Photography by Simone Gorman-Clark
Words by Jodie Bellchambers
As I packed my bag and refreshments for a return to Sirromet, it was easy to imagine that today was going to be awesome. The sun was shining, not an ounce of rain on the forecast, and the lineup was what music dreamers and lovers were waiting for. The return of Crowded House!
Maistrato, all the way from a Northern Greek fishing village, set the scene for the day by warming up the crowd's early arrivals with their beautiful Grecian acoustic four-piece sounds.
Blinded by the hot setting Sirromet sun The Waifs hit the stage, sunglasses compulsory, and showed that these Triple J Hottest 100 legends still had it after thirty years in the business. Sisters Vicky and Donna reminded loyal fans why they have been The Waifs fans for so long. Donna joked at having a menopausal lyrical moment asking ladies in the audience to stick their hands up if they related. The band's chemistry was still great after all of these years, as were the vocals of Vicky and Donna on 'Bridal Train', the eternal memories of 'London Still'. The double bass on 'Highway One' and finishing with Vicky’s brilliant harmonica playing skills on fire on 'Lighthouse' was a stand out moment.
In keeping with the family tradition, another band made up of family members was welcomed onstage, and we were promised we’d have our minds blown! Three-time Aria award-winning The Teskey Brothers opened with 'Man of the Universe', the old school soul vibe just made you want to dance while the sunset. Josh Teskey’s vocals on 'Carry You' accompanied on the horns by Charlie and Nathaniel was a pure emotive delight. Sam Teskey’s incredible guitar playing led the way with a John Mayer-like intro to 'Say You’ll Do'. Listening to The Teskey Brothers is like taking a sip of whisky, they leave a warm burn on your soul when their sounds hit you. They took on their own version of a cover song the Lennon classic 'Jealous Guy'. Vicki from The Waifs joined them onstage for a harmonica dance on 'Louisa' after finishing with an audience clap along to 'Hold Me'. There was no doubt they eclipsed the sunset leaving chills on many souls.
Latecomers grabbed their spots, the wind dropped to welcome a light show rehearsal, the merchandise tent was almost cleaned out and the house was crowded. “She came all the way from America” hit the air like a shot of adrenaline, Neil Finn upfront left no doubt this show was starting with a kick of energy we had all been so longing for. Engaging with the audience he joked that the shiny halo-wearing people made him "Feel like he was in a scene from Avatar". It quickly became evident this was going to be like a part concert part winery choir, the audience was harmonizing beautifully, being led by great music maestros who love to teach. Nick Seymour looked resplendent in a kilt or shorts a shorkil perhaps? The band invited Maistrato (who they bonded with in a little bar in Greece) back on stage to village square jig up the intro on 'Private Universe' and gave a mesmerizing accompaniment to 'Four Seasons in One Day'.
The funky 'Sister Madly' with Neil’s son Elroy up front on the snare drum kicked off some bopping in the aisles, Neil reminded the security that it’s ok to trust us and let us dance in our chairs. 'When You Come' was a blistering guitar rendition with son Liam and Nick, 'Don’t Dream It’s Over' another sing-a-long finishing off with 'Something So Strong'. Returning to the stage for an encore the adoring audience was lifted to booming vocal heights with a Piano Solo on 'Message To My Girl' 'Weather With You' and 'Better Be Home Soon'.
It sounded like the entire venue was singing including the staff. The dreamers waited and the music gods delivered what was an incredible day at Sirromet. Music had returned and our hearts could not have been fuller.
