For those looking for some mid-week entertainment last week, ANU Bar was the place to be. Evermore, the band that brought us the unforgettable classics such as “Light surrounding you” and “Ride On,” were here in Canberra, for one night only!
The evening began with the sweet soulful vocals of the Robertson sisters from The Soorleys, the family band from Newcastle who are currently supporting Evermore on their Australian tour. Though the crowd was modest in front of the stage, the music filtered through into the connected bar area, which meant those who wished to drink and catch up with friends could do so, without missing the music of The Soorleys
The place slowly filled up, the cooler weather most likely the cause of delay of some of the punters. But the atmosphere in the bar was warm and friendly, big groups sat around tables drinking and laughing, a few walking back and forth between the performance area and the bar in order to catch small snippets of The Soorleys set.
Once The Soorleys set drew to a close the performance area emptied and suddenly the bar became packed, which only increased the positive vibes and undertones of excitement. Evermore are a world renowned band, and even I was surprised they would be playing at such an intimate venue. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one there who couldn’t believe their luck that the lads from New Zealand (now based in Melbourne) had decided to drop into the capital and play at such an affordable venue.
The break in between sets was long, but that was hardly noticeable as everyone was already having a good time. The line at the bar was never long and the tables were full of amiable chatting people, willing to offer up a chair or a spot if you appeared to be in need.
At around 8:30, people began to shuffle back into the performance area. We all stood in the darkness, gazing upon the glowing stage. Then John Hume emerged, along with brother Pete Hume and the rest of Evermore. I was a little disappointed that the crowd receiving them couldn’t be bigger, but what the crowd lacked in numbers they made up for in noise!
Lead vocalist John grinned at the reception and they launched into their set, the man beside me exclaiming every time a new song began to play that “This is their best song!”
Indeed, I had to agree that out of all the songs they played, it was hard to pick a favourite, they were all brilliant, and the band were clearly enjoying themselves, particularly Peter who smiled throughout the entire set (I should know, I along with all the other ladies in the room couldn’t keep their eyes off the shortlisted Cleo Bachelor of the Year for 2008)!
Of course, the stand out moments of Evermore’s energetic set were the “Light Surrounding You” and “Ride On” as well as the popular break out tune from their newest album Follow the Sun; “Hey my Love”. The set ended almost abruptly, but naturally the Canberra crowd was rewarded with an encore of two extra songs, and an invitation to meet the guys after the show.
As soon as the encore was over I waited along with about twenty or so other fans to meet the charming lads. I was impressed by their dedication to their modest Canberra fan base. They really took the time to stop and talk to each and every person who lined up to meet them. They had hundreds of photos taken and signed a lot of memorabilia. I along with my friend were last in line, both of us awkwardly unprepared and had thought of nothing to say, yet after a moment of talking to Peter Hume we were immediately at ease. We talked about their plans to play in Newcastle the following day and suddenly the infamous Canberra ‘Skywhale’ came up in conversation. John came and joined us and we had a photo taken. It was so easy to forget you were talking to seven time Aria nominated and platinum album-selling musicians, as they were so full of humility.
There aren’t many bands that are as approachable or dedicated as Evermore, and I know that everyone at the gig on Wednesday truly appreciated their inclusion of Canberra on their Australian tour, and we eagerly await their next appearance!
