Last Sunday Spiderbait returned to the Gold Coast, joined by Adalita from Magic Dirt and the first big gig for local band Ruby Park.
It has been 20 years since Spiderbait released 'Tonight Alright', the album that features the awesome cover of 'Black Betty'. I must admit, these 'anniversary' tours are a great way to make you feel old.Let's not mention how long ago it was that The Bait were in Brisbane rocking out Livid Festival and Triple Z's Market Days with their unique style of Aussie rock mixed with a large helping of punk attitude. That was back when we used to shorted band names. It was all about The Gurg, The Bait, The Dirt, The Chair and The Finger.
The Gold Coast leg of Spiderbait's Black Betty 20th anniversary tour found the band performing at Miami Marketta (20 October). Spiderbait have been described as a 'punk rock institution' and the 'cornerstone of the Australian music scene'. They've been a part of the musical landscape for at least 30 years. The crowd on this Sunday night was a mix of fans from the past decades and newer fans experiencing the venue-shaking sound of The Bait live for the first time.
Ruby Park - image © Radical Imaging
The familiar face of Spiderbait's Kram introduces us to the first band, Ruby Park, as they're playing their first major gig. The band is made up of four members around the age of 17. Charlize is on vocals and guitar, Lachlan on lead guitar, Jack on bass guitar and Lonnie (Kram's son) is on the drums.
Their set is an awesome mix of original songs and covers. Lots of guitar-fuelled rock with awesome vocals from Charlize. The drumming is awesome, and you can tell the type of music that Lonnie has grown up with.
I scribbled down one of their song titles in my notebook. Keep an eye out for 'Have You Seen Ruby Snow?' or a song with a title that might have some of those words in it. Their cover of 'Zero' by The Smashing Pumpkins revved up the crowd as they put their own unique spin on the classic grunge anthem. Keep an eye on this band. They're off to an awesome start and definitely gained some fans with this outing.
Next onstage was Adalita. The renowned singer-songwriter is best known as the frontwoman for influential indie rock band Magic Dirt. Tonight, it would be Adalita doing a solo performance; just Adalita, a microphone and numerous guitars being delivered by a roadie.
The stripped-back performance highlighted her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence. It was a mesmerising set with a mix of tracks from her solo releases over the years. 'Trust Is Rust' from 'All Day Venus' was great to hear live. An awesome talent that has left her mark on the Australian music scene.
Adalita - image © Radical Imaging
I always assume everyone knows The Bait because they've been a permanent fixture on the Australian indie music landscape for over 30 years, but that's not always the case. I have a Kiwi friend who has somehow missed decades of awesome alternative bands in her musical upbringing.
I will name certain bands from Australia (and beyond) and be jokingly accused of making these names up. Spiderbait, Magic Dirt, Screamfeeder and oversea artist such as Mudhoney and Switchfoot.
On reflection, Spiderbait not only have an unusual name but their songs and album titles could also be construed as the result of an overactive imagination of the storyteller. Just think about us rocking up to the record store and trying to remember 'The Unfinished Spanish Galleon Of Finley Lake' or 'The Flight Of Wally Funk' for our latest CD purchase.
The band was formed in 1989 with three members. Kram is on the drums, vocals and has been known to pick up a guitar. Janet English is on bass guitar and provides vocals on some absolute classic tracks. Damien Whitty on guitar rounds out the trio. After decades together, the camaraderie can been seen as they work to give the capacity crowd an awesome show.
Spiderbait - image © Radical Imaging
Spiderbait released a single earlier this year, 'Bunch Of Bettys' that features eight different versions of the 'Black Betty' cover. To be honest, I was aware of the Ram Jam version, but have only been back to listen to the original Lead Belly version. We get a taste of this original version to start the show with Kram up front on the mic, Damien on acoustic guitar and Janet on the drums.
Tonight's set list is a journey through the multiple chart-topping albums that Spiderbait have released over the years.
From 1993's 'Shashavaglava' we get four songs including 'Old Man Sam' with an audience sing-along who are happy to be here "drinking beer without a care". Old mate in the audience is taking every opportunity to loudly express his love for 'Footy', and is rewarded with the classic tune later in the set.
Spiderbait - image © Radical Imaging
'The Unfinished Spanish Galleon Of Finley Lake' had some absolutely legendary songs on it, and surprisingly short song tiles considering the title. 'Jesus', 'Monty' and their fellow passenger 'Sam Gribbles' each make an appearance much to the crowd's delight. The distinctive drums and guitar launch us into each one of these punk-rock gems as the crowd bounces around and the room vibrates.
Following the release of 'Ivy And The Big Apples', Spiderbait would be the first Australian band to take out the #1 spot on triple j's Hottest 100 in 1996, with the 1 minute 44 seconds explosion that is 'Buy Me A Pony' would join three other songs from this awesome album tonight as Janet tells us "Sunshine on my window makes me happy, like I should be," cueing the explosion of guitars and drums of 'Calypso'.
Spiderbait - image © Radical Imaging
With more hits from 'Grand Slam' and 'The Flight Of Wally Funk', we make our way to the album that is celebrating its 20-year anniversary. Among the other tracks from 'Tonight Alright' performed is a special version of 'Tonite', with Janet joining Kram on the vocals to make for a truly memorable rendition.
When Spiderbait do a cover version they really put their unique stamp on it. They play tribute to '80s television with a high-octane version of 'Run' from The Goodies.
Spiderbait - image © Radical Imaging
The show is wrapped up with a version of 'Ace Of Spades' by Motorhead, before the volume is turned up to 11 for 'Black Betty' with Spiderbait firing on all cylinders, showing us why they've been a force to be reckoned with for the last three decades. It was an awesome Sunday night on the Gold Coast.
More photos from the concert.
