Project Description
CULTURE CLUB
+ SPECIAL GUESTS
@ The ICC Sydney Theatre
1/12/17 (Live Review)
Reviewer – Abby Hanson
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An evening full of neon clothing, bright lights and throwbacks as we took a trip back to the 80s at the ICC Sydney Theatre on the 1st of December to experience Culture Club Live with special guests, Hoseah Partsch, the Eurogliders and the Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey.
The night began at 6:45pm with a performance by the runner- up of The Voice Australia this year, Hoseah Partsch, who was also mentored by none other than Boy George. As guests were entering the theatre Hoseah performed covers of songs by artists including Stevie Wonder, Ariana Grande, Bob Marley, Whitney Houston and also an original song called ‘Paper Planes’. Hoseah astounded the audience with his stunning vocals.
Next up for the evening were the Eurogliders who formed in Perth in the 1980s. 1984 was a huge year for the Eurogliders as they released an Australian Top Ten album, This Island. The Eurogliders performed hits including Without You, Can’t Wait To See You and We Will Together. Their incredible energy kept the audience on their feet as they concluded the set with their hit single “Heaven (Must Be There)”.
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At around 8:15pm the ICC theatre was almost completely packed, ready to welcome the Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey. After almost three decades, Tom Bailey returns to perform Thompson Twins hits including, Doctor Doctor, Love On Your Side and You Take Me Up. Fans welcomed Tom Bailey back to Australia with open arms as it had been over 31 years since the Thompson Twins last visit. An unforgettable moment occurred as their set came to a close with their hit song Hold Me Now as the audience stood on their feet belting every lyric in the chorus
The lights dimmed and the crowd roared with excitement as bright coloured lights flashed from each direction of the stage. Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for. As Roy Han, Jon Moss and Mikey Craig entered the stage they were followed by extra percussionists, keyboard players, backing vocalists and a horn section. The addition of incredible musicians added warmth and sound to the live show. It looked absolutely fantastic on stage! As soon as Boy George took the stage he captivated the audience with his striking red and black suit and hat. All Boy George wanted was for the audience to dance and have an amazing time which indeed everyone did as It’s A Miracle, I’ll Tumble For Ya and Miss Me Blind began.
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“Let yourself Go”
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An intimate event, Boy George engaged with the audience in each break. With immense pride and encouragement, he states “it only matters to whom it matters” as we all celebrate the results of the recent same sex marriage vote.
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Boy George exited the stage, returning in a slick black suit to perform a funky rendition of The Rolling Stones, You Can’t Always Get What You Want which had the entire theatre grooving. The horn lines, guitar licks and talented backing vocalists were enough to give you goosebumps. Accompanied with scenes from the 1982 music video on the vision system, Culture Club took the audience on an emotional rollercoaster as they performed Do You Really Want To Hurt Me leaving the audience awestruck and nostalgic.
The lights dimmed one last time; however, the crowd knew they would not be leaving without hearing the true 80’s anthem “Karmakarmakarmakarma Karma Chameleon”. Scanning the theatre and not one person was seated, it was amazing to see the entire audience dancing and singing to the music of Culture Club. They also paid tribute to Prince by performing a beautiful cover of Purple Rain leaving the audience stunned and T Rex’s, Bang a Gong (Get It On) to conclude the show with a banger.
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It was without a doubt an 80s music lovers dream show!
Culture Club have announced that they have some exciting things coming. Fans can expect new music very soon!
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