:: Triple M Garage Session - Noiseworks reform for one-off performance in Sydney

By: Alina Berdichevsky

The ceremonious reforming of legendary rock bands is often met with some apprehension. Will they still jam with the same vigour? Are their voices hoarsened by excess? Will they show their age by toning down the on-stage acrobatics? Nevertheless, such events are always met with great anticipation by fans, who travel far and wide to relieve the glory of those times with their musical heros. Noiseworks are one such legend, who regrouped for a one off performance for Triple M’s Garage Session – the final one for 2004.

And so, an excited and anticipated crowd squeezed into Sydney’s live gig mecca The Gaelic Club just prior to Christmas. The boys (Jon Stevens, Steve Balbi, Kevin Nicol and Stuart Fraser) haven’t jammed together since 1992, due to a rift catalysed by the usual culprits of Rock & Roll urban legend – creative struggles, politics and namely, addiction.

Some may consider a request for a refrom a bold move by Triple M, yet here they were, Noiseworks, loving it back on the stage in all their long haired, leather pants-wearing Aussie glory. And why not? After all, the band members were all clean and healthy, enough water was under the bridge since those times and their songs still carried with them an electric energy and integrity that have already proved to be so captvating. Furthermore, it was a show of support for Stevens, who has just released a solo album (Ain’t No Life For The Faint Hearted, out in January).

All the pre-show jitters quickly vanished as soon as Stevens belted out the first few keys of Touch. A totally engaging, charismatic and dashing performer, he gave life to the songs with the same passion and energy that originally helped win the bands legions of loyal fans. Many of these fans were still revelling in the great atmosphere that filled the room, the nostalgia and sentiment of it all and the heart-wrenching, raw music they never thought they’d hear live again. I’m talking about sizzlers like Hot Chilli Woman, Millie RIP, No Lies and Take Me Back. Many agreeded it was like being back at a Noiseworks gig in the 80’s. The band hasn't lost their energy and style, and the songs were belted out with the same energy, truth and passion. No fancy ad-libbing here, just old mates playing some great music for a very happy audience.