The personal anticipation around this tour has been huge. Afterall Cherie Currie is an icon in my world and has been since the age of five. Hell, I still have my original Cherry Bomb seven inch from release. It’s possibly the longest I have ever carried a physical music product with me. Just like the song itself. It’s been a part of my life and a certified constant.
Cherie Currie was my first ever interview too, asked to do it as a favour for a publication I was shooting for. That publication unfortunately isn’t around today in any form, no archive of my work from that time, but I do have the original audio and transcript from it somewhere in my archives. The fact that Cherie Currie has been so pivotal in everything I have done to date. It started my obsession with collecting music and Currie opened a whole new dimension and really started the whole fire in my soul to take my music journalism skill set to another level. It’s funny how it takes reflection to understand and appreciate the journey.
Melbourne’s red hot Hot Machine were tonight’s support, and I must say these five ladies have something special. I have seen them about half a dozen times now and each time they bring something new and exciting, a new level of WOW to their set. Tonight was no exception. I last saw Hot Machine in May, their set that night in this very room showed that their relentless gig ethic had done them so much good. In my eyes they have always been great live. Watching their journey is a complete pleasure though, each time they play they get tighter, more confident and engaging.
It really is hard to believe Hot Machine only formed in 2023. Their set tonight was a testament to their hard work and drive. Their ability to work a room today is just great to watch. One of the best things about tonight’s set was that it wasn’t just a six-song support slot. The band gave us real taste of what they are capable of delivering as a true headliner.
The twelve-song set featured all four songs from last year’s debut EP along with seven new tracks and a blistering cover of Pat Bentar’s ‘Heartbreaker’. From the moment the girls took to the stage they were out to make a point and grab your attention. Rhythm guitarist Sarsha Marsden is simply a pocket rocket who has a presence that just can’t be denied. From the first chord she was simply dynamite and so much fun to watch. Lead Guitarist Jess ‘JT’ Turner flanking the right side of the stage has the meat and potatoes of their sound, a guitar tone that could cut diamonds and enough power to shut down a city block. JT solos with precision and feel, while her riff playing really gives body and energy to the bands sound. They rhythm section of Brittany Britten (Bass) and drummer Jessica Maio and locked in and the backbone of the driving anthems on display tonight.
It is Samantha O’Keefe the bands vocalist that has studied and mastered her craft, her performance tonight was incredible. O’Keefe is now a fully-fledged powerhouse out front and knows how to control a crowd and have them eating out of the palm of her hand. Vocally she was on point, her vocals we clean in tonight’s mix and really did showcase her power.
The sum of all things that define hard work has certainly paid off for Hot Machine. Harmonies were full and well placed. The way they all work the stage is just a joy to watch. Their interaction with each other and the crowd was all class. I truly do believe that if they didn’t captivate you with their set then you were at the wrong show and you would have hated the rest of the night.
Cherie Currie briefly appeared on stage during the second last song and judging by her smiles I think she knew in some way there was a torch being passed. I could only imagine that Currie was transported back to the early days of her career when watching these girls and in all honesty I can’t think of another band in the last thirty years that has comes close to delivering that same brand of magic that The Runaways had.
Hot Machine are one of Melbourne’s brightest bands and have a huge future ahead of them. They sit high on a huge list of bands that sadly go unnoticed by mainstream media here in Australia, however it is only a matter of time before they get noticed and launch into the next phase of their career. I predict that by the end of 2026 Hot Machine will be storming the international markets of Europe and America. Based on tonight’s performance they are ready for that.
Setlist: Red Hot Summer, She’s On The Money, Fuel To The Fire, Shots Fired, Bad Hand, Night Rider, 8 Ball Blues, Burnt, Heartbreaker, Speed Machine, Sweet Lies, Ruff Riding Red
It has to be hard to condense a fifty year career into just over an hour. Cherie Currie did just that and did it with style, there are so many songs that could have been included but it was curated into a mighty fine set. In tonight’s set, but that comes from a fans perspective of Curries career. Curries incredible 2019 album ‘Blvd’s Of Splendour’ was represented well and makes the gap between her visits to our country seem even more vast. To think that ‘Blvd’s Of Splendour’ wasn’t even on the radar at the time of her first tour to Australia in 2016. I loved the new material being added into the set of classics it was a great mix of where it all began and where she is at now.
The show itself was simply spellbinding and an absolute treat. Her band of young guys played the perfect part. Tight, energetic and locked in, the way they locked in with Currie is beyond their years and these players are simply ones to watch. There was huge sense of knowing that the future of rock n roll is in safe hands not only by what Currie’s band brought. Her band consisting of her son JK (Drums), Blane Barker (Bass), John Ashton (Guitar) and Australian guitarist Nick Maybury are a young band that simply gets the energy of The Runaways and deliver the songs so well. The swagger and attitude that was so present in those Runaways records is there and they certainly deliver a special kind of magic.
The days of corsets and fishnet stockings may have ended for Currie as she wore black jeans, a black t-shirt and a black Cherry Bar denim vest. Currie today draws attention to herself not only how natural she is, gone are the days of having to being forced in making a statement in how she dresses. Her voice and the music did the talking tonight. Performance wise Curries voice is as strong as ever and the selections from The Runaways sounded just as they did all those years ago when her voice first jumped out of the stereo speakers at me. There was no need for Currie to dress up tonight’s performance as it spoke for itself loud, clear, independent and fierce. Pure rock and roll fire.
The pure joy of performing is evident. Currie and band were having a blast on stage. There was everything you could have hoped for in energy, connection and delivery. There were moments where Currie delivered between song stories that connected. She was even visibly moved by the reaction to her set, the whole room at Max Watts embraced Currie. We sang, we danced, we jumped and had such an incredible time on this journey.
Talking of emotion Currie stopped the show to sign a fans book on stage, that moment was one of the most genuine and touching moments I have experienced in a live environment. Amid the sea of nostalgic songs were the newer songs and they created a set list that came from the heart and told so many stories of an amazing life and career. Amongst those stores was the one where she has never received any royalties or writing credits for the melody she wrote for ‘Cherry Bomb’ as a fifteen-year-old. Clearly this is a woman who has been through and seen it all and reflect on it all with a smile.
There are performances that you see that really do just etch into your mind and this was one of them. Although this tour was touted as being her last visit to Australian shores, I think the reaction from the crowd may have her rethinking that. I have everything crossed for this to happen. If it doesn’t, I know I saw an exceptional performance from one of my favourite voices and front women. Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide this is a show not to be missed so get along and farewell the original Queen Of Noise one last time.
Setlist: Queens Of Noise, California Paradise, Roxy Roller, Mr. X, Rock N Roll, You Wreck Me, C’Mon, Rock N Roll Oblivion, Is It Day or Night, American Nights, Cherry Bomb
Encore: Rebel Rebel
With thanks to Silverback Touring & John Howarth for the media access.
All image credits Shot by Slaidins Photography
