Rock News
Review & Photos: Cold Chisel Kick Off Their Light The Nitro Tour In Newcastle, And It Was A Stormer! Post by: Blanchy 14 October, 2011 - 6:59 AM
(Photo: Cold Chisel, by James Curran @ codastudios.com.au)
So there we stood only metres from the scene of the infamous Star Hotel riots.
The atmosphere was indescribable, and we hadn't even made our way into Newcastle Panthers (ex Newcastle Workers Club) the home of countless Cold Chisel gigs.
Rumour quickly spread, the boys planned on delivering their entire catalogue. As we made our way upstairs to the rumble of supports EVEN the anticipation grew. All you could hear were people re-living memories from past years.
The lights dimmed, the screams were defining. They were back!
Singer Jimmy Barnes bounced on stage in skinny black jeans, paired with a white tee, dog tags around his neck and a Pat Cash style head band.
A solid opener "Standing On The Outside" followed by "Shipping Steel" and we were underway.
Barnesy’s first crowed interaction came “How the F*** are you Newcastle?”.
It was a solid first set as the classics continued. "Choir Girl", “Forever Now" and "Cheap Wine". It was then, Jimmy exclaimed, that it had been 28 since the riots in Newcastle and it was only fitting to rock out "Star Hotel" accompanied by the headlines projected onto a massive screen - STAR WEEK RIOT.
“I was at the riots!” one concert goer nearby screamed.
13 hits in and with Barnesy’s voice still intact the mood dimmed, stools and acoustic guitars were bustled on-stage by what looked like an army of road crew. Lighters were replaced by smart phones raised by what seemed every single one of the 2000 capacity crowd. "This is song for our dear friend, this is his song," Barnesy said passionately.
It seemed like Mossy could do no wrong with an intro that lasted a solid minute. Then with almost silence "When The War Is Over" rang out across the room.
The acoustic set was short lived as the electric guitars were returned to the stage with album worthy versions of "You Got Nothing I Want", "Khe Sahn" and "Bow River".
The End. Or maybe not! As Mossy donned a sly grin and a little wink to the crowed as he left the stage, we knew they’d be back.
The encore was short lived, however it featured a bunch of blues solos and the all time classic "Saturday Night" and after a solid 2 and a bit hours, they were done. The applause was worthy, a great show and as many exclaimed, “Well worth the wait”.
Where are you seeing the tour? Which songs do you want to hear?
