Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Friday 21 June 2024, Woodville Town Hall, South Australia
Friday night, the historic (and well detailed) Woodville Town Hall was packed to the back row with keen fans and excitement as Southern Sons, featuring the legendary Jack Jones, took the stage for a night of nostalgia, new stuff and rock ‘n’ roll. As a long-time fan, I was pumped to attend and can confidently say it was a night to remember. After seeing Jack open for Tina Arena earlier this year at Her Majesty’s Theatre, I was keen as to experience a full show. So let’s do a review…
Walking Down Memory Lane
From the moment the band hit the first chord, the audience was whisked back to the late ’80s and early ’90s when Southern Sons first captured our hearts and ears. Jack Jones, with his unmistakable smooth voice and charismatic stage presence, led us through a setlist that was both a tribute to their greatest hits, plus a couple of newbies that definitely hit a chord, the night was a showcase of their enduring talent.
The Venue: Woodville Town Hall
Woodville Town Hall proved to be the perfect venue for this intimate yet electric concert. Visually theatre is immaculately detailed, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. The hall’s architectural charm added a touch of nostalgia, making it an ideal setting for a band that defined a generation.
Setlist Highlights
The song selection was faultless, we got the hits ‘Always and Forever’, instantly igniting the crowd. From there, it was a seamless journey through their classics like ‘Hold Me in Your Arms’ and ‘Lead Me To Water’, ‘Waiting For The Train’ & ‘Heart In Danger’. Each song was met with enthusiastic sing-alongs, proving that Southern Sons’ music is as beloved today as it was decades ago.
One of the night’s highlights was an acoustic rendition of ‘You Were There’, Jones’ voice, paired with the stripped-back arrangement, created a poignant and memorable moment that had the audience swaying in unison. BUT, when he rocked our John Farnham’s ‘Burn For You’ complete with a ‘regretful’ backstory, with the upmost and full respect, Jack made it his own.
Jack Jones: A Master Showman
Jack Jones was undoubtedly the star of the show. His vocal performance was flawless, effortlessly hitting high notes and delivering powerful ballads with emotion and precision. Between songs, Jones charmed the audience with anecdotes and heartfelt thank-yous, expressing his gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support over the years. I’ve said it in a previous review (And Jack doesn’t mind me saying), ‘he talks, a lot’… And there are NO complaints from anyone, if anything the relevant banter and wandering tangents only endear us closer to him as an artist and human and making each song more engaging. Jack’s comfortability on stage is rewarding for us an an audience to watch, he is a master of his guitar, his voice and his energy.
The Band’s Chemistry
It was evident that the band members share a deep bond, and their chemistry on stage was real. The tight musicianship and seamless harmonies showcased their professionalism and passion for performing. Special mention must go to Peter ‘Reggie’ Bowman on Guitar (and vocals), whose solos were both technically impressive and soul-stirring. Geoff Cain on Bass is dynamite and enjoyable to watch and listen to. Pete Drummond’s swagger on drums is manic and wild, his exceptional and delivery is perfection. He owned the room on a VERY impressive solo that tore the roof of the beloved venue.
A Night to Remember
As the night drew to a close with an encore of three songs (Including previously mentioned ‘You Were There and ‘Burn For You’) the audience was on their feet, cheering and clapping for more. It was a fitting end to a concert that celebrated the enduring legacy of Southern Sons and the undeniable talent of Jack Jones.
For fans of Southern Sons, or anyone who appreciates classic rock with heart and soul, this show was an absolute treat. The 2024 Adelaide show at Woodville Town Hall reminded us why we fell in love with Southern Sons in the first place and left us eagerly anticipating their next performance.
So, if you have the chance to see Southern Sons featuring Jack Jones, don’t miss it. I have a VERY strong feeling they’ll be back sooner than later. And, heck yes, I’ll be there!
FIVE STARS to this Legendary Australian Music Band that ‘Always and Ever’ has my heart.
