Live Review: Courtney Love, The Tommyhawks

Sultry sax rock started off slow for Perth-based indie rockers The Tommyhawks. Frontwoman Addison Axe quickly warmed up to show off her eclectic vocal range to a tight yet subtle mixture of jazz with hints of reggae and old school rock. By the time they ripped into the addictively catchy Blue Bird the crowd was raring to go.

Australian fans have waited a long and arduous 15 years for the return of grunge rocker Courtney Love and if the first show of her You Know My Name tour kicking off in Perth was anything to go by, it has definitely been worth the wait.

Metro City was swamped with the kitschy orchestral sounds reminiscent of the Superman theme song, lights blazing and dancing around the stage. Courtney Love sauntered into view smoking a cigarette and, striking her iconic stance, guitar in hand and leg propped up on the floor speaker, she fired off her most recent expression of Wedding Day. She led her loyal army of baby doll dress-wearing fans in a much anticipated sing-along of ‘90s angry girl anthem Plump from the contemporary classic grunge rock album Live Through This, celebrating 20 years since its revolutionary release.

After downing a tremendous shot of tequila, Love stripped down to her baby doll lingerie, proving that turning 50 has not made a dent in her sex appeal. In fact, she looks better than ever. Love demanded adoration from her fans, making them beg for her old songs by bargaining that, “If I play this song you have to buy a T-shirt.” Satisfied that punters had earned the old Hole melodies, Love did not disappoint by grinding out the gritty and familiar riffs of Olympia before embracing the front row on her knees, belting out the unwaveringly powerful vocals for Live Through This. Love delivered all the classics in traditional riot grrrl fashion, though her vocals appear to have evolved with age as the delivery of Violet and Celebrity Skin were as almighty as they appeared effortless.

Punters put their heart and soul into calling the icon back into the spotlight, with Love returning in a sparkling gown, handing roses to her devotees. A quiet awe hushed the crowd as she led her followers in acoustic renditions of the tragically beautiful and tortured Northern Star and Dying from Hole’s widely acclaimed 1998 album Celebrity Skin. Love closed the show with Carole King’s controversial (and later regretted) pro-domestic violence track (written for The Crystals), He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss), and one last crowd pleaser, Doll Parts, before blowing a kiss and thanking Perth with a curtsy.

Even the most begrudging fan would have been warmed by Love’s effortless exchange and humour with the crowd. Though she was tight-lipped about the possibility for a Hole reunion tour, it was evident that she is not ready to fade away anytime soon. Love her or hate her, you know her name.