The Beasts of Bourbon are no more. Long live The Beasts! Is it too early to call the gig of the year? I think not.
This edition of The Beasts was Tex Perkins, Kim Salmon, Charlie Owen, Boris Sujdovic and Evan Richards. They were supported by an epic line-up – The Johnnys, Ezra Lee and Cash Savage and The Last Drinks.
It was a helluva night (12 September) and an all-in love-in. There was camaraderie and affection, and a rare depth of feeling that was heard and felt by all.
'Black Milk' is undoubtedly The Beasts' most eclectic album, which was apparently by design. Kim Salmon said: "We recorded 'Black Milk' with all these crazy dynamics and there's too many ideas on it really. I love it!
"The Beasts Of Bourbon really believed we could do anything. I was willing to use that idea to get my songs on; like 'Cool Fire' would never dare be presented to The Scientists – it's an old '40s-sounding song. We've tried to be like Dr. John; every song on the album is different."
The set at Forum Melbourne – celebrating the 35th anniversary of 'Black Milk' – kicked off with the title track accompanied by Helen Rose, her voice a keening and feminine complement to Perkins' own vocals and his boisterous frontman persona. They made good magic together.
It must be noted throughout the fashion networks that Rose in her fabulous red bell-sleeved shirt was the look of the night. Perkins proclaimed that she was "an angel from heaven", and her vocals definitely had wings.
That was followed by the hilarious and raunchy 'Finger Licken'' and Salmon's excellent jazzy 'Cool Fire' with Perkins in crooner mode. Other Salmon songs performed from the album were 'Hope You Find Your Way To Heaven', 'Words From A Woman To Her Man' and 'I'm So Happy I Could Cry'.
Spencer P. Jones songs were also well represented and dedicated to him throughout the night including 'You Let Me Down' and 'Execution Day'.
On a night filled with great moments, some of the best were Cash Savage with The Beasts – her powerhouse voice and undeniable presence raising the rafters on 'I'm So Happy I Could Cry', and Dan Brodie's fabulous guest spot on his accordion.
The King Of Pop Dave Graney and Tex gave a superbly effective duet performance on 'Blue Stranger'. Kinda jazzy, kinda noir. Hound Dog Taylor's 'Let's Get Funky' was equal parts garage-punk guitars, rapid-fire percussion and Perkins in full maniacal flight – always a wonder to behold.
'The Ballad Of The Battle Of Rock N Roll', from The Beasts' 2024 album 'Ultimo', was fittingly dedicated to the memory of James Baker. The Beasts could easily be forgiven if they're a bit battle weary from the loss of so many missed players over the years, but there was no weariness in evidence. It was instead a celebration of the battle scars they wear and the music they've made.
Thirty-five years on, the songs from 'Black Milk' still thump and rock as hard as they did the day they were written. The ghosts of Spencer P. Jones, Brian Hooper, Tony Pola and the recently departed James Baker were in the room, and their presence was affectionately and passionately received. There was some kinda rock & roll voodoo happening.
Perkins' song 'Rest In Peace' was given the full gospel treatment, with himself as the preacher and joined by the entire all-star cast. "Do I hear an amen?" Yes, there were amens all 'round.
As super bands go, this is the one to see; still a fearsomely funky and powerful beast.
