We Are Scientists

It was a cold spring night in ol’ Melbourne town when I was to be to be rocked by some sweet talking New Yorkers who don’t only specialise in rocking my socks but also tickling my funny bone.

It was 8.40 and a fairly established crowd had already formed. An odd scene where it’s commonplace to arrive two hours after doors open, just in time to catch the show. But then again, Bluejuice were supporting. They were sufficiently ‘off da heezy’ as they say and as the show went on they left said ‘heezy’ further and further behind them. Lead Jake Stone is quite a force on stage, jumping around like crazy, swinging microphones, jumping into the crowd and invading one guys personal space only to top it by slow dancing with him. It was halfway through this set that I noticed Keith and Chris from WAS were behind me. I didn’t want to greet them only to make a fool of myself, and it is well known that one should not disturb another during a set, especially when the other is clearly enjoying it, so I decided against it. I did make sure I bumped into Keith later though, you know, just so i could say i had made contact, so at least i have that...

Vitriol expectedly got the crowd a little more excited having received a fair bit of airplay of Triple J, and with that, the fellas left the stage leaving us eager music punters craving more.

Half an hour later, the suspense had builded, the Hi Fi was full, and the lights dimmed. Keith Murray and Chris Cain made their entrance, blue Slurpee tongue and all. Impatience was dedicated to the chain of convenient stores that give us such a fine frozen product after Cain revealed his love of Melbourne due to our abundance of stores that provide them. In between every few songs the boys would engage in some humorous banter which they have become known for, which was refreshing to see for two reasons: firstly, some bands don’t seem to have fun when they play (note: shoe gazing is NOT fun), so it was nice to see them genuinely having a great time. Secondly, it broke the whole performer/audience idea making the show a memorable experience. So for the record: Band + Happy + Fans + Happy = Fun Times For All. Countless songs were dedicated to Bon Jovi following what was initially a passing comment ,became a running joke after a fan insisted that ‘Bon Jovi SUCKS!’, flaring up some deep emotions from Keith to the historical band.

Keith jumped into the crowd during Textbook, taking it all the way to the back of the Hi Fi, posing for photos and sharing vocals with one lucky female fan. While making me envious, it was also great to watch. They stormed through their set with enthusiasm and energy making it one of the greatest gigs I’ve been to with many a memorable moment to reminisce upon. There was a birthday bra thrown on the stage, Keith chugging half a bottle of Carlton Draught at the insistence of the crowd and Chris failing to do the same, along with the many conversations had; including one endorsing incest while listening to the “slinky groove” of Lethal Enforcer.

Since the boys kept yammering on about the possible press in the audience, I hope I made the grade; because they most certainly did.

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