Live Review: The Fabulous Caprettos 2024 (Dave Gleeson, Russell Morris, Jack Jones, Rai Thistlethwayte) in Concert
The Fabulous Caprettos on 10 January 2024 in Perth at the Astor Theatre Perth
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
The anarchistic guitar and rock sensibilities spark excitement amongst the Perth fans, who are known for being seat warmers even with the presence of four rock legends on stage. But not this one time; just like the name of the band that he fronts full time, the rockstar soars with the rebellious shaninagans and vocals, elevating some fans and filling the front end of the aisle. Shades of 1991 with his Newcastle mates resonates, as he head bangs and jumps like he has been for over thirty years. Flanking the rocker are three legends spanning across seven decades of craftsmanship, through the guitar that infuses more electric than the quantity of ions in a stormy cloud, to the ferocious drums and kicks that bombarded the Astor Theatre.
“I keep telling the story to everyone of us dancing backstage while Suzi Quatro sang, and then you said, ‘OK, got to go’ and off you went to do a duet with her…” this writer/photographer tells Dave Gleeson in backstage, the lead vocalist of the Screaming Jets, and ex The Angels.
“…Oh yes! That was at By the C hey, and I went to sing Stumblin’ In…it was so awesome!”
Not a duet tonight, but a quartet joining forces to sing Aussie classics such as Better by the Screaming Jets, displaying the artifact of musicians.
Gleeson was occasionally tamed. “I have never played this much tambourine in my whole life! My wife – well one of my wives, calls me Mr Tambourine, a lot better than what the others used to call me!”
On the other end of the musical spectrum cast one of the greatest ballads, infusing into the hearts of many.
“Don’t be shy to sing along – even though if it goes, Hold Me In Your Arms.”
The green and yellow hues from the breathtaking lighting provided the visual sensation while the super mellifluous and angelical essence ooze from the vocals of Jack Jones. For those who crawled the yellow brick road on a quest for love, it was this track that many had indulged in the early 90’s – whether the outcome was an illusion, epiphany or a real life story. So it seemed the former Southern Sons vocalist had been bottled in a time machine, maturing into a solidified version of the early 90’s – yet sounding as youthful as a young slave to love. His voice echoed at the crescendo, resonating into stunned silence. Fleeting applause followed even before the end of the song.
It was a musical poetry engraved into our subconscious, always and forever.
“But you didn’t do You Were There!” This photographer hinted, backstage.
“Hah, we can always do that.”
All good, next time.
The duality of sonic spectrum was transitional spectacular, repeating with Russell Morris AM and Rai Thistlethwatye of Thirsty Merc, propagating world class entertainment from the best of Aussie Rock.
So at around 9 o’clock, the four graced the stage, with Russell Morris sparking with Sweet Sweet Love, a track that starts with a pop ballad followed by a faster run on a nostalgic bloomed from 1971. Despite sparking a career spanning since the 60’s, this living treasure, an AM, still has the vocals that remained in tact from the 60s and 70s.
The age spectrum amongst the four is ideal if not commercially carved, drawing crowd from an eclectic demographics. No individual bravado, no egos – rather a water tight unit with military precision, captained by super drummer Jackie Barnes and bass player Jason Vorherr. The drummer’s savagery was awe inspiring, his head switched to one side, deep focus and tight lip – as if he was indulging in deep incantation, possessed into a countenance that was congruous to the pounding effect of the sonic rhythm.
“Hey nice to see you again, bro,” said JJ Barnes as I crept behind his elevated post for a photo opportunity. He shook my hands before playing the next track. Such humility from the genes of a great musical family.
The four singers stood at equidistant to each other, with Russell Morris and Dave Gleeson taking the middle spot, flanked by Rai Thistlethwayte on keyboard and Jack Jones on guitar. The baby of them all Rai injected the youth and coming of age zest with hits such as 20 Good Reasons, which was the first single from Thirsty Merc, and In the Summertime. It was a hot night, in more ways than one.
So hits after hits they came, the best of the four. 2023 saw Daryl Braithwaite slithering with the 90’s charm. Since then, newly appointed Dave Gleeson injected the sass and zest of rockstardomship. Both are legends with the Screaming Jets frontman penetrated the inherent larrikinism of Aussie rock into a band with an Italian infusion; Caprettos – meaning goat. For some, four rock legends on one stage feel the band deserved the title as the GOAT – The Greatest Of All Time.
The writer would like to thank Special Starr Events, The Fabulous Caprettos and the Astor Theatre for Access All Areas.
Tickets to the remaining shows can be purchased from The Fabulous Caprettos
12 January, Sunshine Coast, The Events Centre
13 January, Tweed Heads, Twin Towns Services Club
14 January, Sydney, Enmore Theatre
About the Writer/Photographer: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to photograph and review over 60 of the hottest acts in Perth including Coldplay, KISS, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rod Stewart with reviews shared by the likes of UB40, Delta Goodrem and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) and over forty legends.
