Concert Review: Xavier Rudd Live at Fremantle Prison
1st March 2024 at Fremantle Prison Western Australia
Review by Lee Garces
Photography by PRAIA Photography (also Lee Garces
Details
Musician – could it really mean musical magician? Because that is how I think we should describe Xavier Rudd. The Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is second to none. Gracing the stage of Fremantle Prison for a one night only special live concert event on Friday 1st March before making his way down south to Denmark as part of the SummerSalt line up.
With a sold out prison courtyard made up of families and long-time fans awaiting his performance, Xavier wasted no time stepping onto the solo stage barefoot with nothing more than a cheeky smile, his array of musical instruments, an Aboriginal flag and a large eagle painting the stage as his backdrop. Picking up his guitar and taking his seat, a cheering and whistling crowd welcomed the opening song, Full Circle.
Xavier had the crowd captivated from the beginning and the vibe was set as Stoney Creek allowed for children to be placed on the shoulders of many, while others conducted a sing along to the lyrics. “You people have got beautiful voices” was subtle encouragement from Rudd to continue to sing along and raise the energy and vibration of the evening, something that fans had no issue during the entire night.
Xavier’s versatile style and incredible ability to manoeuvre around the stage saw him operate the tools of his trade like an absolute master. Moving from acoustic guitar and the use of vocals, to drums and didgeridoo (yes, at the same time) and the harmonica, among others.
It would be hard to not sway in this evening’s breeze and be moved by any one of the songs exhibited by Rudd, especially with his expression of deep gratitude and love for this land entwined in his musical ability. Lyrics such as ‘we’re just living in this beautiful world’ and ‘pay respect to the spirit of this whole country’ through Storm Boy garnered a deep connection and focus from his listeners.
Throughout the evening, comments could be heard from multiple people in the crowd at every turn, “what an artist hey, f*n love it” came from the left, “it’s just amazing that he can play the drums and the didge at the same time!” coming from the right, and one little boy yelling, “Xavier we love you! You rock!”
It was the power in the performance of Lioness Eye that came strong through the waves of Rudd’s didgeridoo and his multi-instrumental genius, followed by Rudd standing up and moving to the front of the stage, raising and waving a large Aboriginal flag to the crowd, the flag so prominently placed beside him on stage the entire evening – the crowd erupting in whistle and agreement with this sentiment.
While thanking Fremantle for the breeze of the evening, Xavier paid respect to Gubbi Gubbi country and the Sunshine Coast, “I wrote this song up there and it was very magical”. Magic was certainly all around as the crowd literally swayed in the breeze to the words ‘take it easy, let it go now, lift your hands up and let yourself be free’.
Fremantle was lucky enough to be the first crowd to hear Rudd’s newest release World Order played live in Australia – “I’d like to leave you with a new song, it’s the first time I’ve played it in Australia. I hope you dig it” – and yes, we certainly dug it.
Rudd was supported by NSW indie group, Calypso Cora. It seems the musical genes run strong with his own son forming part of the four piece group. In true Xavier Rudd style, he finished up the show by calling the group back on stage and hugging it out, before they all took bows in gratitude to the crowd – with the Fremantle fans holding deep gratitude for this performance in return – cheering, clapping and whistling right to the end.
Set list: Full Circle / Stoney Creek / Energy Song / Culture Bleeding / We Deserve to Dream / Storm Boy / Messages / Ball and Chain / Let Me Be / High Times / Spirit Bird / Lioness Eye / Follow the Sun / Come Let Go / Magic / Breeze / World Order.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Face to Face Touring and Xavier Rudd for the Press Accreditation.
About the Photographer and Writer: Lee Garces is a local lifestyle photographer based in Rockingham with a great appreciation of Australian music. Keep an eye out as she endeavours to continue to capture more of our homemade talent, right here in Perth!
