The Living End – Wedgewood Rooms

It may have been an unexpected surprise making it to the Living End at the Wedgewood rooms, but sometimes those last-minute night outs are often the best. Maybe that’s why I’m reminiscing about it a month on, but really it was just a damn fine gig.

They’re one of those bands that since forming in the early 90’s has always been there, even if you don’t know them well, you know them enough. At least that was the case for me, so when it came to the chance of seeing the Australian punk rockers live I jumped at the chance.

I say punk rock, but this is a band who love their 50’s rock n roll. The Living End are at their best during the more rockabilly influenced tracks, inspired by the likes of the Stray Cats. It’s here that songs such as “Pictures in the Mirror“ stand out as the highlights – the double bass more prominent live than on record.

The Living End – Wedgewood Rooms

You only needed to look around the room to see how Chris Chesney and co were going down with the locals. Not only that, it’s always good to see a group having just as much fun on stage as those off it.

Chesney happily interacted with the crowd, with the constant request of a particularly number resulting in the band giving it a go… and then apologising for messing it up.

Things were soon redeemed with the recognisable “White Noise” and “Raise the Alarm“ and the guys were back in full swing. I don’t use that term lightly either, for the double bass playing of Scott Owen would look at home in an old-time swing band. Although in the olden days jumping on your bass and throwing it around would no doubt have been frowned upon.

When the Living End left the stage, the crowd were already chanting for “Uncle Harry” and sure enough it started the encore. A few hot and sweaty songs later and what had started out as a casual trip to the Wedge, soon turned into one of the highlights of the summer.

The Living End