Although most Americans have been distressingly underexposed to Australia’s greatest export since Heath Ledger (well, ok, they broke up before Heath was born, but still…), for those in the know, seeing Radio Birdman live at the Chicago’s Double Door is akin to seeing Iggy Pop and the Stooges in an intimate venue.
Last year, the proto-punk-meets-surf-guitar legends played a number of U.S. dates for the first time ever, celebrating their thirtieth anniversary and killer comeback record Zeno Beach on Yep Roc that could beat the pants off of Iggy and Co.’s The Weirdness any day of the week. At the time, it appeared to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so news of a full U.S. tour in 2007 just before their induction into the Australian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was even more icing on an already frosted cake.
And though thunderstorms and flood warnings detracted early concertgoers, Bloomington, Illinois high-octane rock quintet The Resinators seemed unfazed by the small turnout as they blasted through their set.
Next up, Cincinnati’s Pearlene played their Southern rock’n’soul off of their recently self-released record For Western Violence and Brief Sensuality, ending with a rousing version of The Groundhogs’ “Cherry Red.” What was a good show by a talented band didn’t fit the rest of the bill, which was evident as the audience stared at the stage but stayed completely motionless.
Clad in black and denim, Radio Birdman primed the suddenly crowded room with “Smith & Wesson Blues,” before launching into a torrential attack of rock’n’roll. Brimming with raw energy, the band drew from classics such as “Anglo Girl Desire” and “Hand of Law” as well as newer songs like “Locked Up” and “We’ve Come So Far (To Be Here Today).”
Noticeably absent was keyboardist Pip Hoyle, and although he was sorely missed, the band carried on effortlessly. Frontman Rob Younger flailed around like a madman. Deniz Tek’s skilled guitarwork was matched equally by his intensity. Rounding out the tight-as-fuck group were original member Chris Masuak on guitar, Jim Dickson on bass, and Russel Hopkinson on drums.
The band’s encore opened with the thundering “Descent into the Maelstrom,” one of the greatest rock songs of all time, and to their fans’ delight, ended the night with perhaps their most popular song, “New Race.” It was a truly special night with one of rock’s most incredible bands. Let’s hope their second time in Chicago is not their last!
– Jamie Ludwig
Photo credit: Jamie Ludwig