20 June 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay – words and pictures by Brad Fry
Thursday night saw the soundscape of Mackay electrified by Regurgitator’s highly anticipated performance at the Seabreeze Hotel as a part of their “It’s So Invasive” tour. The band, known for their genre-defying style and energetic shows, did not disappoint the enthusiastic crowd that filled the venue. Party Dozen were there on support who added extra excitement to the already hyped room. I’d made my way up the Bruised Highway (Bruce Highway really but, given some of the road conditions, Bruised seems way more fitting) and was as keen as the rest of the room to see “The Gurge” do what they do best!
Drums, vocals, saxophone… that’s it?…What! Party Dozen are a duo that pack a punch! I’m not really sure what I expected but it was not this (and I mean that in the best way possible). Jonathon Boulet (drums) and Kirsty Tickle (saxophone and vocals) took to the stage and from the first song had the punters mesmerised! Party dozen tore through their set with incredible energy and amazing musicianship. Their set was made up of songs, ‘The Worker’, ‘Wake In Might’, ‘Sports’, ‘Big Quit’, ‘Fruits Of Labour’, ‘Macca’, ‘Party Dozen’, ‘Money & Drugs’ and ‘Iron Boot’. As they played their songs the stage craft from both members was front and centre with Boulet dishing out a drum performance worthy of any main stage and Tickle covering every inch of the stage all the while wielding her saxophone like the true performer she is. I loved the sound the duo bought to the room and have never seen a pedalboard for a Saxophone so large! The unique use of the saxophone’s wireless mic as the vocal mic was incredible and gave the vocals a real edge! I dare not try to suggest a genre in describing the power duo (or fear of getting it wrong ) but Party Dozen need to be on your list of artists to see. They are audaciously different and a joy to experience!
Party Dozen – The Seabreeze Hotel – photos by Brad Fry
As the lights kicked in and the funky riff of “Track One” reverberated through the room, the audience erupted in cheers. Regurgitator was here and Mackay was hyped! The opener set the tone for the night, showcasing the band’s signature blend of punk, rock, and electronic elements. Quan Yeomans and Ben Ely, the dynamic duo at the heart of Regurgitator, were in top form, their chemistry palpable as they traded vocals and riffs with infectious energy. Drum duties were handled impeccably by Pete Kostic (drummer for Front End Loader too). The setlist (twenty-six songs by the way) was mix of fan favourites and new tracks from their latest album. I won’t run through all the songs but imagine your dream “Gurge” set…I’ll wait. Done? Well, this was it! What about… yup, oh did they play… they did, did they do… yeah and it was so good (you get the idea). The set was just hit after hit after hit and the crowd was loving it!
Regurgitator – The Seabreeze Hotel – photos by Brad Fry
Midway through the show, saw an outfit change from the band and prior to them leaving the stage, Ely assured the crowd that they would be back and to not go anywhere. The break giving the audience a moment to catch their breath and a chance to refresh by getting another beverage or two. Once back on stage, Regurgitator picked up right where they left off as did the crowd!
Visually, the performance was a feast for the eyes. The stage (while tightly packed) was vibrant, with laser projections coming from each side. The evening was nothing but highlights be it the set list, the band interaction, the crowd interaction, the sound, the lighting and the list goes on. Ely lamented that it had been too long since they spent an evening in Mackay with the “exotic northerners” that had come to the show. Before long the crowd was chanting for one more song and Regurgitator obliged with ‘Blubber Boy’, still as popular as it was in 1995.
Regurgitator – The Seabreeze Hotel – photos by Brad Fry
Regurgitator’s performance in Mackay was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of their enduring appeal and innovative spirit. Their ability to blend humour, social commentary, and diverse musical influences into a cohesive, exhilarating live experience is a testament to their status as one of Australia’s most beloved bands. I will tell you what I will take away from the night though and it was not on stage. Prior to the show starting I was eating my pizza in the public bar and not to far from me were Reguritator’s rhythm section Ben Ely and Pete Kostic talking and laughing like any of the locals would. To me, that is why they endure. They are real people that just happen to make unreal music. Time to head back home to Gladstone… I drove a lot of k’s to get where I am (wink).
