In 1968, The Beatles recorded and released a self titled album that changed the face of the music industry. Ranging from pop, blues, rock n roll to folk, the self titled release now nicknamed The White Album is not only a milestone of the 60’s, but it is also an undisputed milestone in music history.

So when four of Australia’s most respected musicians were asked to perform the White Album in its entirety for a series of one-off concerts, the response was mixed, and doubts were held by both the musicians, and the fans. The mammoth task was accepted by Chris Cheney (The Living End), Tim Rogers (You Am I), Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon) and solo musician Josh Pyke. After months of practice, and no doubt nerves, the final product had its first public performance at Hamer Hall Melbourne on the 1st August 2009.

The intense sense of anticipation was evident as the crowd filtered into Hamer Hall. The concert was performed in two acts, one for each half of the album. With the audience fully aware of the setlist, it was going to be much more exciting to see who was playing what, and which of the performing artist’s stand out songs were.

At approximately 8pm, the seventeen piece orchestral band graced the stage, with a brief rentition of Can You Take Me Back, setting the nostalgic tone for the night.

Chris Cheney, guitar in hand, opened the White Album concert with the brilliant Back in the U.S.S.R. to momentous applause. Gracing the stage Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson delivered a sombre rendition of Dear Prudence, after which Chris returned to the stage for Glass Onion and a group performance of Ob La Di Ob La Da. With the rest of the group leaving the stage, Tim Rogers stayed back, swaggering across the stage for a performance of Wild Honey Pie and Bungalow Bill.

A highlight of the performance came in form of Cheney performing While My Guitar Gently Weeps. His sheer talent is evident in the way he handles such a powerful song. Departing the stage, Rogers returned for Happiness is a Warm Gun, a song which he got right into, performing hand movements in the form of a pistol.

At long last, fan favourite Josh Pyke arrived on stage for his performance of Martha My Dear, with Jamieson following Pyke with I’m So Tired. Returning for what could be considered another highlight of the night, Pyke played Blackbird, a song laced so much grace and pure energy. If anybody could pull Blackbird off with utmost dedication, it would be Josh Pyke.

Rogers returned for a rendition of Piggies, moving around the stage like a loon, making pig noises, and generally having a grand old time. Pyke made his third appearance for Rocky Racoon as did Jamieson for Don’t Pass Me By. When Cheney made his next arrival on stage to play Why Don’t We Do It in the Road, his impact as one of Australia’s most loved musicians was certified by the cheers of his fans. Jamieson respectfully performed I Will, but it was Pyke who closed the first act with the incredibly beautiful and moving Julia.

Opening act two of the performance, Cheney jumped right into it, playing Birthday, during which he appeared to be scouting the crowd for any birthday attendees. Jamieson was next, with Yer Blues, followed by Pyke who once again had the crowd in awe with Mother Nature’s Son.

The quirky and eccentric, but nonetheless brilliant Tim Rogers returned to the stage for Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey. Rogers struts his style all over the stage, like the rock icon he is – it’s impossible not to feel privileged watching him perform.

Jamieson emerged onstage to perform Sexy Sadie, giving the song a wonderful, poignant performance. But it was Cheney’s rock n’ rollin’ version of Helter Skelter that almost stole the second act. Cheney brought his trademark vocal style and stage antics to the song, reminding the audience of why Helter Skelter has been an influence on rock music since 1968.

With only a few songs left in the performance, Pyke performed Long Long Long, a precursor for one of The Beatles most legendary songs, Revolution, which was suitably performed by the legend himself, Tim Rogers. Leading towards the finale, Jamieson performed Honey Pie, Savoy Truffle was covered by Cheney and Pyke performed his final solo for the night Cry Baby Cry.

Unfortunately, the absence of Revolution #9 was the only real noticeable fault in the show. Reports that it was too hard to perform might have seemed a bit weak for some of Australia’s most talented musicians, but in truth, it further proves how incredibly talented the boy’s from Liverpool really were.

With the White Album experience drawing to a close, Rogers began the finale of Goodnight, with glimpse of Revolution #9 in the intro, bidding farewell, goodnight and all good things to the crowd, waving, sinking to his knees to look eye to eye with those in the front row, and closing what had no doubt been an experience no Beatles fan will forget.

Taking to the stage as one, the Fab Four (of the night) bowed, and waved to the audience before beginning a series of encores, with the crowd rising to their feet to applaud versions of Revolution, Hey Bulldog and Why Don’t We Do It In The Road sung by all four artists.

Speaking with the singers afterwards, Chris, Phil and Josh spoke of how incredibly amazing it was to be able to perform such an amazing set. Pyke joked when asked how it was to play the album start to finish – - œIt was great! Only ten more shows to go!’ No doubt, they will be as exciting as the first performance.

The task of covering such loved, respected and highly treasured music is not always an easy task, especially for die hard fans of the source material. But Chris Cheney, Phil Jamieson, Tim Rogers and Josh Pyke have pulled off what many would deem to be impossible. Their performance, of what is considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time, was not only an amazing tribute, but an amazing experience.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE

Back In The USSR – Cheney
Dear Prudence – Jamieson
Glass Onion – Cheney
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da – Pyke, Rogers, Cheney, Jamieson
Wild Honey Pie – Rogers
The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill – Rogers
While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Cheney
Happiness Is A Warm Gun – Rogers
Martha My Dear – Pyke
I’m So Tired – Jamieson
Blackbird – Pyke
Piggies – Rogers
Rocky Raccoon – Rogers & Pyke
Don’t Pass Me By – Jamieson
Why Don’t We Do It In The Road? – Cheney
I Will – Jamieson
Julia – Pyke
Birthday – Cheney
Yer Blues – Jamieson
Mother Nature’s Son – Pyke
Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey – Rogers
Sexy Sadie – Jamieson
Long, Long, Long – Pyke
Revolution 1 – Rogers
Honey Pie – Jamieson
Savoy Truffle – Cheney
Cry Baby Cry – Pyke
Good Night – Rogers