Stepping back in time to my favourite era last night, I pulled out the actual shoulder-padded jacket I wore in 1989, destroyed another small section of the ozone layer trying to get my hair to stand on command, and headed off to The Astor for the powerhouse double-header of Debbie Gibson and Go West.
Debbie looked incredible in a sparkling silver dress as she hit the stage alongside her two male dancers, opening the night with “Dance 4 U.” It didn’t take long before the shoes were off and the whole evening began to feel more like a karaoke party in Debbie’s lounge room — which became something of a theme for the night.
She engaged with the audience from the very beginning, explaining that after performing in Singapore and battling a three-day migraine, we might be getting some slightly different “girl-setto” vocals tonight. More importantly, she was clearly thrilled to be back in Australia for the first time in 37 years.
One of the highlights — especially for one particular gentleman — came when Debbie left the stage and wandered through the crowd while singing. Being serenaded by the Princess of Pop, followed by being allowed to plant a sweet little kiss on her cheek, surely made his year!
The energy remained high throughout, with her dancers throwing themselves into some impressive acrobatics, while guitarist Ariel brought plenty of rock chick attitude — shredding away before casually dropping into the splits. Amazeballs!
“Legendary,” “Shake Your Love” and “Electric Youth” were among the highlights of a 10-song set before an ’80s medley encore had pretty much everybody in the Astor singing and dancing along.
“Right Back Where We Started From,” “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” “I’m Coming Out” and “Xanadu” were all thrown into the mix, along with a few other surprises.
I have to say, going into the night not really knowing what to expect from Debbie Gibson, she completely exceeded our expectations. Fun, energetic, wonderfully nostalgic and incredibly engaging — we thoroughly enjoyed the show.
DEBBIE GIBSON GALLERY
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Go West, lead vocalist Peter Cox took charge of the band’s entire catalogue, backed by an impressive ensemble that brought those classic songs roaring back to life.
We closed our eyes and were transported straight back to 1985. There may have been a little less hair around the room these days, but there was absolutely no mistaking that voice.
Opening with “Don’t Look Down”, Cox quickly had the Perth crowd onside before slipping into a superb cover of Sam Sparro’s “Black and Gold”. From there came “Eye to Eye” from the debut album, alongside the more recent single “Too Far Gone”, with Cox effortlessly crooning his way through a set that showcased just how well that unmistakable voice has held up over four decades.
There were plenty of laughs along the way too, including the story behind “Pocket Call” — I’ll explain that one later for those who weren’t there!
The set continued with “She Wants Magic,” “The Sun and the Moon,” “Let Love Come,” “S.O.S.” and “Call Me”, before reaching the finale everyone had been waiting for.
“We Close Our Eyes” and “King of Wishful Thinking” brought the night home in style, sending a packed Perth crowd straight back to the glory days of Go West.
A Tuesday night in Perth, 40 years of songs behind him, and Peter Cox proving once again that rock is very much not dead. Plug in.
With thanks to Tatiana from Esteller PR & Destroy All Lines for the media access.
Photos by Shotweiler Photography
GO WEST GALLERY
