ARTIST: JON TOOGOOD
VENUE: TOMCAT, BRISBANE
DATE: NOVEMBER 15TH 2024
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDREW TREADWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
REVIEWER: ANDREW TREADWELL
Jon Toogood, the formidable frontman of the legendary rock band Shihad, has recently embarked on a deeply personal musical journey, unveiling his debut solo album, Last of the Lonely Gods
Jon shares his inner most thought through this album exploring loss, love, death, friendship, loneliness, all during one of the most challenging times of his life. The record reveals a different side of the man, and is a journey for the listener, as much as it is for the man who made the music.
Last night’s tour stop at Tomcat in Brisbane, showcased the amazing talent and depth to Jon’s work and his connection to the audience was outstanding. He is a born story teller, but not an “over-teller”.
I have been to many shows where the front man’s monologue’s take up more time than the songs do. There was none of that tonight.
Toogood’s performance began with “Lost in My Hometown,” the opening track from his new album. As he recounted the personal story behind the song, as the Omicron outbreak hit New Zealand, he was away from his Melbourne home and his wife and kids. Staying with his sister and brother-in-law, who soon was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Jon felt grateful to be there for his sister and his brother-in-law while watching a man and friend he loved, basically die in front of his eyes.
The feeling of disconnection he experienced while revisiting his childhood home town and getting lost in a place he knew so well resonated deeply, and reminded me that we sometimes also get lost in ourselves and not just a destination. The song became a window into Toogood’s life, allowing the audience to share in his experiences of love, loss, and searching for meaning.
One standout moment was his performance of “Last of the Lonely Gods,” a tribute to a friend whose life was rich with experiences, but he didn’t feel he had anything to show for his life entering into a 6th decade.
This conversation shared while staying with Jon at his house, turned into the friend being asked to remember all the things he has, rather than not. This track, alongside “Love Is Forever,” which poignantly addresses the passing of his mother while he was afar in Australia, showed his ability to forge emotional connections through lyrics that truly resonates with fans.
Even if its stadium rock Shihad anthems or delivering introspective solo material, Jon’s sincerity shines through, evoking genuine emotion from listeners. Witnessing this depth of feeling in a stripped-back acoustic performance was both inspiring and profoundly moving.
The Second half of the set showcased a powerful mix of Shihad and Pacifier classics, including “Run,” and “Feel The Fire,” which reignited the fervor of the crowd. He also tipped the hat to some Kiwi legends by ripping into a Dave Dobbyn track on a moments notice as well as Victoria by The (Dance) Exponents.
When he closed with Shihad’s iconic “Home Again,” it felt like a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary evening. However, Toogood had one last surprise up his sleeve, deciding to reprise “Gravity,” his favorite track from the new album. Encouraging the audience to elevate the sing-along portion, he created a perfect bookend to the set, reminding everyone of the shared experience of music.
As the night drew to a close, Jon Toogood spent over an hour engaging with fans, taking photographs, and signing memorabilia, showcasing his genuine appreciation for those who support his journey.
With a charismatic presence that translates effortlessly from the stage to personal interactions, he proved once again why he is beloved by so many.
Jon Toogood’s debut solo album, Last of the Lonely Gods, is not just a musical project, it is a powerful exploration of humanity’s complexities. By sharing his personal struggles and triumphs through music, Toogood invites listeners to connect with their own experiences of loss and resilience. Experiencing his live performance only heightened the impact of his storytelling, making it a night I will cherish forever. Toogood’s evolution as an artist is a testament to the power of music to heal and unite, and I eagerly anticipate what this incredible musician will bring to us next.
