Review: Grinspoon at Astor Theatre

Grinspoon at Astor Theatre
w/ Private Function, Cupid & The Stupids
Friday, November 24, 2023

Renowned Australian rockers Grinspoon successfully concluded their Easy Detention national tour with two sold-out performances at Astor Theatre in Perth. The tour, which celebrated the iconic albums Easy (1999) and New Detention (2002), featured the first-ever vinyl pressings of both records available for purchase online and at the merchandise stand, alongside other collectibles. The tour spanned various locations across the country and received support from the anarchic Private Function and the vivacious Cupid & The Stupids.

Astor Theatre welcomed a diverse crowd spanning all ages. Preceding the show, a lively youngster, clad in the newest Grinspoon merchandise and sporting flashing sneakers, energetically traversed the empty theatre floor. Accompanied by his dedicated ‘Grinners’ enthusiast father, both were adorned with lanyards and VIP laminates, attesting to their secured passes for an exclusive meet-and-greet with the band. The audience showcased a mix of tastes through a variety of Grinspoon shirts from different eras and occasional metal band attire, highlighting the broad appeal of Grinspoon's heavy rock sound to fans, both seasoned and new.

Cupid & The Stupids from Byron Bay kicked off the night, showcasing their vibrant rock style. They playfully warmed up with the intro riff from Eye of the Tiger before offering a thoughtful nod to the Aboriginal land hosting their set. Launching into their performance with an infectious bop, the band brought a sense of Broadway, seamlessly blending singer JuJu’s tap-dancing finesse, tambourines, sequins, and sharp fashion choices alongside a dynamic mix of guitars and drums. Drummer, Sweet Lou, effortlessly pulled off the sunglasses-on-stage look, hitting the beats with undeniable force. Known for crafting irresistibly catchy rock tunes, Cupid & The Stupids also brought a touch of tasteful aesthetics to the stage. As celebratory drinks flowed during their final tour song, band members swapped duties, culminating in a memorable embrace between Jimmy and Paris within the confines of a single guitar strap. The room was alive and mostly packed midway through their set.

Melbourne’s Private Function then set the stage with electronic stabs and unsettling synth sounds that captured the audience's attention. Fresh off an ARIA nomination, they kicked off with Don't Wanna Go Out on the Weekend. Known for their unconventional, world-first feat of incorporating their own urine into a vinyl pressing, the band lived up to their reputation. The performance, led energetically by frontman Chris Penney, was animated despite a short mic lead limiting his theatrics early in the set. Penney, with unyielding fervour, embodied a Casey Chaos persona, delivering a show filled with humour and tireless intensity. The punk rockers showcased some catchy riffs courtesy of guitarists Anthony Biancofiore and Lauren Hester while belting out fan favourites including No Hat No Play, General Mr. Meaner, Dial Before You Dig, and the ever-playful Passion Pop.

In the midst of it all, Grabbing My Butt featured the expected duet between Penney and bassist Milla Holland, with Penney humorously baring his hairy crack and grabbing his own butt for all to see. The sound engineer would have needed some extra Glen 20 for the mics Penney handled during the set!

The outfit showcased their trademark “zero fucks to give” attitude, wrapping up with their rendition of Coldplay's Yellow as Penney mingled in the audience. It wouldn’t have been a Private Function set without a few sneaky joints being passed around by audience members. Private Function concluded a chaotic performance that is best described as an NRL gronk on a substance-fuelled premiership-winning bender, bolting naked down Darlinghurst Rd, covered in vomit with handcuffs dangling off a single arm, as embarrassed cops flail in their frantic attempts to apprehend Australia’s most-wanted turbo bogan. With the vibe peaking for the headline act, to say that the audience was entertained would be a drastic understatement.

At last, the highly anticipated moment arrived as Grinspoon took the spotlight. Animated tour graphics heightened the anticipation as the excited crowd could catch glimpses of each band member stepping onto the stage through the illuminated screen.

The set kicked off with a perfectly engineered mix and dazzling light show, setting the stage for an electric start with Anyday Anyhow. Frontman Phil Jamieson, donned in trademark shades, effortlessly worked the crowd into a frenzy, while guitarist Pat Davern riffed away beneath his distinctive wide-brimmed hat.

