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Stone Temple Pilots // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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UNDER THE SOUTHERN STARS
– Stone Temple Pilots
– Bush
– Cheap Trick
– Rose Tattoo
– Killing Heidi
– The Badloves)
@ Bonython Park, Adelaide,
20th March 2022
(Live Review)

Review by Kayla Hamilton

Photos by Kerrie Geier

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Bush // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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A clear summer day welcomed punters to the third and final day of the Adelaide leg of the Under the Southern Stars Tour and what a glorious day it was. In a city that was still revelling in return to dancing, it seemed that attendees were still getting used to the newfound freedom. Deck chairs lining up the shaded parts of the stage, drinks were flowing, and the sunblock was applied- concertgoers were settled into rock with some incredible Aussie and International acts. Unlike the previous day, there was not a snake in sight!

Melbourne rockers Dallas Crane was up first to kick off the show, giving the audience what they had been craving. The die-hard punters were settled in at the front, braving the hot sun. Dallas Crane didn’t skip a beat, knocking out an infectious, tight and absolute top-notch set. Dave Larkin’s vocals were just as strong as ever.

After Dallas Crane, Electric Mary was up next; a band that has just as much fun on stage as the audience does. A fan favourite of many who had made it to the early afternoon start, Electric Mary busted into a set filled with hard rock bangers, rock ‘n’ roll attitude and entertainment from start to finish. A highlight was when Rusty Brown paid tribute to Adelaide as the home of his late father, celebrated with bringing his urn onstage. Was it real? Who knows? All that can be proven is that Electric Mary lifted the energy and performed a set that nobody would be forgetting anytime soon.

Following the exciting Electric Mary was the immensely talented and ever cherished The Badloves, laying down their breed of blues-inspired rock. In the summer sun, The Badloves provide the perfect soundtrack for soaking in the atmosphere. A set that included songs such as Sugar Daddy, Laydown and the ever-popular Green Limousine. One thing that stands out is just how deep and full the guitar tone was, along with full vocals. Overall, an impressive set showing off the depth of talent we have in this country.

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Killing Heidi // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Killing Heidi // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Killing Heidi // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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The set though that set the tone to what was to come was delivered by the iconic Killing Heidi. Running over after performing at the nearby Adelaide Crows game, the band exploded onto the stage with their infamous break out single ‘Mascara’. Singer Ella Hooper was on fire, dancing and grooving her way through the set. With 3 out of the 4 original members, nostalgia hit the crowd as many took this opportunity to stand up and sing and dance along. Performing not just their standout hits, but a few deep cuts for the diehards, Killing Heidi were honestly a highlight set of the day.

Singing the praises of Killing Heidi was the absolute icon who took the stage next. Angry Anderson and the rest of Rose Tattoo followed the energy and raised it even higher. With over 40 years of performing under their belt, the band showed why they are still one of the most stand out hard rock bands this country has to offer. The beers were raised, and the crowd was singing as they ripped through their iconic tracks Bad Boy for Love, We Can’t Be Beaten and Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw.

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Rose Tattoo // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Rose Tattoo // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Having Rose Tattoo to finish it off for the Aussie acts was fitting, so when the ‘the best f***king rock band’ Cheap Trick took the stage next, the deck chairs were starting to be forgotten. The glitz, glam and rock ‘n’ roll that is Cheap Trick captivated the audience and the headbanging, dancing and singing started to flow more freely amongst the audience. Showing off an enviable guitar collection and delivering a show that still rivals some of the best rock bands in the world, Cheap Trick live up to their proclamation that started the show. Of course, playing hits such as Dream Police, The Flame, You Got It, I Want You and Surrender, the audience spanning across generations were feeling the magic- something that not a lot of bands can invoke.

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Cheap Trick // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Cheap Trick // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Cheap Trick // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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The sun had finally begun setting once British rockers Bush took to the stage and we were really Under the Southern Stars. From the get-go, Bush singer Gavin Rossdale had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. For those only familiar with their radio hits, the surprise of just how heavy Bush is live did seem to hit many in the audience, but it was a well-welcomed one. Playing some classics along with a lot of tracks off their new album, Bush put on a performance for the ages. Performing ‘Glycerine’ solo and paying tribute to the success that the song brought him, Gavin Rossdale proved yet again why he is up there as one of the most charismatic frontmen in rock. The crowd erupted when they went into ‘Comedown’ in what may possibly have been one of the most stand-out moments of the entire Day 3.

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Bush // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Bush // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Bush // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Following Bush was not going to be an easy task, luckily the band that could do it was Stone Temple Pilots. With an intro that gave the spotlights a real workout, the band went straight into it. Providing their brand of atmospheric, grunge rock- with moments bordering on psychedelic. Singer Jeff Gutt proving that he is just as big of a fan of Stone Temple Pilots as the rest of the audience. Busting out classics such as ‘Plush’ and ‘Interstate Love Song’, Stone Temple Pilots truly showed that amongst these classic and incredible bands, why they were the headliners.

Four years in the making, Under the Southern Stars finally was able to come to fruition. While it may have been the third day straight for some of the bands and a leg of a wider tour, there was no fatigue setting in. A festival that scratched that headbangers itch and the first big rock festival to grace Adelaide in years- it was the perfect welcome back.

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Stone Temple Pilots // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Stone Temple Pilots // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Check out Kerrie Geier’s full gallery of this event HERE

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Stone Temple Pilots // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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Stone Temple Pilots // Photo – Kerrie Geier

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