21 December 2021 – The Outpost Brisbane – review by Kai Giovanni – photos by Bec Harbour
2021’s Everybody Loves album saw the emergence of Brisbane’s most iconic trio of rock legends, The Predators. Their 2021 singles ‘Lead The Way’ and ‘Taking Fire’ brought classic rock back into the forefront of the Brisbane Music Scene. With the modern scene’s large variety of hybridised and subversive musical genres, this return to blues scales and unadulterated rock gave The Predators the loud and powerful comeback they deserved.
So, with this new album, a successful launch show, and Christmas just around the corner, what more awesome event could there have been than a Christmas party with The Predators?
Taking place on the 15 December at The Outpost Bar, one of Brisbane’s more intimate stages, the night saw a fitting balance between old and new. A new addition to the local scene, Slowrip, opened the night, charming the venue with their ghostly sound and powerful stage presence. Brisbane’s own indie pop cowboy, Flamingo Blonde, then warmed the quickly-building audience up with his infectious on-stage grooves and retro stylings.
With the majority of the crowd being lovers of classic rock and arena shows, Slowrip and Flamingo Blonde were the perfect openers for the night’s festive spirit. Their modern flavours and danceable dynamics prepared the venue for a night of celebration and cheer, Predators-style. Before the headlining band even hit the stage, The Outpost saw an audience like never before – packed wall-to-wall with fervent fans and rock aficionados alike.
Massive cheer then broke the anticipatory silence, prompted by The Predators’ arrival. Their bright smiles mirrored the audience’s own, like old friends seeing each other for the first time in years – The Predators as happy to be there as the audience was to see them.
The members of The Predators slung on their instruments and went to work.
Just like the album that brought them back into the spotlight, ‘Wrong Side Of Down’ opened their set. Instantly, their powerful variety of rock tones and performance dynamics transformed the small venue into a arena spectacle.
Their set included a blend of old and new Predators tracks. With Pick Up the Pace classics like ‘High and Low’ and ‘Pick up the Pace’, both The Predators and their horde of onlookers were sent straight back to 2006. Between songs, Haug, Collins, and Bishop all frequently reminisced over their long-time friendship.
Whether a track from Pick Up the Pace or Everybody Loves, all Predators songs stood as instant classics, proven by the untiring dance and singalong of their devoted crowd. New tunes, ‘Say My Piece’, ‘When I was Young’, and ‘Taking Fire’, all demonstrated to Brisbane that classic rock never left, and is as new and rich as ever.
Throughout each rocking tune, each member was a master of their instrument; Haug effortlessly shredding solos, Collins posing a storm, Bishop displaying his iconic melodic multitasking, and Luke Peacock (of Halfway) finessing all instruments at his disposal.
After merrily sharing their Christmas festivities and family plans with the audience, full of parents and grandparents, The Predators closed the night with ‘Still my Friend’. From high school jams to big arena shows to now playing The Outpost, The Predators’ joy was clear on their faces – it’s been a long journey. From start to finish, these classic rockers played with childish glee and pure energy – mirrored by the crowd and their spirited cheer.
As someone who grew up on 90’s rock – Powderfinger and their contemporaries – this show sent me right back. After spending the past year experiencing the amazing musical variety of the Brisbane Music Scene, this return to classic rock left me reminiscing. Being able to experience The Predators, a trio of Brisbane rock legends, was a night to remember.