Despite the band members being in their mid-40s, there was no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. Joe Hansen's nimble performance during Lost Control and American Party Bomb proved the enduring energy of these Aussie rock legends.

Rock Show saw Pat Davern deliver an extended intro with ambient clean channel effects, complemented by Jamieson's energetically flawless crisp vocals and Davern's beautiful high harmony backup.

After a scintillating commencement to the set, Jamieson took some time to engage with the exuberant crowd while questioning, “Are you motherfucking ready?” as the band erupted into Ready 1, showcasing drummer Kristian Hopes’ driving force as a seriously hard hitter.

The mesmerising light show elevated Tang, a deeper cut that saw Jamieson joining Davern on guitar and resonating with the well-liquored audience. As grey-haired, sweaty men emerged from the mosh pit to tell their mates, “That was fucken sick,” waving arms and bopping bodies danced while singing along to No Reason. Seeing the union of Jamieson, Davern and Hansen surrounding Hopes on the drum riser tugged on the heartstrings, speaking to the bond Grinspoon has shared since 1995.

If there’s an act that can get away with no banter between a few songs, it’s Grinspoon. The crowd well and truly filled the void with various exclamations and hardy approbations for Aussie and international rock royalty.

Violent and Lazy was a welcome inclusion in the set, with the audience also appreciating the lower tunings of heavier numbers in Better Off Dead and Secrets, which saw some head banging in the crowd. Boltcutter maintained the energy levels before Pat Davern’s reverb effects extended his gentle guitar intro seamlessly into Chemical Heart. One of the band’s biggest hits, the track finished to roars and delighted screams of appreciation!

After Jamieson expressed gratitude to the crowd, support acts, tech crew, and venue staff, the band transitioned into 1000 Miles, paving the way for the much-anticipated instrumental Overdriver. Davern and Hansen took centre stage, rocking out alongside Hopes and captivating the audience. Unbeknownst to many, Jamieson had quietly made his way to the back of the venue for a poignant rendition of their INXS cover, Don’t Change. Stepping into the spotlight, Soph Ozard, a vocalist and keyboardist for Cupid & The Stupids, exhibited her musical prowess by seamlessly joining Jamieson and contributing her mellifluous voice to the moving number. With a history of touring alongside Jamieson solo and sharing the stage in the past, this performance added yet another noteworthy chapter to their collaborative journey.

Attention reverted to the stage for Better Off Alone, where Jamieson had returned, acoustic guitar in hand. The pace intensified as the band launched into Hard Act to Follow, setting the stage for a nostalgic interlude. Jamieson paused to reminisce about cherished memories of the 2002 Big Day Out Festival. The whole crowd could see where Jamieson was leading with his train of thought as the band dove headfirst into 1997 Guide to Better Living classic DCX3, with the entire Astor Theatre erupting into full 90s fervour! While on theme, the band continued with hit single off the same album, Just Ace, which had even the most knackered of fans bopping along for what felt like the closing song of the set. An encore then ensued, to the surprise of absolutely no one!

Jamieson injected further humour, jesting about dedicating the next song to those enjoying their time “sipping champagne and munching on caviar" in the upstairs seating rather than joining the mosh pit chaos. Hansen seized the spotlight, leading the charge, as Jamieson then posed an anticipated question the audience had been waiting for all night: “So, you wanna be a champion?" The response was resounding as the mosh pit transformed into a sea of heaving bodies, all moshing in sync to some of Davern's and Hansen’s best-ever riffs. The final beat of Champion resonated with the elation of a crowd that had just rocked out to a favourite song.

In a climactic conclusion, Grinspoon bid a celebratory farewell to Perth, marking the end of an incredible tour with the dynamic anthem More Than You Are as Astor Theatre burst into life with red confetti cannons showering the mosh pit in a vibrant display.

It was a truly unforgettable night for Grinspoon fans, young and old, new and seasoned. The band’s sound is a testament to their timeless appeal, drawing a diverse crowd that spanned generations. Diehard fans, who've been there from the beginning and now find themselves in their 50s, brought along their rock-loving twenty-something-year-old offspring, creating a truly dynamic audience.

Perth eagerly anticipates the band's return, ready to embrace them once again with open arms! We love you, Grinners!

ANDY JONES

Photos by Paul Dowd