LIVE: THE DEVIL & ABBE MAY – The Devil Returns – Mojo’s, 4 April 2026

LIVE: THE DEVIL & ABBE MAY – The Devil Returns – Mojo’s, 4 April 2026
Mojos Bar, Fremantle | Walyalup, Western Australia
Reviewed by Scarlet Black 
Photography by Pete Gardner

What an Easter treat, (in contrast to which ever cultural event or reason that you enjoy the plethora of public holidays, this time of year), to bear witness to the resurrection of one of her most successful albums, ‘Hoodoo You Do’, with ‘The Devil and Abbe May.’

Thankfully, the Devil did not have to go to too far or make a deal involving souls or a fiddle to entice Georgia Rodgers’ to make her WA/Fremantle debut. Arriving from Naarna (Melbourne), Georgia stepped up to the Mojo’s stage sharply dressed in understated black, slicked back hair and her red guitar.

In a confession (must be the season), Georgia admitted being nervous, but as she called out a t-shirt she loved in the crowd, she found her space and launched into her set.

A smouldering and intense performer with raw vocals make Georgia impossible to ignore, the crowd enjoyed every moment of her delicately crafted compositions, in stark contrast to her delivery of the powerful performance. Salty, sexy and soulful blues, Georgia included a ‘hand squeezing around your heart’ cover of the 1984 hit, ‘Small Town Boy’ from ‘Bronski Beat’.

Taking the opportunity to humbly thank both the venue and Abbe May, Rodgers has found her niche and commands attention, making her a strong artist, not to miss, should she return to the West any time soon.

Hailing from Bunbury, local band The Forever Party shifted the gears to a more rock inspired sound, easily settling into the Mojo’s mood. Having enjoyed being part of many a festival both here in the West and nationally, The Forever Party frontman Finn Alexander has the appearance of Chris Cornell (think the ‘Jesus Christ Pose’ era), but the sound The Forever Party exuded had a distinct feel of Australian cult icon, bringing a dark twist of desire and longing.

Starting with the 2023 release of ‘Married to the Machine’, the audience was asked, “What do you want, what do you need?”, a question often misunderstood, (to be one and the same), clearly indicated the set to follow would be both social commentary and personal experience combined. Littered throughout the lyrics, this is just one of The Forever Party’s key components, cementing their identity as a band on the rise.

A sneak peek into several new releases, ‘Magnolia’ and ‘Like a Drug’, (explained as a dual emotionally reciprocal relationship, of which no-one comes out for the better but neither involved seem able to break), The Forever Party delivered ‘Sparkly’, ‘Love’s Quiet’ and ‘Party Favours’, before Finn relinquished control, stepping back to the keyboard, handing over to Elise Hiatt (and a significantly shortened mike stand) for lead vocals for ‘About Angels’. An accomplished and highly regarded violinist, Elise stepped into the spotlight, delivering her exquisite vocal contribution, becoming an instant fan favourite, judging by the crowd reaction.

On return, and to the distinct enjoyment of the room, Finn was observed to wrangle the obstinate mike back to a suitable height before letting the audience in on an interesting ‘Sliding Doors’ anecdote. Taking part in Battle of the Bands, some odd years back, one of the judges happened to be Abbe May, tonight thus closing the circle of coincidence. Finn and the Forever Party sent big love from the stage to both Georgia and Abbe, gratefully acknowledging the opportunity provided for the performance.

With ‘Daniel’ and ‘Crashing’, closing out the set, the energy, enthusiasm and professional delivery, exuded from The Forever Party tonight, keeps them on the pathway that only leads up from here.

With the venue filled and humming with the enjoyment of the previous performances, it was clear the crowd was primed for the main event.    

It was at this time that The Devil and Abbe May arrived.

Bathed in glow of the red lights, the performer described by one of her support acts as “a kickarse female artist”, Abbe May took the stage in black velvet trousers and what could be assumed to be a kink inspired Easter black rabbit half face mask, with spectacular foot long ears.

May introduced her band members, prior to calling for the crowd to “make some noise if they were ready for the Devil”.

While there was a cheer from the audience, it was definitely not loud enough to coax him into the room, conveyed by May in no uncertain terms as, “If you want to hear the Devil, you need do a lot fucking better.”

That was all the crowd needed to roar their excitement and it was very obvious, the legendary ‘Shadow Man’ had entered the venue, to see justice carried out.

After an explanation as to how the reunion came about and the seductive suggestion that a new album was pending, ‘You Gonna Get It’ was first off, followed by ‘Oh Sweet Jesus’, had the attention of all in the room.

Let me say that other than performances by legendary greats, like AC/DC, KISS or Alice Cooper, which invites the massive variation and diversity in crowd for people who either want to relive the era or introduce their kids before the choice is taken from them, this was a very eclectic mix of people and not your typical WAG (wives and girlfriends) being there to support their favourite local band.

Watching, the lyrics could clearly be seen to be mouthed by the crowd as they sat comfortably, enjoying the ambiance or taking the option of burning calories, dancing to the down and dirty blues, delivered as promised.

An explanation behind the song ‘Always My Friend’ gave an insight as to why it wasn’t called, ‘Todd Motherf**king Pickett – Travelling on his E Scooter’, I mean, ‘Always My Friend’ really does roll off the tongue (no pun intended) than the alternative.

‘Crush it, Snort it’ is a new offering and punctuated with the title. Loud and attention grabbing, a prediction from the author is this will be a firm favourite.

May took the brief moment to give ‘the Finns’ (aka The Forever Party) a bit of a friendly touch up, regarding the biceps that had been on display, rather than covering them up in order “to leave some affection for the rest of us.”

Title track ‘Hoodoo You Do’, then ‘Soul of a Man’ and ‘Wang Dang’ saw the energy explode. The crowd howling along with band, doing their best to match the seductive and eeriness, making it easy to see the spell that gripped the venue.

Announcing there was political content ahead, Abby told the crowd she stood for ‘Ethical Consumption’ which she explained as ‘Ethical Consumption is eating pussy’. Can’t argue with that logic.

The description of a “kick arse female (choose your own noun/adventure)” will stand the test of time for this powerhouse.

Birthday celebrations of a punter and having her mum in the audience gave snippets of the person behind the mask and in that sprit the encore procedure of thanking and leaving the crowd, only to return, was acknowledged and thrown out the window.

Instead, two further songs, ‘Coming Home’ and her cover of ‘Pony’ by Genuwine, resulted in the removal of the mask, literally and figuratively as May gyrated in a way only she can do, reaching and holding the attention of the audience in the palm of her hand. Not forgetting her incredible band, she took the chance to name and thank them again, before the final song of ‘Goodnight Irene’.

Having not been to Mojo’s for some time, this journey through three very different but all connected artists will ensure the author will make more time to enjoy what local and national bands have to offer.

Slipping out the side door, there was an audible sigh of what could only be described as a very satiated audience and ‘Shadow Man’. Exceptional.

 

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries