I have to admit I never imagined I'd ever see The Lemonheads. Growing up in little old New Zealand many bands never choose to visit. Anyway, now happily living in Melbourne Australia I know that most bands visit here eventually.
In Melbourne I've managed to see The Lemonheads twice and Evan Dando with Juliana Hatfield once. I also never imagined I'd ever see the great Juliana Hatfield so I consider myself blessed to see some of my favourite performers.
Now my expectations of the concert weren't particularly high. The last concert was very disappointing and I think Evan Dando was out of it probably on too many drugs. Anyway, this time Evan put on a sterling performance. I guess having low expectations really helps.
Now personally I don't really consider The Lemonheads a real band anymore. More Evan Dando with support musicians. Whatever is the case his current band deliver the goods. Playing as a three piece with Evan playing guitar (a mix of lead and rhythm), a bass player and drummer its a compact setup.
Of course there are some very famous three pieces such as grunge kings Nirvana, Greenday, The Jam, ZZ Top and others. The Lemonheads started in the grunge realm but were really quite different except for the first few albums. I love 'Lovey' that came out before there breakout with 'It's A Shame About Ray' and even on that album you could tell Evan wasn't into straight grunge.
Anyway, back to the concert covering 'It's A Shame About Ray' and 'Come On Feel' it's essentially a crowd pleasing semi-greatest hits show. I'm glad they skipped 'Mrs Robinson' but it was a pity not to here anything from 'Lovey' or a classic B side like 'My Divan' or 'Being Around'.
I have to admit the 1 1/2 hour show went pretty quick - a credit to how well they were playing. I have to admit that after about 40 minutes or so the set does feel like it lacks variety. They were playing like a power trio but some of the more melodic Lemonheads songs probably could have been given a bit more air to breath, played a bit more slowly and the guitar volume paired back a bit.
Who knows, Evan may have not have confidence in his voice to have it higher in the mix. Whatever the reason it does mean the set lacks a bit of variety and does get samey in sound. Personally as a fan I was just happy that Evan and the band seemed 100% into it and weren't just coasting.
Now an observation for us concert goers who are no longer spring chickens it's always interesting to go to a concert such as this and just see what kinds of people are here. It's funny imagining what everyone was like and doing in their younger versions of themselves.
Case in point we got to the front row to watch the show which I never would have tried or even contemplated in the 1990's when The Lemonheads were in their heyday. And basically no pushing either - I guess one benefit of the passing of time.
Being in the front row it was nice to watch Evan's guitar playing up close and personal. Evan didn't really interact with the crowd much but still did every now and then to keep the crowd on their toes. One song Evan switched to bass and that made a nice change to the momentum to the set.
It was notable that there was no encore and Evan just walked straight off the stage at the end without really acknowledging the crowd. Definitely an unusual way to end the show but no one seemed to mind once the crowd realised it was all over. Again, maybe it's just an older crowd experience - we just let it all pass by happy to see one of old favs just like catching up with an old friend.
Anyway, the show was good enough for me to see them again if they ever venture back here again and that's all I can ask for.
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