Antarctic Monkeys @ The Gov, Adelaide 17/7/2023
Tribute shows definitely seem to be in vogue right now with plenty out there touring depending on what your tastes and interests are. Some good, some not so good but occasionally every now and again one comes along which captures one’s attention. Antarctic Monkeys have definitely caught the hearts and minds of Australian fans. They are well established on the tribute scene and from humble beginnings formed in a jam session they have been able to capture swagger of their namesake the Arctic Monkeys. Big difference is that the Antarctic Monkeys actually play the songs that the fans want to hear. It would be a subject for another discussion to debate the relative merits of some of the later releases by the Arctic Monkeys.
Nevertheless, it was a big crowd that turned out at The Gov and for most no doubt they would have seen the Arctic Monkeys play at Heaps Good festival earlier this year so to get their fill of the best and greatest from this much loved band the appetite was high. They have been able to replicate the Arctic Monkeys with the singer sounding and looking like a dead ringer for Alex Turner, the suits (looking like chartered accountants going to a business meeting), hair styles and mannerisms.
So for the next ninety minutes it was all about the greatest and best bits from the Arctic Monkeys and this was some set list kicking off with turbo charged opener Brianstorm followed by Fake Tales Of San Francisco, Dancing Shoes and Teddy Picker. Regardless of what anyone thinks about tribute bands it was hard to fault how the Antarctic Monkeys went about it. Power, passion and playing these songs with the spirit that they were originally intended was what it was all about. They whipped the crowd in to a frenzy having them singing, dancing and having a right ‘ole good time. Adelaide fans were full of voice and knew all the words to the songs.
There were plenty of highlights without listing the entire set list but for me stand outs include Fluorescent Adolescent, From The Ritz To The Rubble, Do I Wanna Know, A Certain Romance, Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair and 505. Other notable mentions were the big sing-a-long vibes in When The Sun Goes Down and the show topping moments R U Mine? and I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor to finish a great night out. Be sure to check ’em out next time they are in town.
Live Review By Rob Lyon