YOU AM I – FORUM THEATRE – MELBOURNE – 10.04.2025
Review and Photos: Craig Eriksson
Last night at the historic Forum Theatre in Melbourne, flamboyant frontman Tim Rogers announced to the crowd with a cheeky smirk and his distinctive swagger – “I may not be pretty but I’m a good dancer”.
Music goers from all walks of life were treated to a high energy, wild and crazy ride as the band, You Am I took to the stage and played two incredible 1-hour sets performing their classic albums Hourly, Daily and Hi Fi Way in their entirety. It was Australian rock ‘n’ roll at its absolute finest seeing You Am I perform these iconic albums.
Australian rockers You Am I formed back in 1989 and are currently celebrating the 30th Anniversary of their sophomore album Hi Fi Way released in 1995. It’s an absolute ripper album that stands out as one of Australia’s Greatest Aussie Albums of all times. It’s a ‘go to’ album in my own personal record collection and gets regularly played with personal favourites Purple Sneakers, Cathy’s Clown and Jewels and Bullets. I’ve seen You Am I multiple times over the years with the last time being at the Forum back in 2013. I was incredibly excited about this current tour, and it met all my expectations. Getting to hear You Am I play both these iconic albums was a dream come true.
You Am I have their own distinctive sound. They chose not to follow many other bands of the 90’s into the black hole of commercial music. They stuck to their own unique musical expression as an alternative rock band and have stood the test of time – having played live together for over 30 years! What a legacy and inspiration for Australian Music.
Band members:
Tim Rogers – Lead vocals / Lead & Acoustic Guitar / Harmonica / Maracas
Davey Lane – Lead Guitar / Backing vocals
Rusty Hopkinson – Drums / Percussion / Backing vocals
Andy Kent – Bassist / Backing vocals
*James Fleming – keyboardist / piano / tambourine / backing vocalist
First Set – Hourly, Daily released in 1996 was played in its entirety in order as it appears on the album. This is a far more gentle, melodic album than Hi Fi Way. We were up near the front barrier between Rogers and Lane and were perfectly positioned to watch the show. They opened with the beautiful plaintive acoustic HOURLY, DAILY. The only instruments being played were the acoustic guitar, keyboards and the bass guitar. When we scanned the stage, Kent was playing the bass guitar with a bow creating a gentle, double bass sound. It was very effective, taking the place of the cello on the recording, and blended so well with the other instruments.
Rogers’ beautiful, soft vocals drew the willing crowd into a warm embrace. GOOD MORNIN’ is a joyful, feel-good song about waking up ready to embrace the day. This was followed by MR.MILK and by now you realise this album runs through the course of a day. This album is Tim Rogers portrait of Australian life. SOLDIERS is about taking on the day ahead. As we travel through the album, Davey Lane’s harmonious backing vocals and guitar work is outstanding and watching Rusty on drums, he is so expressive obviously enjoying every minute of the show. Kent is laidback and solid on bass. This album features some fun, quirky and upbeat songs.
Tim Rogers is the true ‘Rock Star’ and oozed with confidence and charm. Dressed in green velvet pants, purple suede boots and a long dark purple velvet jacket, he showed the crowd how at ease he is on stage, whether playing the electric or acoustic guitar, belting out the tunes with that distinctive voice of his, playing harmonica or shaking those maracas. Rogers is a true entertainer, a charismatic presence onstage who commands an audience and has fans mesmerised throughout the show. On his right, carving it up on electric and acoustic guitar, Davey Lane draws our eye as he constantly moves around his side of stage, totally in his element, all whilst effortlessly playing guitar and singing backing vocals. Every so often Davey sticks out his leg and jumps in time with the beat which, coupled with his classic ‘I just came out of a Tarantino movie’ look makes him the coolest guy ever. Davey’s funky 70s glasses, thick sideburns and opened collared shirt all add to his suave persona.
