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PETER BIBBY
+ Georgia Knight
@ Howler, Melbourne,
22nd June 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Tristan Skell

Photos by Drew Hill (@drewhillphotos)

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Peter Bibby / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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On June 22nd, The Howler in Melbourne welcomed the alternative indie artist Peter Bibby from Perth. Bibby was touring Australia in support of his latest album, “Drama King”, which had dropped just a month earlier on May 31st. Joining him on tour was the exceptionally talented Georgia Knight, performing solo with just her guitar and Autoharp for accompaniment. Having never visited The Howler before this night, I was quite impressed by the venue. The stage, tucked away through another set of doors next to the bar, was spacious. The area also featured multiple booths and seats, a merch table, and a decently sized floor, creating an inviting atmosphere. I was eager to see how the night would unfold.

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Georgia Knight / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Georgia took the stage to kick off the night, dressed in a sharp suit and vest, accompanied only by her guitar. The highlight of her performance was undoubtedly her voice and instrumental skills. Her mellow, soothing vocals instantly put me at ease. Alone on stage, she captivated the audience with her impressive vocalisations, delivering extraordinary hums and melodies. The audience stood in awe, soaking in the performance. After the first track, Knight jokingly remarked, “That’s going to conclude the guitar portion.” She then switched to an instrument I had never seen in person before—the autoharp. Her minimalist style perfectly complemented the autoharp, with its reverb enhancing her vocals beautifully. The absence of a backing track made the performance feel even more real and authentic. Another standout moment came towards the end of her performance during her final track. Knight introduced a unique prop—a landline phone, which she used as a microphone. Holding it under her neck as if she were on a call, she strummed the autoharp and sang as though she were addressing the person on the other end of the line. The phone mic sounded authentically nostalgic, adding a layer of genuine emotion to the performance. Props to Georgia for evoking such rare and powerful feelings in the crowd, making the experience truly unforgettable.

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Peter Bibby / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Next up was the headliner, Peter Bibby. It’s worth noting that Bibby’s birthday was just the day before, on June 21st, so a belated happy birthday to him! Bibby has been doing solo work since 2015 and released his first solo music in 2018. However, for this tour, he brought along his band to accompany him. To kick off his set, Bibby entered the stage with a simple “G’Day”, as the band then performed “The Arsehole.” Even after just the opening track, it was evident how much Bibby loved performing for a crowd. I sat next to a fan with whom I had a brief chat; he mentioned having seen Bibby before and noted how much he had improved in such a short span of time. Which shows his dedication to his work and improving his stage presence.

For his second track, violinist Myles Anderson from Hollow Everdaze emerged from backstage to help perform the all-out country tune “Old DC.” While the band alone was impressive, Anderson’s addition brought another layer of depth to the performance. Bibby engaged with the crowd periodically, with quips like “this guitar hates this bloody cold weather” as they frequently had to retune due to the cold snap. The night was filled with good vibes, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. Whether people were drinking with friends or admiring the performance, it brought everyone together to spend their Saturday night in harmony.

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Peter Bibby / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Performing more tracks from his newest album, such as the laid-back “Bin Boy” and the more upbeat “The Pricks,” Bibby showcased his talent with every song. The performance had a DIY vibe, reminiscent of Peter playing to a few friends around a campfire. Despite the casual atmosphere, it felt like a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

It’s impressive to see Peter Bibby continue to produce quality music while still working as a Tradie. This dual commitment is common in the music industry today, where maintaining a consistent income can be challenging. If you’re solely in it for the money, your chances of success are slim because the quality of your output often suffers. However, if you’re in it for the fans and the community you build along the way, you have a future where even if you don’t make a lot of money, the connections you forge and the reputation you leave behind are far more meaningful. So, I have much respect for Bibby and the authenticity he portrays, being very transparent in his beliefs and motives. The night was nothing short of impressive and heartwarming. Peter Bibby’s continual growth as an artist, driven by genuine motives, hints at a bright future with expanding horizons. Bravo to both Georgia Knight and Bibby for an incredible show at The Howler. Their performances were truly captivating. Don’t miss out on streaming “Drama King” – available now. Best of luck to both artists in their future endeavours!

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Peter Bibby / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Check out Drew Hill’s (@drewhillphotos) full gallery of this event HERE

Check out Dave Bruce’s recent interview with PETER BIBBY HERE

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Peter Bibby / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Follow PETER BIBBY
Instagram – Facebook

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Peter Bibby / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Press Release 31st May 2024 (below) HERE

PETER BIBBY
releases new album
“DRAMA KING” 

OUT NOW ON SPINNING TOP RECORDS

Watch the new video for
“BIN BOY“

DRAMA KING
Australian Tour
June 2024

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AMNPLIFY – DB