Live Review: The Sonics - Caravan Music

There are some gigs that have become Melbourne rock'n'roll folklore; in 1998 Bob Dylan played one of his longest-ever sets at the Mercury Lounge inside Crown Casino. A relatively unknown The White Stripes played the Tote in 2001. Mick Jagger even graced the stage at the Corner Hotel in 1988. It's 2012, however, that will be remembered as the time legendary garage-rock pioneers The Sonics played Caravan Music Club in Oakleigh.

Set opener He's Waitin', a cut from the seminal 1966 Boom album, is the first of an absolute litany of garage staples to follow. I Need Money (That's What I Want) and Shot Down prove Gerry Roslie's voice has never sounded stronger, while Larry Parya's guitar parts seamlessly interweave with Rob Lind's saxophone on Have Love Will Travel. The latest addition to the line-up, bassist Freddie Dennis provides vocals on a number of newer songs, most of which work well with the classic '60s material. Vampire Kiss is dedicated to Melbourne's Fearless Vampire Killers, who opened the show, and Cheap Shades has much of the same power that the Washington legends are revered for. However it's the early music that the crowd really grasps hold of.

The most striking thing about this Sonics show is their energy. It's pretty miraculous to see this group of 60-somethings deliver their songs with much of the same vigour as they would have 40 years ago. At every pause the crowd have no choice but to stay on their toes as Dennis demands countless “Yeah!” chants, and each of their famous cover songs is introduced with a high pitched “Are you ready for some rock and roll!?” Versions of I Don't Need No Doctor and Keep A Knockin' are blistering, and before long the main set closes with Psycho which, unsurprisingly, draws the most excitable crowd reaction of the night. But they come back. Twice. What would a garage-rock show be without a helping of Louie Louie? What a show.

Friday 27 April is the night 200 people witness one of rock's greatest-ever bands play one of their most unique performances. Were you there?