What's On In Sydney ... Budgie!

[pH]

The Welsh rockers last night played a blinder at The Metro Theatre in Sydney. Surely a few people here remember Budgie. Burke Shelley was in great form on bass and vocals, Steve Williams was on drums and Craig Goldie (ex-Dio) on guitar. This tour had some early hiccups and at one point it was thought that the band would not be touring at all. This was probably because of slow initial ticket sales. However, the promoters (a group of fans) should be ecstatic that they filled the Metro with about 1,200 bouncing punters. There were lots of quite young fans who knew the words and sang heartily - I love that. It was a very happy gig and a very friendly vibe which reflects the fun and humour in the band's songs. Highlights were In For The Kill, Parents, Breadfan and a great version of Napoleon Bona Part 1 and Napoleon Bona Part 2 from the wonderful Bandolier album. Budgie are a fan-friendly band: my mate Mike bought a ticket which included pre-show dinner with the band and a backstage after-party. I asked how much he paid and he replied 'You don't want to know'. I have heard of artists selling "backstage pass"-type tickets but this seemed like unprecedented access. However, even without dinner and after-party I had a great night.

Pete

[pd]

This whole "backstage access" thing does seem a bit strange, but then, if people want to do it and have the money...

There was a Motorhead documentary a couple of years back which showed a group of Motorhead fans being given their own dressing room backstage before the gig, and mixing with the band. The impression given was that they were seriously committed fans and the band had chosen to recognise this and given them some perks, but I'm wondering now whether there was a financial side to it as well. Possibly not though; I'm not a fan of the music but everything I've read about them (including Lemmy's autobiography which is great) indicates that they are seriously dedicated to the music and encourage devotion from their fans.

I'm enjoying your "what's happening down under" posts Pete :)

[pete c]

I saw Budgie at Wigan Pier nightclub (!) decades ago, (mid-80s probably) even then they were past their pomp, it was a great gig though!

[pH]

In fact, Jeff Martin is on at the same venue in a couple of days. However, I can't go for various reasons so I'll not be able to report on that one, more's the pity. By the way, Budgie cost $65 and JM is $40. Better prices than Stanley Clarke, whom I would love to see at The Opera House next month, at $115 for the 'posh' seats. The LZ photo exhibition was $6 in - bargain! - and the photographer, Ted Harvey, will be in attendance at an evening session on Wednesday next, still only $6 in. The LZ gig in '72 cost $4. March is an extraordinary month for music in Sydney, with many spinoff gigs from the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival at Byron Bay. I had decided on a moratorium for myself as it can get very expensive.

http://www.bluesfest.com.au/main.aspx

[aspwatterson]

In fact, Jeff Martin is on at the same venue in a couple of days. However, I can't go for various reasons so I'll not be able to report on that one, more's the pity. By the way, Budgie cost $65 and JM is $40. Better prices than Stanley Clarke, whom I would love to see at The Opera House next month, at $115 for the 'posh' seats. The LZ photo exhibition was $6 in - bargain! - and the photographer, Ted Harvey, will be in attendance at an evening session on Wednesday next, still only $6 in. The LZ gig in '72 cost $4. March is an extraordinary month for music in Sydney, with many spinoff gigs from the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival at Byron Bay. I had decided on a moratorium for myself as it can get very expensive.

http://www.bluesfest.com.au/main.aspx

US $ or Aus$ ? How many Aus$ in the Sterling Pound then?

andi :confused1:

[pH]

Sorry, ASP, I had a bit of a prob logging in ...

a dollar (Aus) is about 46p at the moment. That should give you an idea. They're pretty cheap gigs mostly but if Led Zep decide to play at the East Coast Blues and Roots Fest I think we might be in for a slight surprise in the price!

rock on,

Pete

[philmch]

Good lord, Budgie are still going ?

One of the earliest gigs I ever attended was Budgie (and local band Strife) at Liverpool Empire in autumn 1978.

I always thought that If I Were Britannia I'd Waive The Rules was a really daft title for a record.

Local rock DJ Phil Easton used to think it was hysterical when Mr Shelley came in to Radio City to be interviewed by him and the receptionist announced; "There's a Burke to see you Mr Easton".

[Travellerman]

I saw the Tea Party play the Metro in '96 I think, that was a good venue and an even better gig. I couldn't stand up afterwards, my ears were ringing and my head pounding :party: