Frampton at Springs

Rip It Up, Issue 18, 1 December 1978, Page 1

Frampton at Springs

Duncan Campbell

The first outdoor show of the summer, what with the abortion of Thin Lizzy, due to criminal apathy, was not all it had been cracked up to be. First, the classic element The Kinks might have provided failed to materialise, due to recording commitments. Personally, I think Ray Davies saved a lot of face with that move.

Blazing heat, relieved by the odd cool breeze. Dust and dirt down front, sore bums up the back, and a general state of discomfort patiently borne by most. Some things at the Springs never change. For Th’ Dudes, this was Big Time and no mistake. With only six numbers allocated, and in the warm-up spot at that, they couldn’t afford to put a foot wrong. They didn’t. If there were nerves, they were well kept under wraps. Peter Urlich walked out front confidently, announced they would be playinq their own material, and kicked the band into life.

Th’ Dudes shone, and for me, were the highlight of the evening. Their songs are melodic, economical and well constructed. The rhythm section is tight and balanced, the guitarists trade licks with a professionalism that belies their youth, and Peter improves as a frontman with every performance. No way will this band go under, and they left the stage with a few thousand more fans. Sadly, it was not a good day for the C.B.’s. They came on strong from the word go, playing loud and aggressive, but something was missing. Mike seemed unwell, and left the singing chores to Geoff and Greg. When his bass packed up, everything seemed to fall apart, and

he walked off with a plaintive thumbs-up that was almost defiant. Methinks Citizen Band is due for a well-earned rest.

Sherbet have been around too long to make any mistakes before crowds like this. They show the same polish and sense of dynamics that the Little River Band displayed recently, and would put many bigger-league acts to shame. Dazza. as always, was in great voice, and Hamiltonian Garth Porter was welcomed home by an enthusiastic audience. Everyone was on their feet by the end of the set, the standout of which was a power-packed remake of “Gimme Some Lovin' ”. May they never lack a cold tube on a hot day.

Sound problems that had come and gone during the support acts were never quite ironed out, but this didn’t deter the reception given to The Star Of The Show. Frampton has hit on a million-dollar formula, but it looks like becoming a bit of a millstone. His act has toured virtually without change for at least three years, and he doesn’t seem the type to risk changing it now.

He writes cute, but ultimately disposable pop songs, prances around the stage a lot, rolls his eyes at the ladies, shakes his curls and generally plays The Big Star to the hilt. The crowd got what it wanted, ie: the live album with added visuals, and went away happy. To me, it seemed rather contrived. Taking care of business. Another day, another 40 grand. I’ll take Th’ Dudes in a sweaty pub any day.