Review: Bryget Chrisfield. Photos: Kate Arnott
Band crush alert! How have I never before seen tonight’s opener, Hot Machine? Powerhouse vocals, triple-axe attack with ample sass, skin-tight spandex and flailing tresses – this rockin’ Melbourne quintet is awesome in every way and the perfect pairing for the ‘Queen Of Noise’ herself. Have we time travelled back to peak Sunset Strip, where The Runaways cut their teeth?
Vocalist Samantha O’Keefe admits the first cover Hot Machine practised was The Runaways’ Cherry Bomb – that tracks. This all-girl group’s searing rendition of Pat Benatar’s Heartbreaker goes down a treat. Hot Machine are visibly chuffed to be warming up the stage for the one and only Cherie Currie, who makes a surprise appearance on stage during their final song, hollering words of praise into the mic en route to the bandroom.
Currie’s backing band takes their positions on stage (including her son Jake Hays on drums). The crowd whoops and hollers. Then on comes the voice of The Runaways, resplendent in all black (including a sleeveless denim Cherry Bar vest – Melbourne, represent!).
After ripping through The Runaways’ Queens Of Noise and California Paradise – showing off her killer band to perfection straight out the gate – Currie reminds us, “They did a movie from my book, I dunno if you guys are aware of the movie The Runaways?” The swaggering, cymbal-heavy Roxy Roller – originally recorded in 1975 by the glam rockers Sweeney Todd with Nick Gilder, Currie’s “dear friend”, on vocals – follows. The original version of Roxy Roller was used in The Runaways film, with Currie’s cover appearing on her solo record (2019’s Blvds Of Splendor).
The audience is clearly in awe. We’re in the presence of rock’n’roll royalty, afterall. “Do you know who Slash is?” Currie teases, before introducing Mr. X (also from Blvds Of Splendor) – a Slash/Duff McKagan co-write.
Following the super-satisfying screech-along that is Rock & Roll (“It’s alright!”), Currie announces, “I think this very well could be the best show I’ve ever had!” We’re then told Currie penned You Wreck Me in the wake of a relationship so bad that she hasn’t been in one since – “I think that’s been 16 years now?” she estimates. After rallying some applause for Hot Machine, Currie admits, “I love feeling like I might’ve had just a little bit to do with that”.
She then expresses dismay at interviewers who comment on how unfairly women are treated in the music biz these days: “Are you out of your fucking minds!? Women rule music now.”
During C’mon, which Currie reveals is one of her faves, Australian-born lead guitarist Nick Maybury’s solo is electrifying. Currie completely nails Rock & Roll Oblivion’s sustained notes – she’s certainly in fine voice this evening.
Currie obviously dotes on her son, revealing that the late great Runaways drummer Sandy West (Rest In Power) gave him his very first drum lesson. “Jake gets Sandy like Sandy got Jake,” she extols. “When I’m onstage with Jake I feel like I’m onstage with Sandy.” The Runaways’ Is It Day Or Night? – one of Sandy’s favourites, according to Cherie – follows.
She’s about to turn 66 and Currie observes, “I’m a Golden Girl – fuck!” Rock’n’roll and 24 years of chainsaw carving have served her well. And now for the moment we’ve all been salivating for: “Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch CHERRY BOMB!” Currie’s cadence stays true to the original we all know and love, and the crowd erupts.
Returning to the stage for an encore, Currie takes a moment to sign a couple of copies of her autobiography (Neon Angel: A Memoir Of A Runaway) for front-row fans. Currie knew she wanted to be on stage after attending a Diamond Dogs-era Bowie concert. Fittingly, Currie and co. close with Rebel Rebel (which also appears on The Runaways soundtrack).
The Runaways formed in 1975 and their songs still resonate 50 years on. Currie’s Farewell Australia Tour is not to be missed.
Setlist
Queens Of Noise
California Paradise
Roxy Roller
Mr. X
Rock & Roll
You Wreck Me
C’mon
Rock & Roll Oblivion
Is It Day Or Night?
American Nights
Cherry Bomb
Encore
Rebel Rebel (Bowie)
