4 November 2023 – Festival Hall, Melbourne – words by Harry Leithhead – pictures by Nicole Smith-Walker
On Saturday night The Living End celebrated the 25th anniversary of their massively succesful self-titled debut album with a one-off Melbourne show at Festival Hall, playing the album in its entirety alongside other hits. It was an energetic, fantastic sounding gig that shows these guys haven’t missed a step, as their punk, rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly styles collide for a massive night.
L-R Belair Lipbombs – Area 7 – Festival Hall – photos by Nicole Smith-Walker
The Belair Lip Bombs and Area 7 got the sold out crowd warmed up brilliantly. I’ve never seen a band enjoy themselves on stage as much as local ska legends Area 7 did during their set. However, once the main act arrived the crowd kicked into the next gear, jumping and moving as one for the entire 2-hour set. The Living End kicked off with some hits from other albums, including ‘Roll On’ and the chant that goes with it. Frontman Chris Cheney’s vocals initially were heard to hear, drowned out by his razor-sharp guitar. Thankfully, it was quickly and subtly fixed and the sound was excellent for the rest of the night.
After a few songs, a small clip played, winding back the clock to 1997 when The Living End released their EP ‘Second Solution/Prisoner of Society’ and it’s lead in to their debut album. Cheney asks, ‘are you ready to blow the roof off this fucking joint?’ before storming into ‘Prisoner of Society’, played with incredible speed and energy. As they make their way through the 14-track album, there are plenty of highlights. Bassist Scott Owen climbs onto his signature double bass and plays it from above. A few songs later, I witnessed the coolest image of my life when Owen leant back while playing, and Cheney climbed up onto the double bass to tear into a solo. Pure rock. Flames erupt around the band during the chorus of ‘Bloody Mary’, while the horn section of Area 7 returned to play ‘Trapped’ with the band. ‘Second Solution’, ‘West End Riot’, ‘All Torn Down’ and instrumental final album track ‘Closing In’ rounded out the highlights of the album.
The Living End – Festival Hall – photos by Nicole Smith-Walker
Drummer Andy Strachan and Owen lock in and are a dominating rhythm section, with drum beats I can still feel in my chest. On top of this, Cheney shows why he is considered one of Australia’s best guitarists. He is truly incredible, switching styles with ease and recreating the album’s best solos with pinpoint accuracy, all while singing and running around the stage, working up a real sweat. “Rock ‘n’ roll keeps you young ladies and gentlemen” he pants halfway through the night. He’s right, as he didn’t show signs of slowing down once.
Following the album, the band returned for a five song encore, beginning with an acoustic ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’. They then tear into ‘How Do We Know’, my personal favourite song by the band (something I consider myself very lucky to have seen live and be a part of). Following an extended jam, ‘White Noise’ sends the crowd into a frenzy, with its huge call-and-response chorus attempting to blow the roof off Festival Hall, before rounding out the night with ‘Uncle Harry’, fire and confetti all around as the celebrations came to an end. The band were thankful and grateful to all who had helped them get to this moment, and they absolutely delivered. Here’s to the next 25 years of The Living End, because they proved that their hits are timeless, and they can still put on a rock show up there with the very best of them! Roll on!