As we travel through the first set, the crowd is singing and jumping around making you realise what an eclectic fanbase You Am I have. WALLY RAFFLES with its catchy lyrics, beats and riffs was another popular song amongst fans. HEAVY COMFORT saw Kent playing his bass with the bow again and this was a stunning song. SOMEONE ELSE’S HOME showcased Rogers’ high vocal register. The quality of the band’s musicianship struck us, and looking around at the faces lit up with joy and inspiration amongst the crowd, You Am I were hitting the mark with everyone there. Seeing the enjoyment each band member displayed made you realise just how much they all love playing together. Touring member James Fleming on keyboards, tambourine and backing vocals complimented their sound. His dexterous technique and prowess on the keys were on display as he mixed it up with both fast runs and percussive chords, a great addition to the lineup.
The Forum was filled with die-hard fans, screaming, jumping, dancing and we even saw a lady near us weeping uncontrollably catching the eye of the security guard who went over to see if she was alright. Such were the unfettered, uninhibited emotions evoked by You Am I. This was one devoted horde.
Second Set – Hi Fi Way released in 1995. From the first guitar chord and strike of the drumstick, this set took the energy up to a whole new level. The lads had changed their clothes during the 14-minute interval and Tim Rogers was now in gold pants and zebra shoes (classic Rogers!). Kent was now wearing a cowboy hat.
The You Am I sound is raw, guitar heavy, full-bodied. You have Kent providing the foundation, steady and solid on bass, Rusty having a blast thumping out huge beats on the kit (even occasionally playing the glockenspiel), Davey and Rogers strumming driving rhythm patterns on their various guitars, and Fleming providing all the extras on keys and tambourine. The overall effect is loud, primal and relentless. It makes you hold your breath until the final chord is struck and there is momentary silence then release. This is the kind of ride You Am I takes the audience on. Exhilarating!
Hearing them perform classics like CATHY’S CLOWN was a highlight of the evening. JEWELS AND BULLETS sees Rogers vocals shine and the strong guitar riffs had everyone rockin out. Hearing my favourite song PURPLE SNEAKERS made my night and was so good. Lyrics: “So we’ll take a personality pill, and something red to swill, and now every fire has gone out.”
In between songs, Rogers told short tales with the audience. One story was about catching up with some old friends who have been very successful with their careers. When asking Tim how he is going, his mate said “I guess you’re just doing the same old shit!” Tim said he was really taken back by his friends comment at the time, but then thought about it more and is proud playing with You Am I even if it is playing the old shit (laughed). The crowd applauded.
They came out and sang a 3-song encore with OPPORTUNTIES, RUMBLE and much to the delight of the crowd, finished the show with their classic BERLIN CHAIR. The legacy that You Am I has left on Australian music is commendable and inspiring for new artists. They didn’t smash their instruments at the end of the show like days gone by, but they certainly left fans with an everlasting memory of an incredible performance. Thank You!
SET LIST:
Hourly, Daily
- Hourly, Daily
- Good Mornin’
- Milk
- Soldiers
- Tuesday
- If We Can’t Get It Together
- Flag Fall $1.80 (Dedicated to Peter “Blackie” Black)
- Wally Raffles
- Heavy Comfort
- Dead Letter Chorus
- Baby Clothes
- Someone Else’s Home
- Please Don’t Ask Me To Smile
- Moon Shines On Trubble
- Who Takes Who Home?
- Forget It, Sister (snippet sung a cappella)
- Trike
Hi Fi Way
- Ain’t Gone and Open
- Minor Byrd
- She Digs Her
- Jewels and Bullets (played out of order with Cathy’s Clown)
- Cathy’s Clown
- Adam’s Ribs
- Purple Sneakers
- Pizza Guy
- The Applecross Wing Commander
- Stray
- Handwasher
- Punkarella
- Ken (The Mother Natures Son)
- Gray
- How Much Is Enough
Encore:
- Opportunities
- Rumble
- Berlin Chair