Review by Markus Hamence and Charmaine Jones – Performance date: Friday 18 October 2024
When two of Australia’s iconic voices share the stage, you get a ticket and GO! Superstars Live, featuring our 80’s and onwards music darlings Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens, was hands-down a spellbinding experience that whooshed the full-house audience at Adelaide’s Festival Theatre into a musical time warp of songs that we have deeply connected to during our winding years. Both artists have had (and still having) glittering & illustrious careers, and to see them perform together (again) was like witnessing a beautiful synergy of talent, charisma, celebration with sheer love for music.
The Dynamic Duo: A Match Made in Musical Heaven
Adelaide’s adopted daughter, Kate Ceberano, known for her powerhouse vocals and soulful depth, has been gracing Australian stages for decades. Her versatility is always on display – from jazz to pop, she has an effortless ability to adapt to any genre. Pairing her with Jon Stevens, the rock legend with a voice that defined the bands Noiseworks and INXS, was a stroke of genius. Their voices complement each other in unexpected ways, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. First working together in Jesus Christ Superstar back in the 1992 (also with John Farnham), Kate and Jon have built a strong and enduring friendship. It is obvious they have a huge respect and healthy love for each other, this only flows into what they create on stage. And what they create is magic.
When the band struck up the notes from Jesus Christ, they stepped onto the stage, you could feel the energy in the room. The lighting was magnificent The audio was perfection and crisp. Their chemistry was electric. Kate in black velvet robes, with her radiant smile and effortlessly cool vibe, contrasted beautifully with Jon’s gritty, rockstar edge. Yet, when they sang together, it was pure harmony.
Random; Is it just me or could Kate be Australia’s answer to Stevie Nicks?
The Setlist: A Journey Through Hits with Heart
Holy Frick! It was banger after ballad after classic after anthem. The audience were itching to stand on the feet and party, it wasn’t long before the seats weren’t required. The setlist for Superstars Live was a mix of each artist’s biggest hits, alongside a few carefully chosen covers that had the audience on their feet. A surprise was a cover and re-work of a massive Eurythmics hit, Missionary Man. I was gob smacked, I kind of want them to do a Eurythmics show next haha. BUT, brace for a very heartfelt John Farnham set – WHOAH!
- Kate Ceberano shone with performances of her timeless tracks like ‘Brave‘ and ‘Pash‘, reminding everyone why she’s considered one of Australia’s premier vocalists. Her voice has only gotten better with time, rich and full of emotion. Her time with ‘Cabaret’ seems to have developed an even broader range with her voice and indeed her performance aesthetics and dynamics.
- Jon Stevens, on the other hand, brought the house down with his renditions of Noiseworks classics like ‘Take Me Back‘ and ‘Touch‘. His gritty rock vocals still pack a punch, and the crowd loved every second of it. I saw the ‘Take Me Back Tour’ (I think with Martha Davis and The Motels) in the 80’s, Jon nailed it now like the younger man did all those decades ago.
Together, they gave a heartfelt performance of ‘Don’t Change‘ (INXS), and it was a perfect blend of their individual styles. Kate’s smoother, jazz-inflected sound against Jon’s raw, rock tenor gave the song a whole new dimension.
Musicianship and Stage Presence
The band accompanying them was flawless. Tight arrangements, strong musicianship, and a rhythm section that kept the show driving forward gave Kate and Jon the perfect platform to shine.
The lineup of musicians was impressive; Grant Windsor – Musical Director & Keys, Johnny Salerno – Drums, Chris Bekker – Bass, Glenn Reither – Keys & Sax, Tim Henwood – Guitar, Kathleen Halloran – Guitar, Michelle Serret-Cursio – Vox, Angela Librandi – Vox & Tony Kopa – Guitar & Vox. They got the A-Team.
The staging itself was minimal but effective yet the lighting set it alight – making it no mistake, it WAS a rock show. The focus was truly on the music and the connection between the performers and the audience. Both Kate and Jon are seasoned performers who know how to work a crowd, and their genuine interaction with the audience made the night feel intimate, even in a larger venue.
A Nostalgic and Uplifting Experience
For fans of both artists, Superstars Live is a perfect celebration of their legacies. There was a gut deep sense of nostalgia, especially with Jon Stevens’ contributions, but it never felt dated. Instead, there was a renewed energy in the way they approached their songs – showing that even after decades in the business, they still have so much to give.
For those who grew up with the music of Ceberano and Stevens, this concert felt like a reunion with old friends. The joy onstage was infectious, and the audience left with full hearts (and perhaps a bit of hoarseness from all the singing along and damn did we sing along, Adelaide really turned out with engagement).
Final Thoughts
A long-time fan or just someone who loves great live music, Superstars Live is a 100% NEED-TO-SEE show. Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens are a brilliant duo who bring out the best in each other, offering a night of quality performances that will stay with you long after you clear the venue.
If you get the chance to see these two icons together, do it. This is what live music is all about -connection, passion, and the undeniable power of two superstars STILL at the top of their game.
FIVE DAZZLING STARS BABY!
My dear friend and the director and lead performer of Gospo Collective, was my date for the show, and so I had to ask her for a few words naturally. Here’s Charmaine Jones’ take on the performance…
From the dramatically artistic opening sequence setting up Andrew Lloyd Webbers classic, Jesus Christ Super Star, it was clear we were in for a musical rock treat, especially taking in the line up of exceptional instrumentalists on stage.
The band, led by Musical Director Grant Windsor on keys, included some of Australia’s most stellar players and also featured, (who most around the traps would say), is the next Aussie rock guitar sensation in line, Kathleen Halloran. Her screaming electric guitar runs and stylishly heavy rock/pub comping, perfectly complimented the dynamic duo, Kate and Jon, who delighted the crowd with the intricacies of excellently executed pop/rock, in musicality and performance.
With Johnny Salerno on drums, tastefully smashing out track after iconic track, the musos locked down every groove and nuance.
Seamless segues in a touching Farnham tribute, brought the audience to their feet; the entire auditorium filled with sound in anthem style, to show stopper, You’re the Voice, reminding us all once again, that art and music can make a difference and we are all a part of the change and mission, if we so choose.
