Little River Band

Press, 26 February 1983, Page 6

Little River Band

Little River Band second rock concert at the Christchurch Town Hall auditorium last evening. Running time, 8.45 p.m. to 11.12 p.m. Reviewed by Nevin Topp. The audience at the second Little River Band concert were in culture shock after the group had played its first two songs. It was like opening the newspaper and finding you had been named as the recipient of a Rural Bank loan. Two years ago the Australian band were supporting the Willie Nelson show at the outdoor concert at Queen Elizabeth II Stadium, Christchurch, and played a laidback West Coast sound with lots of harmonies. Last evening, L.R.B. blazed away with over-the-top lead guitar, being beat, and few harmonies, in the style of the American A.O.R. (albumoriented rock) bands such as

Styx, Jorney, and REO Speedwagon. A press release said that the new lead guitarist, Steve Housden, had been introducing the bank to new influences like the English new wave band, The Clash, and certainly L.R.B. were rocking the Casbah. So upbeat was the show that after two songs — “The Long Way” and “Man On Your Mind” — the audience was ready to dance, but those wishing to swivel their hips were politely guided back to their seats. What was inexplicable much later on was that those who wished to dance in front of the stage and in the aisles were allowed to do so. This saved the concert. Beeb Birtles (guitar) had a smile on his face for the first time, as earlier the concert threatened to take a - dive during “Reminiscing” and “Mystery.” Johns Farnham, best known for the hit song,

“Sadie, the Cleaning Lady," who replaced Glen Shorrbck on lead vocals, was a bundle of energy. For some reason, he seemed to be a reminder of an auctioneer, and it would not have been surprising to suddenly have him asking for bids for Derek Pellicci’s drum kjt, although Pellicci worked so hard the band could not have done without him. Some new material was introduced but it did not seem as catchy as the band’s earlier songs. By far the best song of the evening, was the Easybeats’ cover, “St Louis,” played on the third encore — here there was purpose. Mark Antony opened the show, along with Kermit the Frog. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Bob Dylan, and John Rowles ... at least that was some of his impressions. Although he was successful, it was a bit like pavlova — you can only take so much.