Given that I gave the live music show 27 Club a five-star rating at Adelaide Fringe 2021, it’s fair to say that my expectations were fairly high for the return performance in 2022. It’s a show that celebrates the legendary singers who all tragically passed away at the age of 27. Sarah McCleod, Carla Lippis, Kevin Mitchell, and Dusty Lee all pay homage to these musical game-changers, by recreating their classic songs, and putting their own unique musical spin on them. Backed by the Aussie band The Wanderers and having the benefit of some infectious opening night energy, 27 Club 2022 delivered in a big way yet again.

The outdoors Moa pavilion at Gluttony was practically sold out, the lights were bright, and electricity was buzzing through the air as Dusty Lee and The Wanderers strolled out to perform Purple Haze to the eager live music-loving masses. Big, loud and energetic, it set the tone for the evening and didn’t let up for the entire 60 minutes. Kevin Mitchell delivered with some early Nirvana rock before easing it back completely with an acoustic version of Amy Winehouse’s Trouble. Carla Lippis really got the audience moving in their seats with her rendition of Jimmy Hendrix’s Foxy Lady, and much like Mitchell sang a stripped-back version of Nirvana’s Lithium. Of course, it was headliner Sarah McCleod who stole the show. Her iconic raspy voice hides a powerful singing voice that was on full display this night. How someone can start a show booming out Janis Joplin’s Cry Baby and not blow their vocal cords is a sign that this Aussie rock goddess was well and truly on her game. As for the last song Take Another Piece of my Heart, it’s musical heaven – much like the entire show. 27 Club takes some amazing Aussie talent combines them with generation-defining songs to create a show that should not be missed this Adelaide Fringe season. Enjoy!

Five Stars *****