Entertainment

Jon Stevens Gives Adelaide His Best

By Darren Hassan

Posted on February 20, 2018

Emerging from the land of the long white cloud… Thursday February 15th saw Jon Stevens commence his best of tour at the Gov in Adelaide to a packed crowd joyfully reciting the lyrics to the many songs spanning his vast career including all the hits across the decades from INXS, The Dead Daisies, Jesus Christ Superstar, Noiseworks, and of course his self-titled releases for which he has worked with the likes of Dave Stewart, Slash, Ringo Starr, Orianthi, Ritchie Sambora and other greats. Backed by a tremendously talented team of musicians featuring rocking guitars, bass, keyboard / synths, drums and an amazing show put on by all, it was a gig not to be missed! The entire performance was action packed and without a dull moment. Jon Stevens put on an absolutely powerful show, with seemingly strenuous vocals coming out naturally as always for him, all in between misty fog from smoke machines and classic pub rock lighting to set the vibe.

First off opening the night and getting the crowd warmed up while punters were still pouring in was local act “Dino Jag” who performed a set of almost exclusively covers of hits across the ages, sometimes with a very unique spin or twist on them, he has a great playing style and incorporated some impressive harmonics at certain moments in amongst his fluent gliding across the guitar neck as if it were an extension of his own body. His ability at times to incorporate percussion elements by tapping on the hollow body of his dreadnought guitar body really added depth and flow to the rhythm and overall sound. It was very impressive for a one piece act, and seemed to be well received from the crowd which was consistently growing in size. Dino Jag played a lot of recognisable songs to rev the crowd up for big Jon, and certainly didn’t disappoint in getting everyone fired up in anticipation.

After moments of silence, and some minor setup, Jon Stevens’ band members casually poured out onto the stage before finally the big man himself strolled out contently with background music to suit. The show begun with a mood setting atmospheric introduction featuring smoke machines and haunting synth keyboards. It was an almost spooky experience, with eerie sounds which sounded as if partially from the past yet somehow new and insanely cool.

Even after all these years on Jon shows no sign of stopping or slowing down, with his booming voice being just as strong as ever.

On stage with Jon was a great crew of musos featuring shredding guitar solos by the one and only Sam Lervasi aka Sammy V whom Jon had previously worked with, most recently on his album “Woman”. Sam is an impressive guitarist to say the least, with incredible solos and rhythmic ability. He played a stunning BC Rich SG style electric guitar for most songs on the night with a number of spotlight moments allowing Jon’s voice to rest after those huge vocal strains after big choruses. Sam played a Maton dreadnought for the acoustic songs in the set to mix it up a bit too.

The bass guitar player was fantastic, armed with a five string Fender brand name electric bass. All the band were extremely professional and performed the songs perfectly to a tee. There were a couple of “jam”-esque moments which we’re really groovy, with Johnny Salerno bashing away on drums holding it all together.

Song highlights of the night included: Noiseworks hits such as Hot Chilli Woman, Take me Back and Reach Out as well as INXS numbers such as Don’t Change, and some moments of sheer instrumental power for the solo sections of Jon Stevens solo releases . The unity amongst the performers on stage was nothing less than incredible and inspiring.

I say the best is yet to come!

By Jonathan Matthews