10 May 2024 – Flamingos, Rockhampton – words and pictures by Brad Fry
Flamingo’s was a nightclub in Rockhampton that was a popular venue on the Rockhampton nightlife scene for most of the 80’s and 90’s (in-fact I am pretty sure I had an uncle that was a bouncer there). Changing demographics led to a name change and different visions for the venue left it a little lost in the hazer. 2024 saw the original Flamingo’s name bounce back and, along with it, a slew of live music announcements.
As if to underline their return, Flamingos have bought to Rockhampton The Rubens as part of their Black Ballroom Tour! Bringing Sunshine Coast 4 piece Betty Taylor along in support as well as giving Rockhampton band MATH (Maddie And The Hoopers) some stage time, a night of top shelf music was set to rock Rocky! Flamingo’s is quite a cavernous club with balconies on either side of the tightly packed stage and large dance floor. I could feel the ghosts of 80’s and 90’s fashion roaming the halls as sound check was underway. As the doors opened and the punters poured in you could tell that this was going to be a busy night and ,with no photo pit, finding space was going to be quite the mission (I was not wrong). Opening act MATH took to the stage and we were underway!
I have seen and photographed MATH a number of times and they never disappoint. The three Hooper brothers , Clay (lead guitar), Dylan (bass guitar) and Sam (drums) have the tightness of a band that have grown up playing together (literally). Vocalist, Maddi McDonald, has a voice and stage presence worthy of any main stage out there! An addition to the MATH line up tonight up was Angelo Conway, who, is a talented musician in his own right with his band, The Shortfall. His inclusion tonight will be an incredible addition to already stacked MATH band. Stoked to be able to do a set of their original music (plus one sneaky cover) MATH jumped straight into it with their first two songs ‘Baby, We’re On Fire’ followed closely by ‘Be Loved’ which are both filled with emotive lyrics and ridiculosly catchy instrumental prowess.
MATH – Flamingos – photos by Brad Fry
The sneaky cover MATH snuck into their set was ‘Still Into You’ (by Paramore… obviously) and it was a popular choice both amongst punters and the band as everybody in the room was dancing and singing along. The heartfelt duet, ‘Honest’, was the next song to wash across the room. The original version of this song features Zeek Power and his parts tonight were handeled impeccably By Angelo Conway (all the while handling rhythm guitar duties). The up tempo ‘Break My Heart’ had all in attendance dancing and you could tell the band were having a great time. ‘Control’ and the soon to be released ‘Under My Skin’ rounded out MATH’s set and they were met with adulation from the Rocky locals. There is a lot to love about MATH. From their songs, to their stage presence to the people they are. They are the real deal and you need to check them out!
Betty Taylor are a four piece band from the Sunshine Coast. The band is made up of members Sophie Patrick (vocals and guitar) Claire Chittick (bass) Katie Ishaque (drums) and Kayla Smart (lead guitar).
Man! I feel Like a Woman played as the band walked on to the stage and the vibe was cranked right up! Glitter was the first song from Betty Taylor and it set the scene perfectly for what was to come for the rest of the show… tight rhythms, amazing harmonies and bright leads intertwined with soulful lyrics. Coming Back and Hold were met with enthusiasm from the crowd and as vocalist Sophie Patrick took a stroll on the tables that lined the front of the stage (in lieu of a baracde) those up front went wild!
Betty Taylor – Flamingos – photos by Brad Fry
‘Fuck You’ really struck a chord with the crowd and the song had them all in great voice. Hollow was up next and I was taken by just how effortless the performance looked. One could be mistaken for thinking you were watching a band with many more years of touring under their belts. ‘Can’t Get Enough’ was the next song to greet us and I know that all of us in the room resonated with the songs title in relation to how we all felt about Betty Taylor. ‘Set Alight’ was the next song to be devoured by the crowd before the 2022 single ‘Stallin’ wrapped up the set.
Betty Taylor are effortlessly breezy and a joy to watch perform. Their music is haunting, hooky and their harmonies are like nothing I have ever heard! I could listen to Betty Taylor all day and I am glad to have had the pleasure of seeing them perform. On a side noteI think I need to come clear here. In a discussion with the band prior to the show they mentioned it was beef week in Rockhampton. I had to admit that I was, one, from Gladstone and two, a vegetarian. I said that I wasn’t sure if it was illegal to be a vego in Rocky during beef week. They told me that my secret was safe with them and it was… until now haha. Great music, great people and a vault for secrets such as mine. “I owe you my freedom Betty Taylor” he yelled as he headed south on the Bruce Highway into the night.
The time had come for The Rubens to take the stage. The locals had crowded the stage from all sides and the balconies were full, as too, were some of the staircases. Large cheers erupted from the crowd as the band casually took their places and launched into their set. The first song was ‘Heavy Weather’ from 2020 and it was met with cheers and (what would be a constant request from one particular punter) cries of “do a shoey”. Now to his credit, front man Sam Margin, held out way longer than I would have but at one point he told him “I’m not doing a fucking shoey”. His comment was met with laughs from the crowd. ‘God Forgot’ had the crowd singing and although released in 2018 nobody had forgotten any of the songs lyrics. ‘Pets and Drugs’, ‘My Gun’ and ‘Good Mood’ were rattled off in quick succession and it showcased how game fit the Rubens are.
The Rubens – Flamingos – photos by Brad Fry
Scott Baldwin on drums made his presence known from the back of the stage as his low end partner, bass player William Zeglis, literally had the bass amp rocking (how the beer on top never fell is a mystery to me). Isaac Margin was at one with his Fender Mustang and was flawless throughout the entire set while brother Elliott on keys added welcome dynamic elements to the performance. A cool touch to the show was the inclusion of Auslan interpreter Sam. I haven’t seen this happen at any local show and I hope that it becomes a regular thing. The haunting humming of ‘Freakout’ signalled the start of choral singing from the crowd and it continued into ‘Thank You’. ‘Liquid Gold’s drum beat intro got the crowd up and moving again and when singing the La La sections there was nothing but smiles as far as the eye could see.
The Rubens – Flamingos – photos by Brad Fry
‘Man in Motion’ was followed by The Rubens latest release ‘Black Balloon’ and it went over a treat! ‘Hallelujah’, ‘Lay it Down’ and ‘Muddy Evil Pain’ closed out the set and the band left the stage. Nobody was leaving and “one more song” echoed around the room. Taking the stage again the band launched into ‘Hoops’ and the crowd lost their mind! The final song was ‘Masterpiece’ and what a fitting choice! This set was just that! Wide ranging, dynamic and performed seamlessly. Sam made mention of how important supporting live music is and encouraged all in attendence to support bands like MATH and Betty Taylor so that they can make it a career just like The Rubens have done. A masterclass in musicianship was on display in Rockhampton tonight and I hope we see The Rubens again soon!
The venue was packed and the music was impeccable! A night that will remain in the Rockhampton crowd’s memories for a long time! Thank you to MATH, Betty Taylor and The Rubens!
