Presented by Amplified House
27 Club is electrifying and satisfying; a perfectly rocking start to a night at Sydney Fringe Festival
Reviewed by Justin Clarke
Sydney Spiegeltent, The Entertainment Quarter
Until 29th September, 2024
Tickets: sydneyfringe.com/events/27-club
Paying tribute to legendary artists from the ill-fated 27 Club, Amplified House brings the rocking sounds of Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, and Jimi Hendrix, to the Sydney Spiegeltent. In a fitting tribute that is sure to delight and excite, audiences get to join some of Australia’s top rock icons as we’re taken on a journey to learn more about each member beyond their iconic tunes.
The seats of the Spiegeltent are removed, leaving a dance floor for you to move and bang your head along throughout the production. Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus), Kevin Mitchell (Jebediah), Carla Lippis (Mondo Psycho), Dusty Lee Stephensen (Wanderers), Justin Burford (End of Fashion, Rock of Ages) and Virginia Lillye (The Voice) take on the many hits presented to us, alternating voices, joining for harmonies, and taking us on a rocking journey.
27 Club, Sydney Spiegeltent (2024). Images by Tim Levy
Two video screens on either side of the stage illuminate the hand-drawn design of each artist from the 27 Club as the songs start to play. We also hear pull-quotes from artists that go beyond the Club as they help to illuminate what each song and each artist meant for those who loved them.
It’s also interesting to learn more about the artist’s stories. Jim Morrison came from a family with a high status, but he shed that off to fit more into the bohemian lifestyle he became most accustomed to. Amy Winehouse’s ability to top the English music charts was akin to artists today whose music fails to hold up to the rich and soulful depths of her writing.
27 Club is electrifying and satisfying as we hear the likes of “Valerie”, “You Give Me Something”, “Voodoo Child”, “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, as well as a pick of songs outside of their greatest hits.
This is one to head to and relearn the love of why these artists, who were gone too soon, have been immortalised in the rock and roll halls of fame. It’s an hour of fringe festivities that will get you off to a rocking good start at this year’s festival.
Dates: 30 August – 29 September 2024
Venue: Sydney Spiegeltent, The Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021
Tickets: From $59 General Admission, $49 Concession
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ARTIST BIOS
SARAH MCLEOD
Sarah McLeod, the creative force behind ARIA Award-winning, platinum-selling rockers The Superjesus, has over 20 years in the industry. She has released three albums with The Superjesus (Sumo, Jet Age, Rock Music) and two solo albums (Beauty Was A Tiger, Rocky’s Diner). McLeod has also collaborated internationally on EDM tracks with DJs like Dzeko and Torres.
KEVIN MITCHELL
Kevin Mitchell, also known as Bob Evans, is a founding member of Jebediah, with five studio albums, three of which entered the ARIA top ten. As Bob Evans, he released six solo albums, with Goodnight, Bull Creek! Earning an ARIA nomination. Mitchell has collaborated with top artists, including the side project Basement Birds.
CARLA LIPPIS
Carla Lippis, dubbed ‘the Satanic Liza Minelli,’ is known for her powerful vocals. She has performed in London’s West End, toured Europe with the Italian post-folk group Sacri Cuori, and collaborated with artists like Calexico and Marc Ribot. Her music spans genres from alt-country ballads to minimalist punk riffs and 60s Italian pop.
DUSTY LEE STEPHENSEN
Dusty Lee Stephensen is a staple of Adelaide’s live music scene and frontman of Wanderers. Known for their captivating live presence, Wanderers won SA’s Best Blues/Roots band in 2017. Their self titled debut EP, released in January 2022, blends funky guitars, soul, and disco with catchy hooks and big choruses.
JUSTIN BURFORD
Justin Burford began his musical career at 17, joining The Sleepy Jackson and later forming End of Fashion. He has won two ARIA Awards and starred in the lead role of the Australian production of Rock of Ages, earning a Helpmann Award nomination. Justin also wrote and starred in KURT, celebrating Kurt Cobain’s life and music, and has written and starred in several short films.
VIRGINIA LILLYE
Explosive and dynamic vocalist Virginia Lillye has wooed audiences across Australia and internationally and has shared many stages with rock royalty. Virginia’s original rock band, ‘Lillye’, signed with American record label, Eclipse Records and released their debut album worldwide in May 2018. The band have won several awards internationally and were nominated for ‘Best Rock Artist’ and ‘Best Hardcore/Metal Artist’ at the Australian Independent Music Awards.
BEK JENSEN
Sydney songwriter Bek Jensen, delivers her vocals in a way that is moving, heartfelt, identifiable, and filled with 100% soul. Already established as an in-demand backing vocalist from the age of 16, Bek has recorded and toured nationally with Australia’s iconic artists including Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes and Mahalia Barnes, Tina Harrod, The Sleepy Jackson, Jackie Orszaczky and Clayton Doley and Lachy Doley to name just a few and has released numerous original recordings, Bekimochi, Lucky, and Magic and Art.
