1927, Sean Blackwell @ The Gov, Adelaide 13/3/2026
Is it just me or have we been living in the shadows of the 1980’s for the last ten years or so? We have had a constant run of bands and artists from the 80’s hit Adelaide, constantly pulling big crowds. Not saying this is a bad thing, as there were many great artists in the 80’s and it is always good to “go back” and enjoy one’s youth. The Gov was absolutely buzzing for 1927, packed with a crowd that didn’t just appreciate the 80s; they looked like they had pioneered them.
Sean Blackwell, along with his brother Drew on guitar and Kirsten on backing vocals probably summed it up when he said, “Everyone pumped for 1927? I’m just a bit of noise before Eric and his band”. But what a noise! The trio’s sound is a sophisticated blend of acoustic rock peppered with folk and country undertones. From the moment they stepped on stage, the chemistry was evident.
Starting with “You’re a cool audience, you are clapping before I even played a song” the trio launched into Holiday and then I’m so Tired, the two acoustic guitars playing with and against each other at different times.
During Smile, Drew Blackwell took the performance off the stage and into the room, weaving through the audience and sharing smiles, while never missing a note on his guitar. The promise of “it’s going to make you dance”, led to Return to Earth and indeed made a few people dance. Meant to Be closed out a very polished set. Sean didn’t just warm up the stage for 1927; he made sure the audience was already on a high before the headliners even stepped out.
1927 walked on stage to no fanfare, Eric Weideman strapping on guitar, then looking on the floor for something. Not sure what it was, perhaps a guitar pick, but once he was happy, the band rolled into To Love Me from the 1989 debut album …ish. The voice was unmissable, pure power and beauty, and it wasn’t until half way through the set that I noticed there were no backing voices from the band.
Weideman carried the melodies entirely on his own, a testament to his sheer technical skill. The band quickly pivoted from the classics to the 2013 track Somewhere Before (from the album Generations-I), proving they aren’t just a nostalgia act.
Eric wasn’t there to chat; he was there to play. The set moved at a breakneck pace, leaning heavily on the hits that defined Australian radio in the late ’80s and early ’90s. You’ll Never Know, Tell Me a Story, Stop the World followed each other rapidly. Scars was a highlight and that led straight into an equally impressive Shine. It Ain’t Love morphed seamlessly into a bit of INXS’s Need You Tonight, anchored by a sprawling, impressive jam session in the middle that showcased the band’s tight instrumentation.
The iconic keyboard intro could only lead to one song, and as the phones came out, Compulsory Hero flowed through the speakers. That’s When I Think of You ended the set, but the band didn’t leave the stage. “I hate rock bands who walk off stage and expect you to call them back. They are wankers” Eric sternly told us. An …Ish double in All the People and of course, All the People closed out the evening as once again screens lit up the room.
1927’s place as an iconic Australian rock band is already firmly established. While their sound is intrinsically tied to the 80s and 90s, the packed room of loyal fans proved that good songwriting and genuine vocal talent are evergreen. It was a night of high-octane nostalgia delivered with a grit that only seasoned veterans can provide.
Live Review By Geoff Jenke