Fresh from the recording studio and with a slew of successful shows, Sydney classic rockers Rose Tattoo joined punk veterans the Hard-Ons in their national tour, ‘Still Never Too Loud.’ Uniting to provide Adelaide with some ass-kicking tunes, these rock legends are a true testament to Australia’s great contribution to international rock.
An eclectic group of long-time fans and rockers of the new generation filled the back venue of The Gov. Microphones, guitars and a drumkit sat against a red backdrop, waiting to be thrashed by legendary Aussie rockers. To warm up the night, Adelaide-based band The Meatbeaters began their set with a swig of beer and plenty of attitude. Though they took a while to get into the rhythm, the crowd broke out in raised fists and head-banging as lead vocalist Stan’s seamless guitar riffs and raspy, charming voice filled the venue. Strumming seemed effortless for the rhythm guitarist’s fast, shredding fingers.
The Hard-Ons were up next, keeping the energy of the crowd going with their relentless punk-rocking. Some technical difficulties had frontman Keish De Silva struggling to be heard, but the band persevered with bassist Ray Ahn and guitarist Peter Blackie working hard to please the crowd. By the third song, Keish and his bandmates fired things up enough to lose their shirts as fans lost themselves in the music. Keish added to the fast-paced vibe of the guitar solos with his magnetic dance moves. By the time their set came to a close, a small mosh had formed and everyone was chanting along, primed for the next act.
When Rose Tattoo took to the stage, donned in black vests and artfully grungy tank tops, they were welcomed with impassioned cheers from the audience, which seemed to double in size. Mark Evans greeted the audience with his integral psychoacoustic bass riffs, while guitarists Bob Spencer and Dai Pritchard began the show with their famous guttural sounds. Angry Anderson’s commanding voice had everyone singing along from the very first line of their opening song, ‘One of the Boys.’
Rose Tattoo’s experience was on full display with their live performance replicating the quality of their studio recordings, showcasing an era of music that relied on pure instrumental talent and raw, real vocals. Anderson may have been a few drinks for the worse, but it didn’t stop him from interacting with his fans. After a near-tumble and a tangled microphone, a particularly gutsy fan took her opportunity to climb to the stage and plant a kiss on the frontman, who played it off with gentle assertiveness. Angry’s seasoned voice did not disappoint as beer glasses and Jack Daniels cans were raised high, along with fists and a chorus of fans screaming the lyrics back to him.
Rose Tattoo and The Hard-Ons will continue rocking punters at Perth’s Rock Rover tonight, along with cities around Australia throughout April and early May.
Find more photos here.
TOUR DATES
Saturday, 13 April 2019 – PERTH, Rock Rover
Tickets
Friday, 26 April 2019 – BRISBANE, The Triffid
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Saturday, 27 April 2019 – GOLD COAST, Coolangatta Hotel
Tickets
Friday, 3 May 2019 – CENTRAL COAST NSW, Ettalong Diggers
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Saturday, 4 May 2019 – NEWCASTLE, Cambridge Hotel
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Photos: Matt Pfeil
