Those good old music days are back!
Reviewed at The GC on 22 February 2019
Presented by Rob Pippan Productions
Stalwart of the Australian rock scene, Beeb Birtles enjoys returning to Adelaide to play to an adoring, home-town audience. Last night was no exception, with the Dom Polski Centre packed with every baby-boomer in the metro area! Judging by some of the shouts from the gallery, there were more than a few who had seen Zoot “back in the day”. This sense added to the warmth and bonhomie that was already evident on stage.
Known for his work with Zoot, Little River Band, and their predecessor, Mississippi, Birtles is a skilled guitarist, songwriter and singer, whose career longevity is testament to his professionalism.
That professionalism was in evidence before he even took to the stage: the show opened with a clip of the Monkees performing Daydream Believer, as a tribute to their bassist, Peter Tork, who had just passed away. Needless to say, the whole place sang along, misty-eyed.
Birtles was joined on stage by a line-up of excellent musicians and singers, who presented songs from the canon in tight, punchy arrangements, that still didn’t stray far from the originals: Reminiscing, Happy Anniversary, Eleanor Rigby: they were all present and accounted for. The back screen constantly projected images from Birtles’s remarkable career and life. Someone remarked that “this is all part of our cultural heritage”. It was also just damn fine music.
Still in great form vocally and instrumentally, Beeb Birtles is a national treasure.
Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
Twitter: @TraceyKorsten
Venue: Season Finished
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