Review by Markus Hamence – The Fabulous Caprettos. Performance date: Sunday 25 May 2026. The Gov, Adelaide, South Australia.
Make no mistake, this is a gig that makes you feel like your in a room full of old friends singing the soundtrack to your life (if you’re semi-old enough). The Fabulous Caprettos at The Gov delivered exactly that kind of magic in last night on a Sunday in May 2026, turning a packed Adelaide crowd into one giant choir of nostalgia, rock swagger and pure Australian music appreciation. Featuring Dave Gleeson, Rai Thistlethwayte and Wendy Matthews, the supergroup rolled through decades of hits with the confidence of artists who know exactly who they are and exactly what audiences came for. Originally scheduled to perform was legendary musician Joe Camilleri, however he was sadly absent from the Adelaide performance after falling ill before the show.
“Jason Ayres set the tone perfectly, warming up The Gov crowd with raw storytelling, country-rock heart and effortless charm.”
Markus Hamence
The minute the band hit the stage, the chemistry was undeniable. Dave Gleeson brought that unmistakable powerhouse rock energy, prowling the stage with grit and humour, while Rai Thistlethwayte floated between smooth vocals, piano wizardry and guitar work that reminded everyone just how underrated he is as a live performer. Wendy Matthews brought warmth and emotional depth to the night, her unmistakable vocals still carrying the same dreamy pull that has made her one of Australia’s most beloved voices for decades.
While Joe Camilleri’s absence was certainly felt, the show never lost momentum. In many ways, the performance became a celebration of resilience and professionalism, with the remaining artists stepping up to deliver a night that still felt full, heartfelt and deeply entertaining. The audience embraced every moment, singing along loudly and giving back the kind of warmth that live music thrives on.
“Wendy Matthews’ voice remains pure magic, wrapping the venue in warmth, nostalgia and effortless elegance every time she stepped to the microphone.”
Markus Hamence
Presented by Starr Special Events Australia, the brilliance of The Fabulous Caprettos is that this isn’t simply a ‘greatest hits’ package. It feels alive. Every performer celebrates the others, jumping into harmonies, backing vocals and playful exchanges throughout the night. The set moved effortlessly between eras and moods, from rock anthems to heartfelt ballads, with songs like ’20 Good Reasons’, ‘Better’ and ‘The Day You Went Away’ hitting the crowd with wave after wave of singalong moments. A few bonus songs were added to make up for the loss of Camilleri’s hits and amongst them was the banging The Models’ ‘Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight’ smash hit.
One of the standout elements of the night was just how tight the musicianship was. This wasn’t a legacy act coasting on reputation. Every song felt sharp, energetic and genuinely joyful. The audience could see how much fun the performers were having together, and that energy bounced straight back from the crowd. Between songs, the banter was relaxed, cheeky and completely unforced, giving the entire evening that warm pub-gig intimacy The Gov does so well.
Opening the night was Jason Ayres, whose earthy Americana-meets-country-rock sound proved the perfect curtain raiser for the evening. Opening with his hit ‘Troubles Of My Own’, Ayres has a voice built for storytelling, rich with grit and honesty, and his set immediately won over the Adelaide crowd. Amongst his self-penned gems a few covers were delivered with ‘Bang, Bang’ and Diesel’s ‘Right On The Tip Of My Tongue’ and they went down a treat. There’s an authenticity to his performance style that makes even a large room feel personal. Tracks from his growing catalogue carried equal parts country soul and classic rock influence, while his easy stage presence made him impossible not to warm to. By the end of his set, plenty of people in the audience clearly looked like they’d happily come back for a full Jason Ayres headline show.
“The lads, Dave Gleeson and Rai Thistlethwayte, delivered a performance packed with soul, swagger and undeniable chemistry.”
Markus Hamence
The Gov itself once again proved why it remains one of Adelaide’s great live music rooms. Loud when it needed to be, intimate when the songs called for it, and filled with the kind of atmosphere that turns a night out into something memorable.
The Fabulous Caprettos are not trying to reinvent Australian music history. They are celebrating it, honouring it and breathing fresh life into it with a lineup of artists who still perform like they have something to prove. And judging by the reaction inside The Gov, Adelaide was more than happy to come along for the ride.
Even without Joe Camilleri, The Fabulous Caprettos delivered a night overflowing with heart, nostalgia and world-class Australian musicianship. A celebration of Australian music that felt warm, loud, genuine and wonderfully alive.
Follow The Fabulous Caprettos through their website
