Pictures by Charlyn Cameron
It was a sold-out show, so there were no surprises when I drove around the corner to pass The Tivoli that there was a line-up of fans almost around the block. The crowd itself was quite impressive and made up of so many walks of life. Younger, older, and everyone in between. They were all there for the same thing, to get up close and personal with the ‘Sniffers!
Supporting acts tonight were Miss Kaninna and Bob Vylan (UK). Miss Kaninna came out and commanded the audience immediately, offering something completely different to what Amyl were about to serve. However, Miss Kaninna exuded fierceness, and pride, loosening up the crowd perfectly. I love seeing a strong woman who is unapologetically herself and stands tall next to Amy, both being the voice for people who feel they can’t speak up.
Next up was Bob Vylan. Another contrast to the main act but SO MUCH FUN. You couldn’t help but groove along with the man! Huge energy, the kind I wish you could bottle up and swallow daily! I love that he casually dropped “Always was, always will be” in the middle of one of his songs. A nice touch after following a proud Aboriginal woman flying her First Nation’s flag high.
Now it’s time for Amyl and the Sniffers to come out and show us why they are one of our most successful Australian bands in modern times. Well actually… I have to mention one of the funniest sound checks I’ve witnessed… old mate comes out and instead of doing the typical “1, 2, YUHHHH” he gets interactive with the crowd and goes “SHH YE, YE SILLY SAUSAGES” and has everyone joining in a laughing their guts out. Golden.
You already feel like you’ve experienced a mini festival, and the crowd was ready to freakin’ rumble! If you haven’t heard of Miss Kaninna or Bob Vylan, check them out! Their music is a perfect balance of being completely uplifting whilst delivering strong and tough messages about what’s happening in our world as we speak. Powerful.
And next out comes Amyl like a goddamn steam train. Amy announces…
“WHAT’S UP MOTHER FUCKERS. If someone falls down, pick them up and don’t touch anyone who doesn’t want to be touched!”
Then seamlessly rips into Doing In Me Head. The tone is set.
Far out, I find it hard to express how much I adore Amy’s style. She doesn’t give a fuck about what I think, or you think or anyone thinks for matter of fact. The way she dances is the kind of freedom I find myself constantly searching for. When I let go like that, it looks like I’ve just walked out the front door and straight into a fucking huge spider web wondering where the heck the spider is on me! Even with the spotlight on Declan for a guitar solo it’s bloody hard not to watch Amy, she’s a fucking enigma.
Their set list was girthy, boasting 24 songs. A healthy dose of their now ‘hits’ and, of course, bangers from their newest album, Cartoon Darkness. I found myself standing beside an older couple and couldn’t help but think “that’s fucking cool to see everyone enjoying this music” as they coyly sung the lyrics to Maggot. If ya know, ya know… just perfection.
Before playing Knifey, Amy took the chance to remind us of how many women have been murdered in Australia last year, not including women stuck in domestic violence situations. She wasn’t shy of supporting men too… saying it’s “Fucked up” that you aren’t allowed to show your emotions and get told their ‘weak’ if they do. End message? End generational trauma and do better for the future. Amy doesn’t shy away from speaking up, and that’s something I respect deeply.
This is my third time watching Amyl And The Sniffers live. The first two were festival settings and this show was my first headliner. I can confidently say that coming from a house band, jamming out together, to being an international touring fucking juggernaut is HUGE. They are such a cohesive unit. Declan (guitar), Bryce (drums), Gus (bass) and Amy (vox) will go down in history as one of the most successful, true Aussie punk bands and I’ll be a lifelong fan!
When’s the next show?
