Photo: Justin Edwards

This reviewer has recently been on what he’s termed a “Troub streak” of high-quality live shows, and tonight is by far the biggest one of them. I arrive at the packed venue just in time with the Split Enz/Crowded House legend Tim Finn striking up the opening acoustic guitar chords of the low-key, rhythm section-less set. Assisted by relatively young yet class-oozing keyboard player and guitarist (switching between a red Gretsch and vintage blond Telecaster), the Kiwi star jokingly greets his ‘MySpace friends’, readjusts his still-bushy mane of grey hair and, two songs in, launches into Woodface favourite Chocolate Cake to loud reception. Both Tim, who’s in town to promote his new album The Conservation, and the mainly 30-plus crowd are thoroughly enjoying themselves; and one burly punter even bursts out in spasmodic dance moves to the rousing Shark Attack. Visibly energised by the enthusiastic reception, Neil’s big brother regales the crowd with an anecdote about being stuck in a hotel during an ice storm in Milwaukee, throwing in a masturbation reference to loud hoots and then performing a song inspired by the said event. Slowing down the tempo with the reflective Imaginary Kingdom, dedicated to former Split Enz drummer Phil Judd, Tim reminisces about his old band’s relationship with Brisbane, recalling that 1977’s My Mistake was originally a hit in the QLD capital prior to bringing the house down with the call-and-response singalong (more gleeful St Vitus-style dancing from the big fella in front of me). Dedications don’t stop with the inclusion of Forever Thursday, a Small Faces-referencing ode to Tim’s wife Marie; the original Big Brother then incites another singalong with the rendition of Crowded House classic It’s Only Natural and leaves the stage. It’s not over yet, though, as Tim & co return a minute later for an encore featuring new single Out Of This World (with a brief E-bow solo), Split Enz staple I See Red and the perennial Weather With You, the last two religiously shouted along to by the crowd and yours truly. History does repeat.

DENIS SEMCHENKO

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