Chocolate Starfish @ Norwood Concert Hall, Norwood SA 19/7/2024
What a brilliant night of rock and roll at the beautiful Norwood Concert Hall, as we celebrated thirty years of Chocolate Starfish. Kicking off as their own support act, the Fish reworked fan favourites for an acoustic set to ease into the groove. Ten Feet Tall from the band’s debut album was an a capella masterpiece, as the band entered the stage one by one culminating in Mr Chocolate himself, aka lead singer Adam Thompson, gracing the stage in sparkling white pants and the show was on.
Tonight was a celebration, not only of the band and their music, but to all they’ve encountered and performed along the way. We were of course treated to some of the best Chocolate Starfish songs from their thirty-two year career, however musical celebrations didn’t end there, with the band fresh off of their Bat Out Of Hell tour, Thompson delivered a breathtaking performance of the Meat Loaf classic, Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad which had the crowd going nuts.
Local establishments of yesteryear Zulu’s, Lennies and Heaven all got a mention as the band reflected on past touring days in Adelaide as they reminisced and revisited their past. Sign Of Victory and a rousing stripped back rendition of All Over Me both from their self titled debut were highlights of the acoustic set, which they wrapped with Motherless, a tribute to Thompson’s mother originally released on the Box album, but taken in a lighter direction tonight, with a small choir helping to deliver the tribute. A beautiful moment.
Prior to intermission, Thompson had promised the crowd the rock show was yet to come and true to his word, they delivered that and then some, as the band returned to kick off the second set with a Meat Loaf double of Bat Out Of Hell and You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night). To be honest, Meat Loaf may not have passed on a few years back, as you could be forgiven for closing your eyes and thinking this was him in his prime, such was the power of the vocals. I’m kind of kicking myself for not heading to one of these shows a few years ago and will definitely keep my eyes open should they return.
Full credit to the rest of the Fish is due here also, as they handled these tracks and the backing vocals with ease. The lineup has fluctuated somewhat over the years, however the past few years has seen the debut album line-up of Thompson with John Nixon on bass, Norman Falvo on keys and Darren Danielson on drums reform, with new guitarist Zakk Zedras taking over guitar duties for the late Zoran “Spider” Romich (the band naming their first album in over twenty years, 2018’s Spider after the late guitarist and dedicating it to his memory).
The Beautiful Addiction from their 2021 album of the same name got us back into the world of the Fish, followed by the huge hit Mountain, with Mr Chocolate once again showing just how incredible his voice remains. Far too many highlights over a two hour show to mention them all, but it’s hard to go past Thompson leaving the stage to prowl through the crowd during Head, and serenading audience members with “All we are saying… is give head a chance”, tongue firmly planted in cheek.
Queen’s Radio Ga-Ga and INXS’ Never Tear Us Apart rounded out the covers for the night as we neared the end of the main set, God And I Know (written twenty one years ago but only released on their latest album) and Accidentally Cool, were great inclusions, as set highlight Four Letter Word had the crowd bouncing and You’re So Vain took us over the edge.
After the shortest break, the band were back for an encore with their latest single. What initially sounded very much like a cover of The Doors’ Roadhouse Blues, was in fact a brilliant take on another classic, The Candyman Blues. Pure gold and perfect for the Fish, before wrapping the show with their cover of 4 Non Blondes classic, What’s Up?
Chocolate Starfish might be our best party band of the past thirty years and they left us promising to remain a part of our future.
Live Review By Peter Lanyon