Music

Review: Radio’s On – Radio Birdman Hit Adelaide Prior To European Tour

Rock legends and ARIA Hall of Famers, Radio Birdman, played to an expected full house at the Gov on Sunday June 12th in what was a powerhouse of twin guitar attack.

Rock legends and ARIA Hall of Famers, Radio Birdman, played to an expected full house at the Gov on Sunday June 12th in what was a powerhouse of twin guitar attack. Known for delivering ear splitting songs and blistering guitar licks, the guys were in magnificent form as they punched through song after song in what was a solid Birdman set, with the set list being laid out as an anthology of their releases through the years from Radios Appear right through to Zeno Beach. Thankfully, Birdman have kept their musical integrity and never opted for the popular- more credit t them for that!

Frontman Rob Younger still has great stage presence and whilst not as strong vocally these days, still manages to slice through a set with the greatest of ease. Drummer Nik Rieth and Guitarist Dave Kettley work hard and fast, along with Jim Dickson on Bass in what I’d consider the strongest line-up since the original configuration in 1974-1978. These guys not only get the songs, but are every part of the Radio Birdman machine in their performance.

It was great to see Pip Hoyle tickling the ivories, and in songs like Man With Golden Helmet the intricacies of his keyboard are highlighted brilliantly. And, of course, Deniz Tek kept the barrage of sound rolling with his iconic lead guitar simply destroying the joint. It’s easy to be biased when you were already a Radio Birdman fan, but these guys are the real deal and have consistently delivered a kick ass show for 40 years plus. Sure they’re getting on in years but they still have a thing or two to show emerging and current acts. No doubt support acts The Volcanics and Magic Bones (who were both great!) had the pressure on in front of the veterans, but what an experience to grace the same stage as the legendary Radio Birdman.

They’ve departed for their Europe tour where they will undoubtedly be as well received there as they were here in Adelaide. Will we see them tour again or will there be a new album release? Who knows. Radio Birdman have nothing to prove after staying the course for this long, and in quoting their own lyrics – they’ve “come so far to be here today!”

Radio Birdman are in Europe for the remainder of June/July. Check dates and details here. Reviewed by @DazzHassan

 

More News

To Top