There are performers that simply have the x-factor, that point of difference, that magic. Michael Paynter I first came across as a member of Icehouse. From the moment I heard Michael Paynter’s voice it sent a chill through my body. He was singing the parts Iva Davies could no longer reach, Man Of Colours became a showcase of Michael’s immense talent. Since then, he has toured the country countless times with Jimmy Barnes and Icehouse and has continued to write and produce music with artists that are all a part of our fabric, our musical DNA as Australians.
Tonight is the first of three consecutive sold out shows in this incredible theatre space. It is the perfect setting for a show that is personable, connective and intimate. Opening with an acapella version of ‘We Are Australian’ just a voice in a spotlight. It set the tone for this evening’s performance.
‘For The Working Class Man’ saw Paynter at his keyboard for a super stripped-down version that in my opinion blows away the original. The song took on a whole new life and meaning. Let’s face it “For The Working Class Man” is iconic and tonight’s treatment gives the song a brand-new lease of life. It’s like a hug from a friend you haven’t seen forever; it revitalises you and makes you smile. The magic of the song and its meaning is fully unveiled. I have sung along with “For The Working Class Man” thousands of times over the last forty years, yet I haven’t connected with it the way I did tonight.
The story telling in this show begins with telling us all how this show came to be. It was originally a series of seven shows to fill in time while he recovered from the eight shows a week, eighteen month run of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Paynter then went on tour with Jimmy Barnes for last seven months. When the idea came about it was intended to piggyback some of those Jimmy Barnes shows who embraced the idea. Embracing it to the point where he extended the hire car and accommodation for Paynter.
“The first shows sold out in around two days and kept selling. It became twenty-seven shows in the run and has been nothing but an incredible run. This whole year had just blown my mind behind anything that I ever imagined, so I’m just riding this wave” Paynter goes on to say. I’m sure that my interpretation of Michaels words seem dry but that’s intentional as his delivery, warmth and humour, well they need to hit in the way they did live and two-dimensional words can’t convey that.
Paynter continues by saying “These are some of my favourite Australian songs” as he launches into “Age Of Reason” the incredible Todd Hunter (Dragon) written song that came to life via the voice of John Farnham. Stripped back to piano and voice Paynter shows the reason why he has been chosen to play the role of Farnham in the upcoming stage production. I closed my eyes and there was Farnham, all the finesse, all the power, all the depth and beauty in the delivery. The similarity is uncanny and the performance is stellar; there was newfound power in it all.
Reflecting on his time with Icehouse and his respect and thanks to Iva. The essence of this part of the show was to honour his legacy and history within Australian music. The story here is magical and one full of gratitude.
“Crazy” is not the song I was expecting, but as Paynter says this is his favourite Icehouse song. This rendition is Michael with his acoustic that starts off in his lower register and the emotion flows, the power that follows this is just sublime. The hairs stood on end as he launched into it. The words are lyrical muscle memory as I sing every word to myself along with Paynter but I stop when it’s in full flight just taking in the sheer connection Paynter has with this song.
“I could have called this show My Great Australian songbook as I am under no illusion that this is the definitive list, but one thing I really feel about music is the power of it. There are some songs where I am the exact same person in the exact same place that I first heard that song. This next song is one of those for me because when I first heard it I was so blown away by what was coming out of my speakers that I went through a red light. I had the privilege of writing with one of the writers of this song”. That song is Silverchair’s “Straight Line”. My god what a delivery, it’s part Johns, part Paynter and oh so good. Some of the notes he held here are just mind blowing especially the last one …. Michael Paynter is a vocal god, it simply can’t be denied.
Light and shade is the essence here tonight; emotional balance is the focus and after a slight glitch with his looping station we were thrust into Wolfmother’s “Joker & The Thief” completely stripped back but every dynamic and element of power is still maintained. This song delivered this way shows every contrast you could imagine. The vocal delivery is incredible and one of my highlights so far as you just didn’t expect it.
A brief mention of the John Farnham stage show and the legacy it holds, the personal privilege of doing it and what it means to him.
The stories continue to be amazing, describing his connection to the next song and the way it took him elsewhere when he heard it was exactly what he made us all feel tonight. We were transported, left floating in the magic of John Farnham’s “Angels”. It established a connection to the song I have never experienced before.
This run of shows here at the Athenaeum has sold around four thousand tickets over four shows. This is a testament to the pure talent of this man. Still humble, still very human and still very appreciative of the support and love he receives. Michael Paynter’s humility is genuine and as he goes on to introduce tonight’s guest he talks about the tours history of having friends come and sing with him. Tonight, that friend is the incredible Em Rusciano who he tells the story of her friendship and their journey as friends and supporters. Rusciano is a hoot, her mix of humour and vocal talent is perfect for this show.
