Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date Saturday 14 December 2024, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Nostalgia at Her Majesty’s Theatre
Saturday afternoon at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide came alive and zipped us back to the 60’s with a bunch of music legends with ‘The Good Old Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, a spectacular celebration of Australian music stars; Little Pattie, Digger Revell, Jade Hurley, Dinah Lee, and Lucky Starr. The night whisked us audience back to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll, delivering an unforgettable evening of hits, nostalgia, and showmanship.
The camaraderie on stage was solid and their clear respect for each other was evident. The vocals were great and no-one skipped a beat. The band was tight and provided a brilliant foundation for the well travelled and versed entertainers. Let’s chat about each of these shining stars…
Jade Hurley: The Piano Man Sets the Stage
Opening the show with electrifying energy, Jade Hurley, Australia’s ‘Piano Man’, belted into ‘Rockin All Over The World’ while introducing the stars onto stage to join him. He then dazzled the audience with classics from Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. At 81 years young, Hurley’s iconic performance included his signature move of playing the keyboard with his boot, proving his enduring charisma and talent.
Lucky Starr: Rapid-Fire Vocals and Precision
Lucky Starr, known for the iconic ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’, showcased his impeccable vocal skills and sharp memory with a stunning rendition of the fast-paced hit. His performance was a standout moment, reaffirming his legendary status in Australian rock history. ‘Bad Habits’ a highlight along with the banging Neil Diamond song ‘Sweet Caroline’, which lead us into the interval.
Digger Revell: A Touching Ballad
Digger Revell brought depth to the evening with his heartfelt rendition of ‘Over The Rainbow’. A pioneer of Australian rock ‘n’ roll, Revell’s emotional delivery demonstrated his vocal range and left the audience captivated. A highlight, ‘Always On My Mind’.
Little Pattie: Surf Music’s Darling
Ah, my new found goddess. Step aside Kylie, cos’ at 74, Little Pattie brought bountiful youthful energy to the stage with her timeless hits, including ‘Stompin’ at Maroubra’. Her vibrant performance reminded fans why she remains an icon of the surf music era, delighting with every note. With every number being a highlight, a standout was 100% ‘Stupid Cupid’, BUT, ‘Crazy’, isn’t far behind. While I didn’t get to experience her sing ‘live’ ‘Blonde Headed, Stompie Wompie’, her set was none-the-less well chosen. A joy to see this lady on stage and I hope to see a full show of hers very soon.
Dinah Lee: The Queen of the Mods
Dinah Lee, fondly remembered for her international hits like ‘Do The Bluebeat’, ‘Don’t You Know Yokomo’, and ‘Reet Petite’, lit up the stage with her spirited performance. At 80, she paid a moving tribute to fellow Kiwi Max Merritt, adding a touching element to her dynamic set. A surprise was Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Dancing In The Dark’ and it was magic. The deep voice gave me ‘Bonnie Tyler’ vibes. Magnificent.
A Full House and Rousing Ovations
The audience responded with thunderous applause and a good few standing ovations, their enthusiasm filling the historic ‘newly frocked’ theatre. The energy was electric, with the performers feeding off the crowd’s excitement to deliver one unforgettable moment after another.
A Timeless Celebration of Rock ‘n’ Roll
‘The Good Old Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ celebrated the legacy of its legendary performers while paying homage to a pivotal era in music history. Fans left Her Majesty’s Theatre with smiles, cherished memories, and a deep appreciation for the enduring magic of rock ‘n’ roll. A definite buzz of good old positive energy.
