Hoody from The Johnnys revels in a pair of undies last seen on a stage when Tom Jones played Marrickville Bowlo.
The Johnnys
Molting Vultures
Jupiter 5
Marrickville Bowling Club
Friday, February 14, 2020
After a hard day of work at the end of the week, the temptation to see three A-class bands at Marrickville Bowling Club was hard to resist.
I don’t usually plug bistros but I have to say that what might appear to be basic club or pub food was done exceptionally well at the Bowlo. Hats off to the Marrickville Bowling Club for having a fantastic diner.
After that meal and time well spent watching planes from around the world fly over as the sun set over the greens of the club with a Young Henrys Newtowner beer in hand, it was time to see Jupiter 5.
Angelo, Jay, Rossy and Vince from Jupiter 5. James (obscured) on drums.
The fact that this band has such a diverse pedigree of musicians from some of the more iconic bands of the 80’s and 90’s (Psychotic Turnbuckles, The Conspirators, Sheek the Shayk, Thurston Howlers, 69BC amongst others) is evident in their execution of original and covers. Their version of the classic psychedelic track, “Be Forewarned” was intense and powerful. It is only a matter of time before this band are headlining their own shows.
Throw in a smattering of Lost in Space (the TV show) references and humour and you have a very entertaining package that thunders along and is over before you realise it.
Next up were Molting Vultures, a band from Adelaide with members from Melbourne. Together for 18 years and playing in Sydney for the first time, this six-piece outfit hit the ground running and delivered a energetic set that was a cross between surf, pop, garage and psychedelica. Complete with a portable keyboard and a theremin, their music was instantaneously catchy and powerful.
The set cumulated in a version of the MC5’S “Looking At You” which descended into a riff and keyboard sonic assault assisted by the Grand Wizard Vince Cuscuna guesting on guitar.
Molting Vultures with Vince Cuscuna guesting on guitar.
In all honesty, "Elvis" had a great voice and the crowd was loving it. I really didn't know what was happening toward the end when a beautiful girl in lingerie came on stage and proceeded to bump and grind in a routine that included th us of whipped cream and a banana, causing The King to shout out "Oh Lordie". A bit of fun.
The Johnnys were next and what can you say about a band that has survived the test of time? Still remember seeing them at Cronulla Leagues Club supporting P.I.L. playing at the Mosman Hotel supported by Grong Grong and Salamander Jim, totally demolishing the Hopetoun Hotel and playing the country and western night at the Evening Star?
Having not seen the band for many years and well aware of the passing of Spencer P. Jones, I was amazed at the chemistry and professionalism that still exists to this day.
The Johnnys are Graham “Hoody” Hood on bass, Billy Pommer Jr on drums and Slim Doherty on guitar. Hoody was resplendent with white Y-fronts adorning his neck for most of the set. “Way of the West”, Injun Joe”, “Showdown” and of course, “I Think You’re Cute” (especially for Valentine’s Day) were some of the stand-out songs of the night.
It was a fantastic night of some of the best live music I have seen in a while and I would definitely recommend The Johnnys, Jupiter 5 and the Molting Vultures.
The gig was promoted by the I-94 Bar.
