Words by Desleigh Bycroft
Pix by Sarah Gilpin
Let me just disclose that I am not a fan of dancers on stage with bands, or gimmicky costumes and wigs unless you’re kiss… because you’re KISS. Sydney supports for the night Crosson are described as theatrical, glam rock and I guess with the energetic, choreographed stage dancing by the 2 girls and the spandex-clad singer in a wig that probably has its own following, that’s what you get.
Dubious fashion choices aside, this band can play. I saw them a couple of years ago at GLAMFEST and they are still delivering the catchy songs with attitude they are known for.
It takes a while for the small Wednesday night crowd to warm up, but mid-way through the set they are sufficiently thawed to throw out a few fist pumps. The dancers, after several costume changes, return in red, sequin flapper dresses to an intro of money, money,money by ABBA. The singer declares the next song is for all the ladies there… and launches into WEAK AT THE KNEES (for a hot brunette) so it appears it’s only for hot brunettes and that rules me out thankfully.
There was about 9 or 10 songs in their s, including a drum solo for GUILTY OF ROCK, before SPREADING THE ROCK then EVERYONE’S A STAR closed out the set.
Although I had heard of Tyketto – the melodic, hard rockers from New York City – I hate to admit that I did not know much about them or their music. They are a friend’s favourite band, and she said I have to see them. So here I am after what seemed like a packed lunch and a camel ride to get here… it took forever! She was right, I did need to see this band! I may not be forever young (ok, I said it) but I will be forever grateful if took her advice to see them.
What a band! Formed in 1987 by dynamic frontman Danny Vaughn, these guys deliver kick-arse rock, no gimmicks, no bullshit, just rock. At 63, Danny’s voice is sublime and shows no sign of weakness that age and constant singing can bring. You only get that sort of vocal dynamic and voice control from years of singing live. His mid to high range was powerful without the need to venture into a screaming falsetto like a lot of singers do. The band, consisting of Ged Rolands on keyboards and guitar, Chris Childs on bass, Johnny Dee on drums and Harry Scott Elliot on lead guitar, played to Danny’s vocals and song structure – not overpowering or overcomplicated but complimenting his voice.
There was a great balance when Danny played the acoustic guitar, accompanied by the electric guitar and bass. You could hear every note by each musician – they didn’t compete with each other.
First song was STRENGTH ( in numbers) and Danny Vaughn was moving about the stage like an energetic rock God but still as cool AF. The crowd was into it from the first note of the first song until the last note 16 songs later. This is probably the first band that I have seen where I have loved all the songs they played (those that know me would know that is virtually impossible). Next up was WINGS – a song I have heard before but didn’t know it was Tyketto.(including a great guitar solo by Harry Scott Elliot).
Before CIRCLE THE WAGONS Danny gives wise life advice for when life’s shit sandwich (his words, not mine haha) and he invites everyone to sing along. He also spoke about how he once measured success by how many cars or houses owned, but things change in life, and he realised his success was measured by the fact that people still played and wanted to hear his songs after 33 years. A humble man. He thanked and acknowledged the relatively small crowd – it is Brisbane on a school night and that’s just how it is here…but he assured us all we were going to get the best fucking show, and they sure delivered!
Most of the crowd knew the songs and sang along – AREAS ONSLAUGHT, NOTHING BUT LOVE, MEET ME IN THE NIGHT, LAY YOUR BODY DOWN etc. I won’t go into every song because they were all just so damn good. The vocals, the band, the songs themselves… just awesome! STANDING ALONE was just one of the most beautiful songs and vocals I have ever heard.
Time for the encore and instead of the usual band theatrics of leaving the stage and waiting for the crowd to chant Tyketto and one more song, Danny says let’s just call it 2 more songs. Those songs would be LAST SUNSET and their signature tune FOREVER YOUNG. Everyone knew the words and sang along like we were one big family.
I don’t have a background in music. I don’t sing, I don’t play an instrument and I don’t know music terminology, so this might not be the review the band or HEAVY followers deserve – but it is from the heart. I see a lot of bands and a lot of different genres, and I rate TYKETTO as one of the best I have ever seen for those that love their rock music.
I’m a fan.
