Live Review: Mushroom Free For All

Mushroom chief Michael Gudinski enters the brand spanking new Margaret Court Arena stage to proudly open the All-Victorian Free For All.

Lanie Lane begins with hip-swinging beauty I See You to a ‘sold-out’ crowd only just filling a third of the seats. Partner Jez Mead’s trumpet cup mute adds jazzy sass to What Do I Do, while That’s What You Get prompts a loud “mooing” from a smart arse punter that even Lane laughs at. After encouraging all to follow their intuition and yelling, “Aaww I love you guys!”, Lane establishes herself early on as the most endearing act of the night.

Shame on you ungrateful Melburnians, Margaret Court Arena is still only half full by the time class act Husky begins. Lead singer and guitarist Husky Gawenda takes the mark of the night when a broken strap sends his guitar plunging downwards triggering shocked gasps, yet his quick hands saves the day. Cracking rocker Saint Joan features Husky’s signature sweet harmonies while tender ode Ruckers Hill sounds even more painfully beautiful booming through the arena sound system. For To Make A Lead Weight Float features an enchanting keys solo sending Gideon Preiss coasting over the keyboard like he’s surfing a wave.

Gudinski next introduces The Rolling Stones support act British India, who immediately pick up the pace with Summer Forgive Me and Blinded. Debuting new single Wrong Direction, lead singer and guitarist Declan Melia hopes aloud he doesn’t forget the lyrics. Dancer of the night goes to lead guitarist Nic Wilson, who kicks around the stage with bouncy exuberance. Ending with crowd fave I Can Make You Love Me, the band rock it out with an epic head banging display.

Final act Dan Sultan walks out waving and pumping his fist like a madman. Full of bravado and sheer stage presence, Sultan totally takes the rock up a notch sending the crowd wilder than ever. Busting out tracks such as Under You Skin, The Same Man and Kimberley Calling, Sultan treats punters to dazzling guitar riffs, wailing vocals and even more triumphant double and single fist pumps. Finishing with manic encore track Letter, Sultan struts the stage like a boss and eventually falls to the ground in a spent yet victorious finale.

With the floor of Margaret Court Arena christened by pints of spilled beer, Melbourne’s gig venue baby is now well and truly ready to rock.