In the haunting embrace of Fremantle Prison, Xavier Rudd, paired with his signature catchphrase for the evening – "How You feelin'" – set hearts alight with emotion across the venue.
Surrounded by the ghosts of ancestors' past, Rudd effortlessly wielded an arsenal of instruments, a conduit for his symphonic stories that bounced off the Prison's stone walls, resonating with the spirit of the land and the echoes of its tumultuous past (1 March).The perfect setting for this all-ages family event in Walyalup (Fremantle), now known globally for its soul, vibrancy, and culture, synonymous with Rudd, is a maritime city that's steeped in the history of the first colonisation of WA.
Strapped proudly to Rudd's drum kit, our First Nation's flag blew in the refreshing sea breeze we affectionately call the Freo Doctor, which Rudd expressed his gratitude for, remarking: "That breeze is nice ayyyy, in Queensland it's been f...ing hot, so thank you for your breeze Freo."
Image © Laura Dashkovsky
Rocking a bleached blonde mullet, muscular physique, and dressed in a red, sleeveless jumpsuit, Rudd exuded an image reminiscent of Ken from 'Street Fighter', commanding the stage with undeniable raw energy. Rudd, a self-professed full-time 'barefooter', further added to the connection with the iconic character.
However, the resemblance ended there, as there is no mistaking that Rudd embodies the quintessential Aussie spirit. Infusing each song with heartfelt sentiments like "Take the hand of someone you love," or "I love you too". His warm, fatherly voice mirrored the beating heart of Australia, from the sun-kissed shores to the vast outback.
Rudd's expansive music style, a fusion of Indigenous, blues, roots, folk, reggae, and rock, embraced a new dimension with the addition of electronica to his diverse repertoire. The diversification marked by the Australian live debut of 'World Order', showcasing Rudd's versatility and willingness to explore innovative soundscapes.
A true virtuoso, Xavier's multi-instrumentalist talents left the crowd in awe of his unmatched skill, demonstrating the exponential expansion from his humble beginnings of playing his family's vacuum cleaner hose.
With astonishing dexterity, he seamlessly transitioned from one instrument to another at speeds that dare you not to look away, or risk missing the magic unfold. Rotating between a collection of guitar-style instruments paired with a harmonica, to playing intricate drum beats, while simultaneously circular breathing through the didge, Rudd highlighted his mastery of multiple disciplines.
His performance was consistent with watching a masterful juggler, with his complex rhythms far surpassing the cognitive challenge of effortlessly patting your head while rubbing your belly.
Rudd's musical genius was only expanded by his lyrics, evoking the sensation of flipping through a photo album and capturing the fleeting moments he has graced this earth. His encore performance of 'Magic' reflected this sentiment perfectly, with the song being penned on the recently reclaimed K'gari (Fraser Island).
Image © Laura Dashkovsky
With a cheeky grin, he announced: "Time to bring out the banjo," inviting the audience to join him in reliving the magic of his time on the island. Extending from his own experience, Rudd interlaced themes of Indigenous history, environmentalism, and the natural world, crafting powerful audible landscapes that serve as both a reflection of the past and a beacon for the future.
With creative talent coursing through the Rudd bloodline, Rudd proudly announced a momentous occasion of sharing the stage for the first time with his son, Finojet Rudd, who forms one-quarter of the night's support act, Calypso Cora. Excitement exuded Xavier, as he revealed he recorded their whole performance, marking their fifth live appearance since their debut.
Calypso Cora's irresistible sound captivated the spirit of good vibes, marrying sun-kissed strums with surf, indie-pop melodies. Earmarking their undeniable talent as ones to keep tabs on, especially within the triple j community.
The night continued with both young and old perched on shoulders, while others raised wine bottles to the sky, Rudd himself embracing the moment, taking a direct sip from his bottle, embodying the essence of unrestrained celebration.
The much-anticipated track 'Follow The Sun' brought the crowd together, reminding us to cherish every breath. However, it was undeniable that the crown jewel in Rudd's repertoire, 'Spirit Bird', surpassed all else, with the song's inception giving some insight into its earth-shattering power.
In an interview on Rudd's YouTube channel, he speaks of his time in the Kimberley: "I don't know how to explain this moment," he expresses, trying to find the words.
"I came across a red-tailed black cockatoo, which embodied the spirit of an old woman. She started to squawk, creak, and groan. As she looked right through me, visions started rushing in. Faces, places, and things that I hadn't seen," he recalls.
"It was an overload of information in my mind, my heart, and my whole being. Later that day I wrote the start of 'Spirit Bird' in the sand."
In a collection of 25 bird calls included in the harmony, the crowd added to the spine-tingling energy, chanting in unison the unpublished, undefined lyric: "Emanayo / Hey Mana yo / Umana yo." (With my three hours of research leaving the mystery of the chant unanswered, I settled for understanding the feeling of this brain-altering lyric and respecting the sacredness it must hold for Rudd to remain unexplained.)
As eyes closed down, grins stretched across our faces, and tears poured down our cheeks all in awe of the magic that we felt, Rudd pulled the heartstrings again with the surprise inclusion of a lyrics bar from 'Shame':
Stand strong, keep the fire burning.
And stick together, gotta keep the wheels turning.
We're forcing companies to stand aside.
Forcing government to recognise the power of this drive.
In one of his final impactful moments, his dedication of 'Breeze' to the Prison and land we met today, asking us to help him shine a light on what had been a place of great pain, for not only them but the people they hurt. A message ringing true of the crusade that Rudd carries close to his heart and our in return.
As we streamed out into the night, it was clear Rudd's influence extends far beyond his music. His unwavering authenticity embodies the essence of living in harmony with nature and staying true to oneself, inspiring countless souls to embrace their truth and forge their unique paths.
Through his steadfast dedication to follow his heart, stay true to his convictions, and refine his artistry over his 30-year career, Rudd has emerged as an icon for the free spirits, revellers of Mother Earth's beauty, and those seeking liberation from the shackles of Western capitalism.
A message that will continue to resonate deeply, touching the hearts of individuals from all walks of life for many years to come.
