Last Revised: 7 May 2015
Thanks to Margaret for providing this set list. This is what she had to say about the show:
This was the bonus show of the Australian tour after the proposed Wellington NZ show did not eventuate.
The venue was a new one for America, in a beachside area south of the Sydney suburbs and north of Wollongong. The 1925 theatre has been extensively renovated with elaborate polychrome ornamentation, especially in the bar area. There was a great vibe about the place as soon as we entered.
After Sharon Corr’s set, America entered the stage to the familiar sounds of Miniature, accompanied by the always – great - to – see introductory video.
It was a show full of surprises. It was almost a year since we had seen the band but it was 2 and ¾ years since they last performed in Australia. So much has changed over that period. The green Gretsch seems to have been retired. Rich is the master of organisation while Jeff is still doing a great job getting the sound right on the stage before the show and down the back during the show. We saw Bill last year but this was the first time we had seen Ryland. They were wonderful and added so much energy to the show. Their youthful vitality permeated the show and they took everyone in the room along with them. It was good to see Michael and Will in the videos and reflect on their huge contribution to the band over the years. We wish them well.
There were some new videos, Travis and Brynna are here on their first trip to Australia with the band, there were new songs from Lost & Found, Driving and Dream Come True and even a “request”, Chasing the Rainbow.
Dewey and Gerry were in great form, playing, singing, chatting with the audience, acknowledging the “new boys” and welcoming us. Gerry reiterated his bargain that if the audience kept coming, they would keep playing! Great to hear that! Dewey said that we would be the last ones standing!
We felt thoroughly spoilt with such warm welcomes from the America “family”. I received huge surprises when Rich gave me a pick after his fabulous solo in Here and then Dewey gave me a pick at the end of the show. Thanks so much for such kind gestures.
Dewey mentioned they had been to Wollongong many times and spoke of New Years Eve 1999. We were there and remember the late Billy Thorpe did his loud set before America who played until almost midnight. They thanked him for keeping them awake that night.
We love seeing America. I think this is the rockiest show we have seen and there have been many. We really don’t know how they do it. They had a fire in their Auckland hotel so were up at 5 am Auckland time or the equivalent of 3am East Coast time in Australia. They flew to Sydney then travelled down the coast. It was about 11 when the show finished and then they had to drive all the way back to Sydney for an early rise in not too many hours.
Last Revised: 7 May 2015