1 November 2024 – Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton – words and pictures by Brad Fry
Brad Cox brought his signature blend of country-rock swagger (and practically the kitchen sink) in a fully packed Mack Truck to Rockhampton’s iconic Great Western Hotel last night as part of his Everything I’ve Got tour. Known for its strong association with rodeo culture, the Great Western proved a fitting backdrop for Cox’s gritty storytelling and big-hearted ballads. Chris Bax and Proper True Yarn Podcast were on warm up duties for a night that promised to be nothing short of spectacular. Over 1000 fans packed into the Great Western Hotel for a night of magic that only an artist like Brad Cox can conjure.
Avid readers of The Live Wire Music Media have heard me sing the praises of Chris Bax and his killer band before and this time around will be no different. Every time I shoot these guys they seem to get better. Pub favourites (and original ‘Keep Running’) were performed impeccably and had the crowd singing and dancing in all areas of the venue. One punter whipped out their own harmonica and wailed away with the boys despite her timing being a little bit out. Chris Bax and his band are all impressive musicians and always deliver performances that are entertaining for all in attendance.
Chris Bax – Great Western Hotel – photos by Brad Fry
I have never shot a show with a podcast as an opening act so this was something very different and very cool. Proper True Yarn Podcast sat centre stage and promptly invited some of Brad’s closest mates to come onstage and deliver yarns about Brad to the punters. Proper True Yarn also invited anybody from the crowd to put their name on a list to present their own yarns. The crowd voted for who thought had the best yarn and, (spoiler alert) Poo in a pizza box won… you had to be there. There were laughs, gasps, claps and cheers from the audience and before we knew it was time for music!
Proper True Yarn Podcast – Great Western Hotel – photos by Brad Fry
The crowd buzzed with excitement beneath the venue’s expansive roof. Country music lovers from far and wide, clad in boots and hats, packed the space, beers in hand, waiting for the man of the hour. Considering the doors opened at five and Cox went on at nine, saying they were primed for a big night would be an understatement! As full as the crowd were, so too was the stage which was packed with an array of…… things! The obvious instruments were there, as were a number of plants, candles, a classic old cassette player and a bar (with functioning beer taps) were just some of the adornments that decorated the multiple levels of the stage.
Kicking off with ‘Silhouette’, Cox’s voice cut through the air with raw emotion, immediately connecting with the audience. His band, tight and polished, provided a rock-solid backdrop to his powerful vocals, with guitars and a thumping rhythm section perfectly complementing the mood. The song resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom were clearly fans of his straight-shooting lyrical style.
Brad Cox – Great Western Hotel – photos by Brad Fry
Brad Cox knows how to get a crowd moving! Cox’s infectious energy was impossible to resist, and even those new to his music found themselves swept up in the vibe. In between songs, Cox’s laid-back charm shone through in his banter with the audience. He told stories of life on the road, his love for the bush, and the real-life inspirations behind many of his songs. As the night went on, Cox delivered hit after hit, including fan favourites like ‘Short Lived Love’, ‘Acres’, ‘Beer & Fishing’, ‘Everything I’ve Got’ and on and on I could go. ‘Sparrow’ saw Sammy White take the stage and stun the crowd with her amazing vocals!
Interludes saw Cox walking around the stage like he was at home. Fixing himself drinks, dancing to jazz music and lighting a smoke all made the experience feel like we weren’t at a concert, but rather just over at Coxy’s for the night. A standout moment during a break was him passing a beer from the stage to members of the crowd with the aim of it reaching the sound guy at the back of the room. The precious cargo made it and all involved cheered with pride. ‘Give Me Tonight’ was the final song of the night which allowed Cox to showcase his emotional range. His voice, equal parts husky and tender, filled the room as the audience swayed and sang along, creating a communal feeling. Despite the concert atmosphere, there were several poignant moments where it felt like Cox was singing to each person individually. ‘Make a Life’ was performed as an encore and the night was finished but I am sure fans would be there now if Cox kept going.
Brad Cox – Great Western Hotel – photos by Brad Fry
Brad Cox’s performance at The Great Western Hotel was a testament to his star power. His ability to craft songs that feel both personal and universal, combined with his (and his bands) commanding stage presence, made for an unforgettable night. CQ’s country music fans were treated to a masterclass in storytelling, with Brad Cox proving once again why he’s one of the genre’s brightest talents.
If the Everything I’ve Got tour is coming to your town, don’t miss it—Brad Cox is the real deal!
