Just as the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting approached, Sticky Fingers member Seamus Coyle (lead guitar) came out on stage to a roar.
But is he really apologising that the band will not be playing tonight (5 August at The Riverstage), rather than introducing the band? His words are literally echoing through the natural amphitheatre as fans try to work out if it is a prank.No one really moved to leave and many ask those around them if they heard correct. A minute later, the band (and manager) appeared onstage and Freddy Crabs, who you could tell was highly emotional, confirmed the message, that Dylan Frost had been taken to hospital a short while ago and they cannot do the show.
It is sending shockwaves of disbelief through the crowd – Sticky Fingers will not be performing tonight. This disbelief is intense; you can feel fans struggling to come to terms with the news.
There were shouts from the crowd: "We love you guys," and I admit a few very loud "F... yous". However, the atmosphere is quickly transforming with unexpected outbursts of love yelled towards the rest of the band members still onstage, who are clearly devastated they're not being able to play tonight's set.
The heartfelt apology from the band, who didn't have anything to apologise for individually but collectively they conveyed a great understanding of the disappointment of fans who had travelled from near and far to see their show.
In a touching display of camaraderie and genuine concern for their fans, Freddy Crabbs shares they have no choice but to call off the performance and we are told to look out for each other on the way out. The crowd's disappointment is evident, but it is clear there is a love and support for the band that remains unwavering.
Though the news is disheartening, it is honourable that the band members took the time to stand before a judging crowd to express their gratitude to them for being there, to apologise and to thank them for their understanding and loyalty.
The crowd's mostly affectionate response was heartwarming, as they showered chants of "We love you," "We love you, Sticky Fingers!" The emotional connection between the band and their audience is undeniable, transcending the disenchantment of the moment.
Despite this unexpected twist, up to that point it has been an unforgettable night of music from the support artists, emotions and heartfelt connections were established with their fans and punters.
And though Sticky Fingers were unable to perform, their genuine love for their fans was evident in the heartfelt apology delivered by the remaining band members.
On my departure from the venue, there were conversations that demonstrated an understanding of the struggle some people may face when trying to stay well. Others wondered if it was mental health or substance use that caused the issue or if it was something less controversial and were open to finding out in due course, while extending their sympathies to the rest of the band.
For many, tonight has been an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows that is leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone present.
Here is a review of the evening prior to Sticky Fingers cancelling.
I won't bore you with the hiccups contributing to my late arrival to The Riverstage tonight, but needless to say I was disappointed to have missed Mission Gangsta + YKP, the first of four supports for tonight's headliners, Sticky Fingers. I do my best to cover and promote support acts.
I can taste the anticipation as I fill my lungs with the air that is heavy with excitement of the fans filling the amphitheatre to witness Sticky Fingers in concert. It is palpable.
Finally, through the gates, the sound of Maxine's powerful song heating up the crisp night drags me straight to the stage. As I get closer, I now see the self-assured and talented artist stalking back and forth across the stage with a confident prowess.
Dressed to impress, Maxine is a sight to behold in a red skimpy halter teamed with black-arm covers and matching cheeky ruffle shorts, but it is the white platform sneakers teamed with thigh high, fur leg warmers that make a statement.
Maxine - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Fans are taking in what Maxine tells us is her first show in Brisbane and not only that, but the biggest crowd she has ever performed in front of. Not that you would have known if from the polished performance we were treated to.
Kneeling on floor, her voice is effortlessly soaring over the audience, entrancing us with every note. Her soulful groove is weaving a spell on the crowd, drawing them into her world of musical enchantment. It is evident from the cheers that she had won hearts by the time she left the stage.
It took no time for the techs and stage crew to get things prepped for The Terrys. The natural amphitheatre must surely be holding close to full capacity now. The air is thick with white cloud and I am not sure it's all from the smoke machine. . . wink, wink.
After the likes of Liam Bailey and DC Fontaines over the PA, the five geezers from Gerringong, The Terrys wander on to the stage to a very rowdy reception mostly from the younger generations in the crowd who are losing their minds.
Drinks are held high toasting their arrival while diehard fans are screaming "Yeah! Tezzas!" in true bogan fashion. I am keen to know why so much buzz – they are almost getting a headliner reception.
The Terrys - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Opening with 'Blue', the band were out to give their best to the mass of punters before them. You could see the band relax as the crowd are singing along with Jacob Finch (vocals) very loudly. I bet many could relate to the words: "I smoked a doobie and I sailed away."
After the second song (maybe titled 'Silent Disco', maybe not) that sure was groovy, they played a more familiar 'Cost Of Peace' about the morning after a biggie. Many punters who are screaming along to this one and I guess they will be relating to these lyrics tomorrow morn.
After their recent single 'Hopscotch', Finch tells every single one of us we are legends and then an unexpected twist, especially for one lass named Hayley! Finch called his mate Lukey to the stage and yep, he hugs Finch and calls Hayley to the stage.
The crowd roars as 8.5k people realise they are witnesses to a marriage proposal tonight. Luke tells Hayley "I f...en love you. Will you marry me?" A priceless proposal! He is now on bended knee placing a ring on her finger. While I didn't hear her response, from the bearhugs that followed and misty eyes of Lukas Anderson (lead guitarist), she clearly said "yeah". Screams and mobile phones filled the night air!
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
The screams came loud again as Finch introduces their song 'Penny' followed by more of their chill tunes 'Waiting For You' and 'Sit Down'.
Finch tells us how we are the best crowd in the world ever and that they have limited time so they get stuck into delivering 'All Good', and after asking what Brissie reefer is like heads straight into 'IDK' that has bodies dancing and bumping into each other in a subdued, chillaxed-style mosh.
Finch is clearly the timekeeper for the band, although Cameron Cooper (drums), Trent Cooper (bass) and Ben Salvo (rhythm guitar) are doing an amazing job with the beats and rhythm for their set.
Finch is telling us "we gotta keep going on schedule. This one's called 'Pesos'." Backing this up nicely is The Terry's para-cover of Ben Lee's 'Catch My Disease'. This has the crowd crooning "Fireball and apple juice. . . that's the way I like it. . . Sticky Fingers on the radio, that's the way I like it," loud as.
The Terrys, with their contagious groove and chill energy that has the crowd dancing and singing along with their catchy tunes and are finishing strong with 'Good Day'. The lyrics have a charisma of their own and the band have an undeniable chemistry on stage.
The Terrys - image © Clea-marie Thorne
For the unfamiliar, The Terrys are a little infectious, spreading a wave of joy among the crowd gathered under the perfect night sky. The lads showcased an impressive blend of musical styles, effortlessly fusing surf rock, funk and reggae, creating an unforgettable experience and winning a legion of new TERRYdactyls and extraTERRYestrials by the time they left the stage.
The Slickers' 'Johnny Too Bad' came on the PA signalling our break for snacks and bevvies.
We are now giving it up for a young 15-year-old rapper, LEE who is seems to have brought a support crew side of stage who are pumping him up and two manning the desk.
LEE strides with purpose across the stage in a sea of hazy smoke. This artist is performing like he's played Riverstage a thousand times before! While LEE may not be known to some, there were fans in the crowd that could be heard singing back to him when he let his sweet voice loose and waving their hands madly in the air.
High five – LEE gave an energetic short set that well and truly had us primed for the headliners to come.
