Newcastle live music venue The Cambridge Hotel hosted helmet on Thursday night as part of their 30th Anniversary, Australasian tour.
I WAS IN THE FRONT ROW AND SOMEONE NEXT TO ME REACHED OVER THE BARRIER TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THE SET-LIST. I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO TAKE A PHOTO OF HIS PHOTO ON MY PHONE. WE COUNTED 23 SONGS AND A LOT OF THE SONGS WERE FROM THE EARLIER DAYS THAT MADE THEM POPULAR.
AFTER A LOUD CHEER FROM THE AUDIENCE, The band wasted no time launching into their set, opening with "ROLE MODEL". a classic track from their 1992 album "Meantime." The sound was loud, raw, and full of energy, filling the room with the signature heavy riffage and rhythmic precision that has made Helmet a staple of the alternative metal genre.
Lead singer and guitarist Page Hamilton, the only remaining original member of the band, proved to be a charismatic frontman, engaging the audience with his delightful dry humor and powerful vocals. i was impressed with page, after he was having a few mic and guitar issues early on in the set, he pressed on like the seasoned pro that he is. The rest of the band, consisting of drummer Kyle Stevenson, bassist Dave Case, and guitarist Dan Beeman, were equally dazzling, delivering a tight and dynamic performance that showcased their formidable musicianship.
Chris Haskett from the henry rollins band to the stage to play "wilma's rainbow".
Page invited an old friend Chris Haskett from the Henry Rollins band to the stage to play "Wilma's Rainbow". he rocked his Gibson ice tea Les Paul standard like his life depended on it. perfect timing and no mistakes made, especially when there was a pause in the song. it was heartwarming to see Chris's gleaming face once he played his final note. it looked liked playing with the band had made his year.
The audience was fully engaged throughout the performance, moshing and headbanging to the music. Even during more groovier moments, such as the favourable "Milquetoast," the crowd remained rapt, hanging on every note. although at one stage a fight broke out amongst two guys. the culprit was held down until security got to them. never less, the band played on and everyone continued to have a good time.
Overall, the Helmet concert at the Cambridge Hotel was a truly memorable experience, showcasing the enduring power and brilliance of one of alternative metal's most iconic bands. It was a sad occasion for myself as I will probably never set foot in The Cambridge again. the Iconic NSW Venue revealed last year that it will be shutting its doors to live music once its lease expired this June, with developers eying it for inner-city student accommodation. not that I will miss it's sticky floors and the strong smell of urine coming from the bathrooms. bands such as Silverchair, The Black Keys, The Living End, Bernard Fanning and more are among those to grace its stage over the years.
Setlist:
1) Role Model
2) Ironhead
3) Give It
4) Bad Mood
5) Rollo
6) Speechless
7) So Long
8) Drunk in the Afternoon
9) Repetition
10) Wilma's Rainbow (with Chris Haskett)
11) Welcome to Algiers
12) Better
13) FBLA II
14) Overrated
15) Vaccination
16) Unsung
17) I Know
18) Life or Death
19) Tic
20) Milquetoast
21) Sam Hell
22) Turned Out
23) In the Meantime
2) Ironhead
3) Give It
4) Bad Mood
5) Rollo
6) Speechless
7) So Long
8) Drunk in the Afternoon
9) Repetition
10) Wilma's Rainbow (with Chris Haskett)
11) Welcome to Algiers
12) Better
13) FBLA II
14) Overrated
15) Vaccination
16) Unsung
17) I Know
18) Life or Death
19) Tic
20) Milquetoast
21) Sam Hell
22) Turned Out
23) In the Meantime
