It’s a cold August Saturday night in Sydney as I make my way to Factory Theatre to see Chris Cheney. The Living End frontman is currently touring to promote the release of his recent debut solo album The Storm Before The Calm.
Chris took to the stage joined by a four-piece band consisting of drummer, guitarist, bass player and keyboardist – all equally talented. With the show first kicking off with the mellow ‘2am‘ then followed up by taking care of business with ‘Little White Pills’.
Next up, the entire room was singing along to ‘The River’ – a hook driven single taken from the new album.
Pausing in between songs Chris explained this was the last date of a gruelling five date tour so he and the boys will be hitting Kings Cross tonight. An ironic gesture considering it’s not quite the notorious hot spot that it once was.
Before playing ‘Football Club’ Chris told us a story of when he played the sport as a kid, and how a much better footballer from his team was in attendance at tonight’s show. The song then flowed into ‘Lost In The Darkness’ Followed by the haunting ‘Exile’, with an intro reminiscent of Tenacious D‘s ‘Tribute’.
Then Chris told us one of the reasons behind doing the solo project is he would get to play a Telecaster instead of a Gretsh for a change – as he then took out his Telecaster to perform a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Hungry Heart’.
Chris began the next song by reminiscing about his favourite childhood chocolates like White Knight, Golden Rough and Mint Pattie, setting the scene for the nostaligia-filled ‘Cornershop’. He followed on with ‘California’ before closing in with ‘Still Got Friday on My Mind’ as Chris and band left the stage.
That wasn’t to be the end as they decided to roll on for an encore featuring ‘Impossible Dream’ – the first track from the new album, then followed by a rocking cover of “Betty Lou’s Getting Out Tonight” by Bob Seger.
It was an intimate evening getting to see a true icon of Australian rock celebrate his deeply personal new album. With the entire night showcasing every track from the album along with some impressive covers. This wasn’t a night of mosh pit inducing rockabilly punk but rather a laid back display of Chris Cheneys versatile guitar skills and storytelling songwriting.
(Photos by Christian Ross)
