Triple Threat - The Church, Devo and Simple Minds live at The Palais Theatre

Band: Simple Minds with The Church and Devo
Venue: The Palais Theatre
Date: Friday November 30th, 2012
Reviewed By: Espylyn

 

The Church opened the night with a half hour performance of classic hits and a solid crowd came out for our Aussie favourite’s. I did hear people around me say they were here to hear Under The Milky Way for the first time ever, so it just proves how a song has melted into the hearts over such a lengthy time.

The next band on are Devo, and I must add the stage was transformed in record time, and by now the theatre was warming up. Devo hats and punters dressed in Devo themed outfits stole the night and remained a talking point for many. Roughly fifteen songs fit the bill tonight in one hour and the crowd was not disappointed. We Are Not Men got the crowd up in their seats as the lights behind stage added the words ‘We Are Devo’. A tremendous light show tonight for Devo throughout the set, together with outfit changes, hat throwing and the classic hit Whip It that tore through the crowd. Devo Corporate Anthem finished the night and had the crowd pumped for the headline act. I feel the Devotees went home happy tonight.

Simple Minds came out through a tone of smoke and Jim Kerr’s voice was drowned by the instruments. Put this together with one extremely warm room (due to the night outside) and it just didn’t sit right. I heard punters complaining and eventually Kerr’s vocals were lifted towards the end and you could hear him over the music. Maybe the technicians need their ears cleaned as listening to a show where you strain to hear the vocals isn’t pleasant, especially with a band like Simple Minds. I do add that many punters seemed not to notice and remained pumped throughout the set.

I Travel started the night and had most people up dancing and Love Song fuelled more sparks on the fire and pushed the sound barrier. Around, Don’t You Forget About Me, the music was feeling the strain of being way too loud. I noticed many people leave their seats and although I could see management speak to the technicians, nothing was done for a few more songs by the technicians, and then, finally, Kerr’s vocals could be heard. Sanctify Yourself had just under three thousand people dancing and then the night ended on Alive and Kicking. As Australia was the first country to embrace the band, Jim Kerr said he felt blessed to be playing here again. Other songs tonight are This Fear of Gods, The American, Celebrate, Promised You A Miracle and Waterfront.

Both Devo and Simple Mind’s sets are recorded tonight for collection straight after the show, a great idea!