Pinky Beecroft and the WhiteRussians at Northern StarHotel Newcastle (13/01/07)

Wed 17th Jan, 2007 in Gig Reviews

On the 13th January, 2007, a small crowd stumbled into the bar area next to the restaurant at the Northern Star Hotel in Newcastle’s Beaumont St, most seemingly unaware of the musical prowess which lay in store. The group were greeted with White Russians and Pinky Beecroft, who soon established his talent at losing a tie after five minutes, exclaiming to the crowd as he boarded the stage that he was normally much more dressed up for this kind of thing.

Despite the limited population spread and faint hint of acknowledgement which swept through the pack, the White Russians went on to produce a gig that created the energy of a sold out show in a capital city. At least, for those who were there for the musical experience rather than a way to fill in a Saturday night in Newcastle.

Somewhat reminiscent of some of Machine Gun Fellatio’s more mellow tracks, Pinky Beecroft and the White Russians played to the crowd a number of songs from their repertoire including The new Miss Sweden and Fabulous Driving two songs very different in the message and energy created, but a good cross section of White Russians musical style. Along with the songs penned by Beecroft for his newest musical endeavor, some of the more well known Machine Gun Fellatio hits such as Unsent Letter and Pussy Town were played to a crowd which accepted them with great enthusiasm, remembering once again why this man standing in front of them not only deserved, but demanded their respect with his music.

Beecroft’s energy on stage was backed-up up by Cameron Bruce on keyboards; Christian Mcbride on drums, Ken Folan on bass and Nick Stewart on lead guitar. All contributed to the feeling of the night of jokes and music with Bruce claiming that he would be available for kissing after the gig finished. Beecroft was only happy that the same crowd weren’t present the night before when a local band performed a cover version of Unsent Letter with supposedly more success according to Beecroft. Despite this claim however, he was simply happy with the knowledge that all royalties would be paid to him.

The night unfolded to be one of great music and comic entertainment between songs and one which any true fan could appreciate, despite the number of patrons simply being happy at the supply of alcohol and ‘background music’.

While the White Russians might not have been appreciated by all the crowd present on this Saturday in January. While the normal goings on of Beaumont St lay outside, and many in Newcastle lay unawares of the opportunity they were missing, Newcastle was proud to have Pinky Beecroft and the White Russians grace their company, especially since Beaumont St is now rumored by Beecroft to have the best Chicken Schnitzel around.