Monday, December 6, 2010

Blondie and The Pretenders

Band: Blondie, The Pretenders
Date: 2nd & 4th December
Reviewed By: Espylyn

I couldn't decide which show to review so I thought I'd kind of sum them both up, but lets make two things clear, the DOTG show was the better and wearing homy ped on stage isn't cool when you're a rock queen. Okay, so now that that is out there where do I begin.

Adalita was the support but I didn't really catch either of her shows but I'm kinda glad I didn't as I only heard bad reviews, I wasn't sure how that could be possible for a rock chick like Adalita so lets not touch that part of the review and lets move on to the two main acts.

The Pretenders showed us they still have got it, well, Chrissie Hynde showed us that at the age of 59 and with years of yoga behind you, we can all be doing high kicks and groovy dance moves without being breathless. The band performed many hits and barely any misses in a set that left us all wanting more of Hynde and crew. Hynde has been the only constant member of The Pretenders and this band has had major influence for the music world since the humble beginnings. Kudos to the band for showing us how to rock out.

Next up at the Palais Theatre is a fine old band, and a 65 year young Debbie Harris took charge of the stage with charm and style allowing the erupting fans to look in envy at her energy and beautiful demeanor and I'm sure all females were hoping that they'd act that young when they hit her age (or Hynde's). Lots of instrument solos where Harry would kind of dance side of stage and and only a few people in the audience were dancing throughout the set which was weird. Harry did get the punters up and dancing towards the end. A plethora of music from the old songs and the new songs. DOTG was the better of the gigs for Blondie, the crowd were up and dancing from woe to go and getting into the day with much more enthusiasm but naturally with alcohol being involved, that will always play a large contender with how the crowd is going to react. Both gigs had the same songs, Call Me in both shows was the failure, I thought Harry had lost the plot as the song seemed to fall in a heap with no oomph and no sign of Harry looking like she was with us. But fear not, every other song was amazing, Heart of Glass to Rapture, Atomic War, One Way and Hanging on the Telephone. Harry came out wearing a skirt but soon ripped it off to reveal short shorts with her homy ped style shoes! Fabulous legs I must add. Chris Stein, Clem Burke, Jimmi Destri and co all presented themselves with pure indulgence and made the show a fantastic experience.

Very happy to say I've seen some legend rock bands in different venues, and thankfully the Melbourne weather held off to give us a sunny day for the green.

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