Michael Franti and Spearhead @The Enmore Theatre, Sydney(24/4/11)

Wed 27th Apr, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Fresh (or possibly still a little dirty) from their sets at Bluesfest, Michael Franti and Spearhead once again brought that lovin’ feeling to the Enmore Theatre.

The night got underway with a set from Rav Thomas who was followed by the one man band of Kim Churchill. Kim played guitar, bass drum, harmonica and sang. Also utilising a large selection of pedals and other equipment to create live loops of the music he was playing. Churchill has a similar style to that of Xavier Rudd (minus the didgeridoos), but with a larger more sonically heavy sound to it. He left the stage to a great reception from an audience who were only half way through their long weekend, and ready to get down.

The six members of Spearhead slowly made their way out, before being joined by the imposing frame of the larger than life Franti. The opening chords to a solid sounding version of Everyone Deserves Music filled the hall, while Franti bounced from one side the Enmore’s large stage to the other. The uplifting start from the band, coupled with the fact most people still had a couple of days away from work up their sleeve, made for a very welcoming and happy audience. There was no need for Franti to do the obligatory “Throw your hands in the air” move, when all hands were already reaching for the ceiling. It was Easter Sunday after-all, and someone has to give the Hillsong flock a run for their money. The Yell Fire! record got a look in next as Franti slightly reigned-in the energy levels for East To The West.

The message Franti and Spearhead have been giving to us throughout their entire career is one of togetherness and that we’re are all here as one people; one love. Spearhead would demonstrate that message tonight through the use of audience involvement, absolutely obliterating the imaginary wall that stands between artist and audience at the front of the stage. Shake It saw Franti pull up around 15 people to “Shake it, Shake it, Shake it” on stage with the big guy.

A couple of songs for the lovers in the building came in the forms of The Only Thing Missing Was You followed by_ All I Want Is You_ from their All Rebel Rockers album. The title track from the group’s last record The Sound of Sunshine saw six monster sized balloons sent bouncing around the audience. It was a nice touch as Michael sang “That’s the sound of sunshine coming down…”

By this point in the set, Franti had already made a few journeys into the crowd getting over the fence and walking a good 10 – 15 rows in, having a boogie and few proper hugs before heading back to finish the job on stage. During Yes I Will both guitarists took their instruments into the crowd whilst still playing, walking so far into the sea of people and dueling with each other before making their way back to the stage.

After giving a stirring and funny anecdote about Bob Dylan, Franti then dedicated the next song to him, the Dylan-esqe Hey World (Don’t Give Up). Following that with the protest song of Yell Fire! bringing two more punters on stage and arming them with (unplugged) guitars. Spearhead’s guitarists played a medley of Walk This Way, Back In Black and Yell Fire! and while the band’s newest ‘members’ enjoyed their moment in the spotlight Franti conducted the crowd in a sing along from the mezzanine. The full band reunited again on stage for I’ll Be Waiting, which was given a big finish as the band said their goodbyes and headed for the dressing rooms.

First song of the encore was a slightly sped up version of the Marley classic Could You Be Loved. Spearhead did the song great justice as it was delivered in beautiful and feel-good manner. Headphones was the penultimate song of the set, leaving the audience with the words “My heart is a loving heart” bouncing around in their heads. Franti then asked for any kids and anyone over 60 to come and join them onstage. They got a group of around 15 people, including a young girl on crutches, as well as 62 and 67 year olds who had been in the front row for the whole gig. The band finished the night with their new friends on stage with a joyous version of Say Hey.

The night’s set list may not have been what the crowd anticipated to get, with most songs coming from the groups later albums and no classics being re-visited. But what this all boils down to, and what Spearhead is ultimately all about, is joy and love for what they are doing.