Whilst wandering through the back streets of Enmore and heading in the direction of the Annandale Hotel, I happened to spot a portentous symbol spray-painted on a footpath. This symbol was the memorable logo of Sydney’s legendary punk spawn, Radio Birdman – the logo was also nicely positioned near a popular local slogan, which declares, “Play some fucking Stooges!” It was a befitting sighting because the Radios were about to appear that night as part of that week’s fifth birthday celebrations for the Annandale Hotel. Melbourne’s The Specimens and local outfit, The Clear Spots, who were performing in the fantastic new back room bar, amply filled the support slots.
The big crowd gathered represented a wide cross-section of people, from hardcore fans to curious punters like myself. The anticipation was huge for The Specimens who suitably got the Saturday night proceedings rolling raucously along. With in-your-face volume and meaty guitar riffs, their fans (who are numerous) were fully satiated after their set. It was to the back room next to catch a brief glimpse of The Clear Spots, a four-piece band dedicated to keeping the sounds of bare-boned 60s garage alive. Punters shuffled to a cover of Sally Sensation, originally by The Buff Medways, in the practically full room.
Back in the main room, the numbers were consolidating whilst the Birdman sound check was wrapping up. Judging by the volume of the sound check alone, this was going to be a major ear-splitter! Armed with my trusty earplugs, I was more than ready for it. Radio Birdman hit the stage soon after and wasted no time with What It’s For. The crowd then got moving to the anthemic number, Do The Pop, which was accompanied by a multitude of classic Rob Younger stage moves. On display were the handclaps above the head, the hip swings and the impenetrable stare. Onstage with Rob Younger were fellow founding members Deniz Tek, Pip Hoyle (bedecked resplendently in a beret – surprise, surprise) and Chris Masuak. Joining them also was ex-New Christs’ Jim Dickson and You Am I’s energetic Russell Hopkinson on drums.
As a live unit, Radio Birdman sufficiently proved that they’re still capable of delivering a tight, blistering set. It’s also not hard to imagine why they were considered one of the guiding lights of the fledgling late 70s Sydney punk scene. With so many signature tunes in their repertoire, the crowd happily lapped up Hand Of Law, Man With The Golden Helmet, 455 SD and New Race plus a totally vicious cover of The Stooges’ Search And Destroy. It’s then a frenetic finish with What Gives and Aloha Steve And Danno, which really got some of the crowd going – as expected! The Radios then disappeared but shortly afterwards we were lucky to be granted with two encores featuring yet another arresting cover version. This time it was Waiting For The Man infused with strains of The Stooges’ No Fun – it was the dirtiest rendition I’d heard yet. A blinding Breaks My Heart served satisfyingly as the finale.
It seemed many hearts were breaking when it really did finish yet Radio Birdman, in conjunction with The Specimens and The Clear Spots, had put on a fantastic show. Congratulations also to the Annandale Hotel, the back room set-up was great which made for a comfortable evening.
All in all, it was a grand rock ‘n’ roll event, which opened my eyes and ears to the live sonic force that is the almighty Radio Birdman!
