Jimmy Barnes - Carling Academy - Monday 7th August

Many moons ago I went into the Sydney branch of HMV and bought a selection of Jimmy Barnes CDs. When I went to pay, I got a smile from the cashier who asked if I "was off home for a bit of shouting?". Mr Barnes has that reputation as a bit of a gravel voiced belter. He can't be all bad though. It is estimated that 40% of all Australians own a Jimmy Barnes record and he had 7 consecutive number one albums there. 

Anyway, this gig was at the Carling Academy, Islington (ex Marquee number 3) and - unsurprisingly - had been turned into a mini Oz convention. What I was more surprised at, was the level of drunkenness - for a Monday night! Many were struggling to stand at the start of the show and soon the Carling Academy had run out of - yes, you guessed it, Carling! Anyway, how can 95% of the Aussies be absolutely slaughtered, leap about all over the place with drinks in hand and never spill a drop? 

So, the gig. Well, basically it was excellent. Loud, in tune, great atmosphere and some really good rock songs (and a few covers). 2 Special Guests (Roachford & Mica Paris) added to the evening as did the spectacle of the 2 punch ups on the floor (both caused purely by drunks). Really impressed by the bouncers - they got the right guys and quickly. One was so drunk, he was still trying to attack the 6ft 8" man mountain that was "escorting" him away - very foolish. 

My favourites were "Working Class Man", "No Second Prize" and the cover of "Sweet Little Rock 'n' Roller". All in all, a £17.50 bargain - shame I can't go to the 2nd night tonight!

Setlist

Love & Hate

I'd Rather Be Blind

Shape of Things to Come

Rising Sun

I'm Still on Your Side

No Second Prize

Lay Down Your Guns

Love Is Enough

Sweet Little Rock & Roller

Attention 

I Put a Spell on You

I'd Die to Be With You Tonight

Resurrection Shuffle

Flame Trees

Merry-Go-Round

Khe Sanh

Working Class Man

+

When the War Is Over

Good Times

Goodbye (Astrid Goodbye)