The Oils are officially ‘warmed up’ for their imminent European tour – and Big Red Bash Festival finale – after three unique performances.
First up was the 1,100 capacity Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul – now a hometown gig for local hat collector, Jim Moginie. With the previous weekend’s upset re-election of Australia’s conservative government it was clear from the outset that the band had some stuff to get off their chests. Among the first five songs was the first public performance since 1986 of ‘Knife’s Edge’ (from Bird Noises) with its searing and apt refrain “Word crimes. Bitter lies. Bitter crimes. Government Lies.” The deep dive into the catalog continued a few songs later with ‘Dust’ from the Blue Meanie (aka their self-titled debut) getting an airing for the first time since the very early 80’s. Later in the show ‘Antarctica’ was dedicated to recently deceased former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, who worked with environmental groups and others to ensure that part of our planet remains pristine. Then the band jumped forward a few decades and aired an intricate new song called ‘Tarkine’ which continued the ecological theme. Those lucky enough to score tickets to this intimate show (which literally sold out within five seconds) enjoyed a rousing run home as an intense volley of Oils anthems brought the show to a memorable climax.
Then at the very un-rock’n’roll time of 11:30am on a Saturday, Midnight Oil popped up at the LoveEarth gathering in Sydney – an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of environmental lobby group 1 Million Women. What other band would perform after engaging presentations on recycling and the devastating impact of rising sea levels on South Pacific Islands?! A brief acoustic set was promised and delivered with ‘Dead Heart’ and ‘Dreamworld’ rattling the rafters of Carriageworks for those gathered faithfully despite the early hour.
From there it was on to the national capital, Canberra, which holds a public holiday for Reconciliation Day. In keeping with the band’s longstanding commitment to improving the circumstances of First Nations people, the whole show at the Royal Theatre was arranged around that theme. The backbone of the set was the premiere Australian live performance of Diesel & Dust – more than three decades after it was released. The album’s tracklisting was shuffled slightly to allow the inclusion of ‘Gunbarrel Highway’ (a bonus track on the original edition) but the epic work took on new life and purpose on Reconciliation Day in front of a huge banner featuring The Uluru Statement From The Heart. To drive home the themes of the evening, the Oils welcomed onstage Alwyn Doolan, a Gooreng Gooreng Wakka Wakka man from central Queensland who recently spent a full year walking 8500km from Cape York to Canberra (via Tasmania) to deliver 3 message sticks to the new government. You can read more about his inspiring quest here. After Alwyn spoke to the crowd, the band was joined onstage by their special guest for the show, Leah Flanagan for a rousing version of ‘Treaty’.
With these Oz warm-up dates behind them, Midnight Oil will now fly north … to Manchester where they will kick off their European tour on June 9. For official tickets to the European shows please follow the links at www.midnightoil.com/tour and remember never to buy from resellers such as ViaGoGo as it can lead to rip offs.
Only one more Australian show remains … July 18 at the Big Red Bash outside of Birdsville in outback Queensland. For tickets, transport options and all the other info on how to experience the world’s most remote music festival with Midnight Oil please go to www.bigredbash.com.au.
Photo: Robert Hambling
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Robert Hambling
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Chris Frape
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Chris Frape
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Robert Hambling
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Chris Frape
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Chris Frape
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Robert Hambling
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Chris Frape
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Robert Hambling
Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Alex Grant
Wollongong 23/5
Photo: Alex Grant
1 Million Women event, Sydney 25/5
Photo: Alex Grant
Reconciliation Day, Canberra 27/5
Photo: Martin Ollman
Reconciliation Day, Canberra 27/5
Photo: Martin Ollman
Reconciliation Day, Canberra 27/5
