LIVE: CULTURE CLUB

LIVE: CULTURE CLUB
HBF Stadium, Perth, Western Australia
Wednesday, 8 June, 2016
Reviewed by Trulie Pinnegar
Photography by Maree King

It’s a fit and healthy looking Culture Club who took the stage for their first visit to our shores in a very long time indeed. And, indeed, the original foursome of drummer Jon, bassist Mikey, guitarist and keyboardist Roy and well-known frontman Boy George (enhanced by a formidable three-piece brass section, extra guitarist, keyboard player & percussionist, and three backing singers) seem to be ageing splendidly – perhaps in defiance of their infamous hard living following their ‘80s heyday.

They deliver a colourful set both visually and musically, with a selection of pop classics well chosen (opening with Church of the Poison Mind and including gems like It’s a Miracle, I’ll Tumble 4 Ya, Victims, Time and delighting the crowd with Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? and Karma Chameleon) all mixed with some soft rock and reggae alongside covers of Johnny Cash’s Runaway Train and closing with amazing versions of T-Rex’s Bang a Gong (which Boy George insisted the audience serenade him with!) and the very excellent David Bowie’s Starman, who, George says, inspired his entry into a music career journey.

Boy George, ever the flamboyant frontman, made three outfit changes, but kept stylish rather than camp throughout. Additionally, his regular and gregarious interaction with the audience was kindly and devoid of even a hint of teasing, swearing or taking the mickey. It seems George has come through his own dark hours (and diva history) with a newfound respect for those who have stood by him.

And stand by him – and with him – most of the Perth audience did, dancing along and loving every minute of a thoroughly enjoyable two hour set.

Set List:
Church of the Poison Mind
It’s a Miracle
I’ll Tumble 4 Ya
Like I Used To
Everything I Own
Let Somebody Love You
Black Money
Victims
Move Away
Human Zoo
Time (Clock of the Heart)
The Crying Game
Different Man
Miss Me Blind
Runaway Train
Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?

Encore:
More Than Silence
Karma Chameleon
Bang a Gong (Get It On)
Starman

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries