners, her down-to-earth, grassroots energy endeared her to the Adelaide crowd.
A stripped-back style and voice of a husky-toned angel, she treated us to a range of tunes such as 'Tracy Grimshaw', 'Bad Boy' and latest single 'Overpopulator'.
Finishing up with a smile and sending Will on his way to go play with Alan Fletcher (yes, Dr. Karl Kennedy from 'Neighbours') over at The Weatsheaf Hotel, there is no doubt Hassall would've made it to the playlists of many in attendance.
Sitting back and observing what may have been one of the most efficient changeovers I've ever witnessed, soon it was time for Perth's Siobhan Cotchin and her band.
Her all-black, classic-rock-chick uniform with a black cowboy hat sitting atop her blonde shag cut conjured up a country witch vibe, giving us in the crowd with an expectation of a Fleetwood Mac-esque style set. I, along with those around me, were not disappointed.
While Siobhan Cotchin cut through any premeditations, quickly showing her flair, her dynamite voice and charming nature were ever present. The set was mesmerising. The chemistry between her and her band ensured a tight performance, filled with soulful music that hit the spot.
A cheeky charm, flicking between goddess and girl next door, Siobhan oozed talent. Sitting on the cusp of country, but still maintaining that edgier classic rock sound that is ever evident through the songs she played like 'The Truth Always Comes Out', 'If God Is A Man' and 'Ghost Of Us'.
By the time Siobhan had finished her set, The Gov was well and truly packed out. That meant it was time for our headliners Killing Heidi.
As the band's first-ever release, 'Kettle' played over the speakers, the sold-out crowd started cheering, welcoming the Aussie icons to the stage.
Brother and sister duo Ella and Jesse Hooper are still holding down the fort, joined by the original drummer Adam Pedretti and newer members, Clio Renner on keys and Phoebe Neilson on bass.
Hitting the stage with 'Mascara', Ella's 'BORING AND OLD' t-shirt was right on cue. A little first-night jitters and tech issues were evident, but they did not put any dampener on the energy.
Not even needing to sing herself, Ella held the microphone out to the audience as they sang back every single word to her. Going straight into 'Weir' Jesse's sequinned shirt was not the only thing that sparkled, as the effervescent frontwoman danced around the stage, engaging the enamoured audience.
Taking a moment to reflect, no pun intended, the sibling duo showed their love to the Adelaide audience for coming out so strong, as well as paying tribute to venue, before loudly proclaiming their mission was to get through the entire album, "even if it fucking kills us".
Heading full steam ahead into 'Superman/Supergirl', any nerves or rust from the start had well and truly disappeared. The Hooper's sibling dynamic was on full display, with playful interactions and a little light-hearted teasing and bullying.
Each song hit just as hard as it did 25 years ago, even if most of us in the room, including the band, had long outgrown the teen angst that fuelled their compositions. Angst was replaced with excitement and passion. A passion and love that had endured over the years and was being recaptured before our very eyes.
Diving further into the album, the pace never slowed down. Even in moments between songs, stories of growth and anecdotes from the last 25 years washed over the room. There were laughs, but mostly disbelief that this time had flown by this quickly.
One of the most poignant moments, though, was when Ella talked about the talented women in today's Australian music scene. It was on full display with the support acts, and as she recounted how far we've come, it was very easy to see the impact Killing Heidi had on young girls over the years.
Laughing off any chance she could have taken to claim ownership of her trailblazing ways, Ella instead took us back into the music as we travelled towards the end of the album. Reaching the final 'Reflector' album song, 'Black Sheep', the band high-fived each other and celebrated making it through the record.
A tearful thank you before ripping into those last notes had everybody, including this reviewer, emotional. As they walked off after completing this mammoth task, the Adelaide crowd were not letting them go that easy.
Even if the band were expecting to do an encore, the roar of a packed venue was deafening. In a hodgepodge of unsynchronised "encore" and "one more song" chants, the demand for more could not be ignored.
Walking out with a chardonnay in hand, a tearful but jovial Ella thanked the crowd once again for their love. Rewarded for showing up with such gusto, the band gave us three more songs to send us into the night: 'Calm Down', 'Heavensent' and 'I Am'.
Setting the bar high for a tour opener, Killing Heidi lamented on social media after the show they often get mistaken as an Adelaide band. Selling out the show twice, with the aforementioned waitlist, there is no doubt that people showed up for something more than just a little nostalgia.
A testament to the legacy this band created at such a young age, the multi-generational audience that showed up to this show proves just how good their music stands the test of time. Especially when those who continuously perform it with such love and joy.
