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It was a diverse crowd that headed to the Hellenic Club last Thurday night to see Australian rock stalwarts Grinspoon.

There was guys, gals, Dad’s with son, Mum’s with daughters and then the older generation I would be proud to call in the league with my Nanna. The Nanna’s were rocking out hard too, moselle in hand flying everywhere while moshing in the background.

Nearly as soon as we all entered the first of three support bands came on stage. Canberra locals Variodivers kicked off the night with front man Justin Huehn shredding like a madman! Drums and bass weren’t anything to be sneezed at either. Variodiver’s set was varied and kept the crowd that was present entertained.

Next was Queensland two-piece DZ. As with the previous band, these two guys showed immense talent. With a couple of pedals and samples, their sound was massive for just two guys on stage. The drummer whipping his head around and playing without missing a beat, it really does show when natural talent hits the skin.

Last of the three support acts was Calling All Cars. Widely known for just coming off tour with AC/DC, they had a stage presence that the other two just didn’t come close to. That kind of thing does come with experience and touring with ones of Australia’s best rock band you would have to pick up a thing or two wouldn’t you?

As the crowd slowly built up and the chanting began it was time for Grinspoon to take to the stage. The announcement of their arrival was Guns’N’Roses _ Welcome to the Jungle_. With bright lights and flashes, Phil Jamieson and his men appeared on stage.

Crowd goes wild, hands in the air, this master of the crowd whipped them in to a frenzy from the beginning and managed to sustain that energy throughout the whole performance.

The set consisted of old and new. From their new album Six to Midnight their played Dogs, Takes One, Premonitions as well and their single Comeback.

We also got some back-catalogue, this sent the crowd into a riot. Hard Act to Follow, Chemical Heart, Lost Control and More Than You Are performed with intense verocity, Grinners left us wanting more.

It really was a room full of diehard fans and Phil knew that. He thanked everyone for making a Thursday night feel like a Saturday night… and he was spot on. The encore we got was unbelievable too. Acoustically played No Reason then the full band came back on for a rendition of INXS hit Don’t Change and ended with Grinspoon vintage Champion.

So as you can tell this gig was energy pack excitement throughout and you really just had to be there. Luckily, if you did miss it, they have joined the Groovin’ the Moo line-up that will be heading to Canberra this May, so better go grab your tickets now.

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