The Sunnyboys at Enmore Theatre - Review

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Posted 2017-02-16 by Jade Jackson ⇒ follow

Sat 04 Feb 2017

The first time I heard the Sunnyboys single 'Alone with you' with its hypnotic guitar riffs, catchy lyrics and classic rock drums I was an instant fan. It was 1982 and Australian rock was really taking off.

Click on Listen in browser for a preview of 'Alone With You'.

Despite their impending dominance on the Australian music scene, The Sunnyboys broke up in 1984 and it wasn't until 2012 that the original band members got back together. Lead singer, Jeremy Oxley's mental health battles the underlying cause. Thankfully Jeremy's story has a happy outcome and the band has since toured multiple times.

Their early break up meant they didn't quite reach the fame of other bands of the same era and now they are back, I expect to see them create a new page in Australian music history.

On Saturday 4th February, The Sunnyboys played their self-titled album of perfection in full, wowing the Enmore Theatre. The fans sung along to every song as heads swayed and bopped to the drum beats.

Playing a full album live makes for an excellent concert experience and I'm surprised more bands don't do this.

Some bands re-group so they can play the hit songs and fly home, pockets jangling full of money. Watching the Sunnyboys perform felt like they were making up for lost years that should have been on stage. Graciously happy to be there and genuinely thrilled by the audience participation.

The original lineup was back including Jeremy Oxley (vocals), Richard Burgman (guitar), Bill Bilson (drums) and Peter Oxley (bass) ensuring their unique sound took me on an epic journey back to when Aussie pub rock ruled, hair was teased and denim was everywhere.

Add in the stench of squished bodies (the seats were removed from the lower level in the Enmore Theatre) combined with beer and perfume which filled the air and you had a time machine back to the 80's.

They opened the night with 'I Can't Talk To You' and the brilliant tunes continued without a lull as 'My Only Friend', 'Trouble in my Brain' and 'Gone' were belted out with gusto. When 'Happyman' was played, the chorus of backup singers was near deafening guarenteeing many sore throats the next day.

To listen to a preview of these songs click on Listen in browser

The Sunnyboys were meant to be heard live and their re-emergence was the greatest thing to happen in Australian music since Wave Aid (benefit concert for the Asian Tsunami).

The Sunnyboys played for two hours including two encores which left few songs from their repertoire unplayed. When a band like the Sunnyboys has so many amazing songs the show can only be described as a best of greatest hits concert.

This was the kind of concert where you left perfectly satisfied knowing you heard it all.

Before they left the stage, Richard's parting words were "We'll see you next time."

To that I say 'definitely' and I recommend you do too.

Watch The Sunnyboys perform 'Happyman' in the clip below.

The were supported by The Shy Imposters and The Flaming hands. Both were fantastic rock bands from the 1980's with a strong female vocalist. The Shy Imposters were in the league of Patti Smith whilst the Flaming Hands had some great ballads.