:: Across The Great Divide - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne - September 2007

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

A joint national tour which features two of Australia's biggest bands was always going to be a big exercise, and one which would sellout most of the venues participating. Billed as the “Across The Great Divide” tour, in showcasing how big this country is, Powderfinger and Silverchair embarked on a massive rock music extravaganza that would last two months.

I went to a show held at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, amid much expectation. I had missed seeing Silverchair's tour earlier this year and was especially keen to see them again after their absence during the past few years. The usual euphoria surrounding the Silverchair shows of the past was missing to some extent. Maybe because it was a mixed group of fans, or maybe the experimental nature of their latest album hadn't caught on to some people like their anthemic songs of the past.

Whatever was thought in the audience, Daniel Johns & Co delivered a brilliantly entertaining live performance. The five year break between albums has certainly allowed Johns to now demonstrate his stage prowess and flair. There was a mix of the new (Straight Lines, If You Keep Losing Sleep) and old (Israel's Son, Freak) and a bit more with Paul Mac offering his expertise in providing an electro twist.

From the current batch of songs, “Straight Lines” drew the most reaction and a raising of scream levels. Mind you, I love their album and Silverchair performed those songs more than effectively. “Those Thieving Birds” is my album highlight and it was played with much gusto and spirit. Near the end of Silverchair's set, when the band burst into “Freak”, did the crowd really erupt and it finished a passionate performance.

I had seen Powderfinger just a few months earlier on their album launch tour and tonight they again displayed their prowess in gathering the crowd to join in singalongs with their old favourites. The atmosphere changed at certain moments, with Bernard Fanning's distinctive ballads and the band's emotional rendition of “Black Tears”, in that air of reconciliation. Powderfinger showed why they are hugely popular and enjoyed by many fans across Australia, as they delivered earnestly and powerfully.

It was then time for the two bands to join up on stage for a grand finale, a rendition of The Who's “Substitute”. It wrapped up a worthy night of Australian rock 'n roll.