The genuine love and friendship between these two is evident and so sincere. The deal for his duet section is that his guest gets to pick a song and Paynter the other.
The next song isn’t just a dialled in track, Rusciano chose “Heaven Help My Heart” by Tina Arena and the dynamic between these two is jaw dropping. The performance, pure magic. Paynter’s choice is another Farnham classic written by Ross Wilson “A Touch Of Paradise” showcases both voices again. The harmonies from Rusciano are flawless.
Switching back to keyboards Paynter takes on “Even When Im Sleeping “ by Leonardo’s Bride. Paynters ability to make these songs his while remaining so faithful to the original arrangements and structures is unlike anything I have experienced. These songs from this songbook come to life in the most amazing ways.
The next song was written by Graham Goble of the Little River Band and while it’s a Farnham sung song Paynter and reminds us that he is on Farnham rations, he tells us it’s his show and he can do what he wants in jest. The song is none other than “Playing To Win”. With his looping machine back and functioning the delivery is faultless. The way Paynter gives us the phrasing and power vocally is amazing and if you closed your eyes Australia’s original king of pop was in front of you.
The stories continue and the story behind the next song tells of how Paynter took the words of wisdom from the next artists lyrics, and it explained the way the female brain worked. The band is Batchelor Girl who Paynter played guitar with post covid. The song “Busses & Trains”, sung with absolute perfection. Paynter’s delivery of this song is so damn convincing, it’s written from the female perspective, tonight it had a whole new spin, and I brought these same lyrics from the male perspective. This isn’t something that is done easily and yet another testament to this man and his talent.
Explaining the production and the song and how production can complement or detract from each other Sia’s “Chandelier” is one of those songs that stripped back is such an incredible song aside from the elegance of its production. I never really cared for the song originally but stripped back this version had me backtracking almost immediately after the show. Stunning, stunning, stunning.
Closing out the set is Alex Lloyd’s “Amazing” another song of connection and message delivered with such a level of authenticity. “Amazing” is one of those songs that holds a close meaning to me personally and every emotion, thought and place this song signifies was in my mind’s eye immediately.
Without surprise Paynter received a standing ovation and a rowdy round of applause. This man is such a one in a lifetime talent and one that needs to be experienced. This format is the perfect showcase for this absolute diamond of a human. Tonight we got to see another side of this incredibly talented man who welcomed you into his world. Im sure the connection here was the same with everyone in the room.
With an ovation like that how could there not be an encore? Paynter joked “it’s in the contract” as he took to the stage. Not one to disappoint tonight we were treated to a pair of songs that featured more of this countries finest talents.
The first of these songs pays respect to Mike Chapman the iconic and legendary songwriter of global hits we all know and love. The possibilities are endless as to what we were about to hear. “Pleasure & Pain” by the Divinyls is the song of choice and stripped back to voice & keyboard takes on a new life and perspective. I’m captivated and pulled in hook line and sinker yet again.
The story of Michael’s meeting with Jimmy Barnes and the beginning of their friendship, how he became family. His gratitude to the Barnes family is immense and the stories need to be heard live.
“Flame Trees” is the song that closes the night out. It’s as iconic as any Australian song and while it’s possibly one of the most covered songs in Australian pubs it’s rare that you truly feel the emotion and story within the song this way. The honesty in this performance transported me to imagining Don Walkers vision for this song in its earliest form. Haunting and beautiful, not only do those words describe this song but the entirety of this performance.
Paynter’s banter and illuminated spirit welcomed us all and bring us into his world. While these aren’t his songs, they are songs that are a part of him, a part of all of us.
Michael Paynter you are such a talent, a superstar and most definitely one to watch as he enters the hearts, minds and souls of all Australians. Talent like this needs to be celebrated and shared. I have no doubt Michael Paynter will soon stand aside those he has paid tribute to tonight not as only a peer but an equal in importance and contribution to Australian music.
If by some chance you get to see any of these remaining shows DO it. If you can’t get to these shows Michael Paynter’s The Great Australian Songbook Vol.3 EP is out May 26. Melbourne, you have one more chance too on Friday May 29.
Setlist : We Are Australian, For The Working Class Man, Age Of Reason, Crazy, Straight Line, Joker & The Thief, Angels, Heaven Help My Heart, A Touch Of Paradise, Even When I’m Sleeping, Playing To Win, Busses & Trains, Chandelier, Amazing.
Encore : Pleasure & Pain, Flame Trees
With special thanks to Sue McAullay for the media access.
Gallery by Shot by Slaidins Photography
