Robert Forster is an unlikely rock 'n' roller. He was the angsty, bookish half of The Go-Betweens, the Brisbane band formed with Grant McLellan who were more known for heartbreak and jangle than hell-raising. Robert's songs then and now in his solo work are passionate, direct, evoking intense moments and emotions, richly peppered with autobiographical detail.
But in person, striding across the bare stage with arms swinging or telling a lengthy anecdote (without punch-line) about nearly meeting Patti Smith, he comes across as oblique and other-worldly: a flamboyant art critic played at his hammiest by Bill Nighy. (Saying 'hello' to him after the gig he was different again: relaxed, warm, funny. Which is the 'real' Robert Forster?)
Ah but the music. I heard at the last moment that this would be a show with two sets, the first acoustic, the second electric, and with no support and therefore an early start. But despite best intentions (and zippy driving from Ms L), we managed to miss the first couple of songs and came in to hear the end of a solo version of Spirit. Robert was then joined on stage by bass player Adele for If It Rains (where the set list below starts). Then a few songs later he was joined by Glenn on guitar (and later keyboards), and then a fresh-faced Matthew on drums.
The auditorium is one of the two concert halls within this music school: a high-ceiled room with the band performing on the wooden floor in front of raked seating (and with - empty - choir seating behind them). The acoustic was good, particularly suiting the acoustic set, but the setting did lean towards sterile at times. The set was mainly from the more recent solo records (especially this year's The Evangelist) and later-period Go-Betweens with a few oldies thrown in.
Encores:
He Lives My Life
Heart Out To Tender
The auditorium is one of the two concert halls within this music school: a high-ceiled room with the band performing on the wooden floor in front of raked seating (and with - empty - choir seating behind them). The acoustic was good, particularly suiting the acoustic set, but the setting did lean towards sterile at times. The set was mainly from the more recent solo records (especially this year's The Evangelist) and later-period Go-Betweens with a few oldies thrown in.
Encores:He Lives My Life
Heart Out To Tender
I Can Do
People Say
Robert's back catalogue is so rich you could have created another two sets out of songs he didn't play but this was such a hugely entertaining evening it would be mean-spirited to carp. For my money a scuzzy rock venue would have given the songs just a bit more edge, but wherever he plays, it is worth travelling to. The short tour continues to Oxford, Lancaster and London before Europe - see here. And the band are keeping a tour diary here.
HEART OUT TO TENDER
Robert Forster
Danger In The Past [BUY]
IF IT RAINS
Robert Forster
The Evangelist [BUY]
HEADFUL OF STEAM
The Go-Betweens
Liberty Belle & The Black Diamond Express [BUY]
QUIET HEART
The Go-Betweens
16 Lovers Lane [BUY]
People Say
Robert's back catalogue is so rich you could have created another two sets out of songs he didn't play but this was such a hugely entertaining evening it would be mean-spirited to carp. For my money a scuzzy rock venue would have given the songs just a bit more edge, but wherever he plays, it is worth travelling to. The short tour continues to Oxford, Lancaster and London before Europe - see here. And the band are keeping a tour diary here.
HEART OUT TO TENDER
Robert Forster
Danger In The Past [BUY]
IF IT RAINS
Robert Forster
The Evangelist [BUY]
HEADFUL OF STEAM
The Go-Betweens
Liberty Belle & The Black Diamond Express [BUY]
QUIET HEART
The Go-Betweens
16 Lovers Lane [BUY]
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