Queensland’s Sandstone Point Hotel hosted Bernard Fanning and supporting artists in one of the first live music events since COVID-19. Music reviewer Thomas Bleach gave us his review of Bernard Fanning’s performance.
Bernard Fanning – Sandstone Point Hotel
Closing out a hot summer’s day at Sandstone Point Hotel, Bernard Fanning delivered a headlining set that was worth the lengthy wait to finally experience live music again. The Australian rock icon took to the stage for a set packed of his greatest hits that have spanned across 15 years in the industry as a solo act, as well as his 26 years as a part of one of Australia’s greatest rock bands, Powderfinger.
Opening with ‘Hope And Validation’ and ‘Thrill Is Gone’ from his ARIA award winning debut album Tea & Sympathy, he then paid homage to his recent record Brutal Dawn with ‘Fighting For Air’ as well as his record Civil Dusk with ‘Wasting Time’.
Continuing to jump between his discography, fan favourites such as ‘Songbird’, ‘Departures (Blue Toowong Skies)’, ‘Not Finished Just Yet’ and ‘Wish You Well’ created some big singalong moments. And while this was a Bernard Fanning set, he couldn’t not acknowledge the incredible career he’s had with Powderfinger, so he performed special renditions of ‘Sail The Wildest Stretch’ and ‘These Days’.
Joined by a four piece band, Fanning made sure he delivered an engaging show of singalong’s, memories and reflection. There were intimate moments that felt emotional and sincere, and there were also the big euphoric festival singalong moments too.
It’s been a long wait for live shows and festivals, but Bernard Fanning managed to make one of the first festivals back even more special by this wholesome set of nostalgia and pure talent.
Thomas Bleach
You can check out more reviews here: https://thomasbleach.com/ and stay up to date with him @ThomasBleach
Not only did the weekend deliver great music, but photographer @Curdin captured some incredible shots of the evening. You can see more of his live music shots here!
Curdin Wullschleger 
Curdin Wullschleger 
Curdin Wullschleger 
Curdin Wullschleger 
Curdin Wullschleger 
Curdin Wullschleger 
Curdin Wullschleger 
Curdin Wullschleger
Bernard Fanning hits Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday December 5th for the Greatest Southern Nights event. Accompanied by Matt Corby and MERCI, MERCY.
If you can’t wait that long for live music, there are still tickets available for Ocean Alley, Jack River, Ruby Fields and Jack Botts on November 28 at Qudos Bank Arena.