Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Friday 25 July 2025, Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide, South Australia
A Night of Legends: The Fabulous Caprettos Light Up Hindley Street Music Hall
A freakin’ cold and wet winter’s evening in Adelaide, BUT, it was heating up as the massive chandelier dimmed inside Hindley Street Music Hall. You could feel it in the collective murmur of the crowd -something rare, something rich, something… fabulous. Enter: The Fabulous Caprettos.
NOT your average Aussie supergroup. Gone were the usual headliners like Daryl Braithwaite and Russell Morris. Instead, what we witnessed was a slightly reshaped but no less magnetic Caprettos lineup, led by the ever-enigmatic Joe Camilleri, alongside Jack Jones, Ray Thistlethwayte, Dave Gleeson, and the ever-luminous Wendy Matthews.
A Warm Welcome from Jason Ayres
Before the Caprettos even stepped foot on stage, the audience was treated to an opening set by Perth Singer/Songwriter/Musician Jason Ayres – and what a way to start the night. With just his guitar, warm and ethearal vocals, and a knack for spinning stories between songs, Jason drew the room in like a fireside gathering. His original songs felt familiar in the best way: heartfelt, melodic, and tinged with a quiet optimism. Covers like, ‘Bang, Bang’, grabbed us BUT his originals are exceptional… ‘Troubles Of My Own’ showcases a brilliant talent. It wasn’t long before people were leaning forward, listening intently, and giving him the kind of applause that says, we’re glad we got here early.
Then…
Joe Camilleri: Still the Sorcerer of Soul
There’s just something about Joe Camilleri. The man is part poet, part sax-wielding magician, and part rock ‘n’ roll preacher. He owned the stage the moment he stepped onto it- always slick, eyes sparkling, and saxophone in hand. From ‘Harley & Rose’ to ‘Chained to the Wheel’, Joe’s voice was as textured and expressive as ever, telling stories with every growl, bend, and phrase.
What sets Joe apart is his generosity – he listens just as much as he leads. Whether he was harmonizing with Wendy, riffing off Ray’s piano licks, or locking into a groove with Jack’s guitar, he was always in the pocket. It was like watching a musical elder statesman host the world’s coolest jam session.
Dave Gleeson: Rock ‘n’ Roll Firestarter
Dave Gleeson, frontman of The Screaming Jets, brought a whole other gear to the evening. With his raspy powerhouse vocals and larger-than-life stage energy (and yes, his daggy dad dancing), Dave injected a shot of pub rock adrenaline into the set. When he launched into the classic ‘Better’ the room lit exploded – feet stomping, fists pumping, and all. His presence was gritty, grounded, and somehow still tender. In between songs, his cheeky banter had the crowd roaring with laughter, reminding us that rock stars are people too – just louder and sweatier.
Jack Jones: Guitar God Mode Activated
And Jack Jones, still oozing charisma and that unmistakable guitar wizardry from his Southern Sons days. His renditions of ‘Lead Me To Water’ (Dedicated to Adelaide VERY wet day) and ‘Heart In Danger’ had the entire hall swaying and mouthing the lyrics. It was like a wave of 90s nostalgia had crashed into Hindley Street, and we were loving every second of it.
Ray Thistlethwayte: The Soulful Underdog
Ray Thistlethwayte, perhaps the most underrated musical genius in the country, brought an unexpected depth to the lineup. With his smooth vocals and keyboard finesse, he took us through hits from his Thirsty Merc days – ’20 Good Reasons’ hit especially hard, with a stripped-back intro that built into a powerful chorus that lifted the room.
Ray and Jack had moments of pure jam-session joy, locking in on guitar and keys in the kind of musical interplay that only happens when artists really trust each other.
Wendy Matthews: The Night’s Luminous Surprise
And then, like a hush falling over the room, Wendy Matthews appeared proving a ‘Woman’s Gotta Have It’… and she does, in spades.
Her voice floated effortlessly over the crowd during ‘The Day You Went Away’, a ballad that still punches you right in the gut – soft, haunting, and devastatingly beautiful. She joined the band for harmonies and added a gentle, grounding presence that balanced out the heavier rock moments.
A Setlist That Spanned Decades – and Emotions
The Caprettos didn’t just stick to their own hits. They riffed on one another’s songs, jumped into covers with new arrangements, and even threw in a few unexpected delights—like a cheeky nod to Joe’s “Hit & Run” and an almost gospel-like rendition of “Never Let Me Go.”
Every song was met with thunderous applause. But more than that, there was a feeling in the room that’s hard to bottle: respect. These weren’t just hits – they were musical memories, dusted off and shared with love.
Encore Worthy? You Bet.
As the show wrapped up—after an explosive encore featuring a rollicking ‘We Gotta Get Out Out Of This Place’ – the crowd was on its feet, some even wiping away tears. Not just a regular old gig, it was a gathering of stories, stitched together by harmonies, guitar solos, and one hell of a saxophone.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for the Caprettos
This version of The Fabulous Caprettos felt like an evolution – leaner, deeper, and more soulful. No egos, no filler, just pure artistry. If this is the direction the Caprettos are heading in, sign me up for the next chapter.
Because sometimes, all you need on a Friday night is a saxophone, a story, and five Australian legends who still love the stage as much as we love them.
Follow The Fabulous Caprettos on their website: https://www.fabulouscaprettos.com.au/
