11 July 2024 – Flamingos, Rockhampton – words and pictures by Brad Fry
Skegss are in town and Rockhampton is stoked! Flamingo’s nightclub, know colloquially as “the pink duck”, was hosting tonight’s show and excitement is high. Supported by Carla Geneve the night promised to be one of entertaining music and good times. Flamingo’s is just one stop on Skegss “So Far From Space Man”regional tour and the effort to get up our way was not lost on the Rockhampton locals. The pub next door to Flamingo’s was packed with punters which is always a good sign! Another good sign was a photo pit which has not existed at my previous visits to “The Pink Duck” so it’s appearance this time bought a big smile to this photographers face! Silhouettes of mic stands and guitar head stocks stood tall on stage in stoic silence. It’s nearly show time in Rockhampton and the excitement is electric!
Support act, Carla Geneve, delivered a live solo performance that left the audience mesmerized from the moment she took the stage. From the opening chords of her first song, it was clear that Geneve was in her happy place. Her humble stage presence combined with her commanding vocals drew everybody’s attention. Her vocals, rich and emotive, resonated through the venue, leaving no doubt about her immense talent. Each note was delivered with precision and heartfelt emotion, making every song feel like a story being shared individually with every member of the crowd.
Throughout the night, Geneve’s genuine interaction with the audience added a personal touch to the show. Her heartfelt gratitude and playful banter created a warm, inviting atmosphere, making the venue feel like an intimate gathering of friends. The crowd’s enthusiastic response was a testament to the strong connection she forged with all those in the attendance. Carla Geneve’s performance at Flamingos Rockhamptonwas a joy. Her powerful vocals, exceptional musicianship, and genuine connection with the audience made for an unforgettable experience.
The moment Skegss hit the stage, the place lit up. Flamingo’s was the perfect spot for their raw, unfiltered music. The crowd was immediately hooked! Everyone was singing along and bouncing around as soon as the band started playing.
Kicking off with ‘Space Man’ Skegss set the tone for an awesome night. Core band members Ben Reed’s gritty vocals and guitar work combined with Jonny Lani’s intense drumming and had the room buzzing. Bass duties on this tour were handled by Kelton (from heavy rock outfit Dead Crow) and he carried the responsibility impeccably! ‘Valhalla’ bought cheers from everyone in the venue and in-turn a satisfied smile to Reed’s face.
Skegss pumped out fan favourite song after fan favourite song with enthusiastic roars from the crowd on every first note. ‘Got on my Skateboard’, ‘Slayer’, ‘Under the Thunder’, ‘Save it for the weekend’ and ‘Infinity’ were delivered in quick succession to the insatiable Rocky locals. New song ‘Out of my Head’ was played and, given the reception it received, I can see it being a regular on a Skegss set list. ‘Paradise’ (from 2018’s album My Own Mess) made way for one of many highlights of the night. Carla Geneve returned to the stage to accompany Skegss in a cover of Tom Petty’s ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance’. Reed added harmonica to his list of duties for this one as Geneve and Kelton jammed away or their respective instruments and shared the mic on back up vocals. All the while Lani’s drums tied the song together beautifully.
Up in the clouds, Down to ride and Spring has sprung were the next songs to grace the ears of the locals. Cheers and roars of the crowd (a constant all night) were delivered back to the stage in quick succession. ‘LSD’ and ‘Stranger Days’ closed out the show. Nobody wanted to leave but eventually the crowd made their way back out into the night.
This show had a bit of everything from a stage diver, a stage invader and Kelton doing a shoey from a thong! The audience ence was “like a washing machine” one punter told me after the show. The performance was impeccable from both Skegss and Carla Geneve and the venue really did a great job in hosting/ handling the nights antics.
“The pink duck” had its feathers ruffled tonight in the best way possible! Skegss delivered a tight, energetic performance that had the crowd hooked from start to finish. Carla Geneve was a delight and delivered a powerful solo set. The Rocky locals displayed an excitement that only emerges from a show of this caliber. If you get the chance to catch the So Far From Space Man tour, don’t hesitate – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss! It was a night that encapsulated everything great about live music: connection, energy, and unforgettable moments. As I walked to my car, fans were hanging around, still elated from the show. Some were singing Skegss songs as they headed away. Skegss rule! Enough said!
