Live Review: Grinspoon, Hockey Dad, Good Boy

Was 1997 really 20 years ago? It's certainly hard for this writer to accept; however, the numerous anniversary shows circling the country this year have helped to cushion the blow. In 2017, Grinspoon's Guide To Better Living celebrates its 20th anniversary, and tonight Melbourne is throwing one hell of a birthday party for it.

Negotiating the path to Evonne Goolagong Arena through the labyrinthine fencing surrounding the Rod Laver Arena precinct is an arduous task that means opener Pressure Tested 1984 is a tad muffled during the mad dash to find Door Seven. After slipping through the crowd during an impressive Boundary, our efforts are rewarded with DCX3, which sounds as feral as ever (pun most certainly intended).

It's the Grinners of old, albeit on a massive scale, with the sold out arena floor teeming with frothing punters. Lead singer Phil Jamieson is in top form, all pointy arms and swirly hips, delivering every lyric both gutturally and gloriously. "Happy Friday, thank you all for coming out tonight," chirps Jamieson. "This is our first single we released off Guide To Better Living," launching into Pedestrian. Pat Davern's guitar cuts through the air like a sonic chainsaw, matching bassist Joe Hansen's muddy low end.

Most of the crowd appear to be hardcore, day one fans, though there are a few from the Triple M era that seem a little confused by the heaviness of Grinspoon's early work.

Addressing the homophobic elephant in the room, Jamieson quips, "Thanks for joining us at Marriage Equality Arena... love is love," before ripping through a banging Just Ace. The singer mugs happily for the crowd, occasionally stopping to give Davern a cuddle, and the band seem relaxed. Their ease with each other reflects in their tight, energetic set. 

Repeat is delightfully sinister; the crowd bathed in eerie green light as drummer Kristian Hope's cymbals crash maniacally. Bad Funk Stripe is gorgeous and sprawling, a step away from this evening's heavier offerings. Davern noodles along, and Jamieson strums along with the acoustic strapped to his chest. Jamieson's vocals seem clearer and stronger tonight, his voice never waivers or cracks, whether it be howling or crooning. 

Champion has the biggest reaction of the set so far, the crowd explodes in a fog of beer and limbs. "Well, it's been an absolute fucking pleasure. Cheers to you!" says Jamieson as the band leave the stage, though the audiences yells for more. Oop, what's this then? Jamieson pops up, costume change and all, on the soundboard at the back of the room to perform Protest, a hidden track from Guide To Better Living. 

In a flash he rejoins his bandmates for a greatest hits encore. Chemical Heart hits squarely in the chest, just as it always has, searing and heartbreaking. Not one to take himself too seriously, Jamieson scrambles onto the drum riser and takes a goofy curtsy at the song's conclusion. Ready 1 rumbles to life and judging by the insane response hopefully an Easy tour will come to fruition in a couple of years time. Hard Act To Follow satiates the Triple M component of the crowd, but closer More Than You Are tears the roof off the venue.

It's easy to forget just how important Grinspoon are to the Australian musical landscape, and how anthemic their songs are, both from early in their career to present. If they continue to perform at the spectacular level that they have tonight, a 30-year anniversary would be welcome. Long live Grinspoon, and down with hateful old homophobes. Love always wins.