FESTIVAL: RED HOT SUMMER TOUR
DATE: APRIL 22ND 2023
VENUE: BROADWATER PARKLANDS, GOLD COAST
REVIEWER: HAYLEY TREADWELL
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDREW TREADWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Red Hot Summer Tour has been traveling Australia for 12 years now, and bringing Amazing Aussie artists to the fans, and this year’s line up was one for the history books! 

It’s also a great platform for young and emerging artists and I loved seeing the Bo’Ness Brothers having the opportunity to perform all over the country and show off their amazing talents which the early crowd lapped up at the Gold Coast. Enjoying the gorgeous harmonies of these 2 talented young men. 

Mark Seymour And The Undertow hit the stage, and while Mark is best known as the frontman of Hunters And Collectors, The Undertow has been out on the scene for well over a decade, and have their own material to stand on. They mixed it in well with the Hunters classics, and the crowd were appreciative of the songs both old and new

Sisters Vika & Linda Bull have played RHST a couple of times now, and they never disappoint. Their stunning harmonies were carried on the wind at the Gold Coast as they sang. They always get the crowd up and dancing without fail and are always thoroughly enjoyable to see. 

Equally as enjoyable, and a first time experience for me, Ian Moss tore up the stage! He’s been partnering up with Troy Cassar-Daley on this tour, but Troy couldn’t be at this show and I think Mossy took the opportunity and just let loose! Giving us songs from his solo career as well as Cold Chisel, Ian MOss solo was a real treat for the Goldie!! 

Entering the stage to undoubtedly the biggest cheer of the night, Missy Higgins told us stories of her life and delivered a set list spanning her career. Accompanied by her incredible band, the joy and emotion radiated from the stage. A stand out moment for me was the ladies in the band putting down their instruments and joining Missy for a good old toe tapping, hand clapping sing along with ‘The Collector’ and when Missy showed off her cowbell skills in ‘Unashamed Desire’. I hope to see Missy back on the RHST and hopefully one day as the headliner! Missy Higgins, you are Sensational! 

As the rain started to fall over Southport, Bernard Fanning took the stage with his relaxed swagger and really turned things up. I had not had the opportunity to see Bernard live before and I was blown away by his incredible live performance. Not that I expected anything less. SInging songs from his solo career and also a few Powder finger songs, the set was a delight for fans! But when Bernard popped on his harmonica rack and took to the keyboard and began playing, ‘These Days’, I think the crowd all paused together. This moment was once of pure beauty. Ending his set with ‘Wish You Well’ was a fitting way to farewell the Gold Coast. 

As we wandered the Broadwater Parklands through the day, I heard lots of chatter about our headliner and knew the crowd’s excitement for Paul Kelly was high. 

Paul’s relaxed demeanor as he came on the stage, is not what you would expect from a headliner, but I also think it allowed for a more welcoming vibe. He has amassed a huge catalogue of hits, so building any set list must be difficult, but Kelly pulled it off seamlessly and there were times where the crowd singing was so loud you couldn’t hear the music from the stage

We had a fantastic day and night at the Gold Coast with some of the greatest artists in Australian music. We danced, sang, got a little rained on and just had a really fun day in the sun! I look forward to the next Red Hot Summer Tour and seeing what amazing Austrlaian talent will be showcased.

To all the folks at Red Hot Summer Tour, Regional Touring and the amazing artists, thanks for having us along! 

Until the next gig 

Hayley