| Dinkum's Byron Bay Report:
Byron Bay Concert, Great Northern Hotel. Saturday 21 January 2006 Since July 2003 I have attended 7 Tofog gigs in Australia, (yes gutton for punishment) and you never know what you might get with this band. But I have to say, that the one I attended in Byron Bay on Saturday, gave me the most fun and pleasure. Loved the venue at the Backroom – purpose built for bands with large dance/moshpit surrounded by bar and casual seating on a slighty higher level. The view for the 500 odd audience should have been pretty good for everyone. Loved perving on an audience full these gorgeous guys in a ratio of 50/50 male to female and mostly 20 to 30 age group. Sooo refreshing. And loved the fact that the majority was keen to participate and for the most part listen. Loved our friend Darren with the solo singalong routine. He is a little treasure. That was a great warm up act – great showman who encouraged everyone to join in. My voice was indeed primed and ready for more. Sadly, I don’t love most of Russell’s new songs. They are dreary and his wordy lyrics tend to amplify the droning quality of his voice and its ability to go off key. Does Russell realise that the non-committed section of the crowd always disenagages during the slow songs? I’ve seen this happen each time at Coffs in July, Buderim in December and now at Byron Bay. But I think he has taken my advice and had some singing lessons or- the communal singing with the band has had benefits in finding his voice. He’s getting better! This band is so tight now, such skilled musicians and all the rock numbers are fantastic. Its an absolute joy to sing along, clap and bounce when they thump out a loud rocking song like, What you want me to forget, Folsom Prison, Barry Kable, or Testify. I wish they would cut the crap and return to rock and roll. The Team America chant reminded me that Russell and Alan are still naughty boys at heart. I watched the Byron Bay concert in the mosh pit about 5 metres from the stage. I could hear and see the other naughty boys in the audience singing along with glee especially the "fuck yeah" response to the brand names. Seems like a lot of Aussie males are Team America fans! However in my opinion this won't work too well with mainstream America if Tofog tours there - nor will the edgy Preacher persona. We got a good quality encore with the band members and Russell obviously enjoying the luurvve and givng back 100%. I’m pretty impressed that Russell who has had a torrid week flying to and from LA and gigs every night since Wednesday still found a little something to make my trip to Byron Bay worthwhile. Luv ya boys! A couple of other comments - why does Stewart Kirwan smile that much – like a cat that got the cream, he was one happy vegemite! Alan Doyle – well I don’t know why he cultivates those very odd facial expressions, he looks like he is away with the fairies. I think Bones is such a cutie but I can’t see him when he is stuck behind Russell – lets have a look at you mate. Dave Kelly, love his drumming skill, don’t know where he gets his energy but he keeps every one else kicking along. One last little tidbit. I was standing next to
two Irish guys. When Richard Harris was mentioned one said “Fucking legend” (as
you would if you were Irish). But sadly his comment after the Mr Harris
song was “That was crap!”. Dinkum Dilettante |