Australian Indie Pop Rockers Hoodoo Gurus May Have Just Played Their Last Chicago Concert

Sep 19, 2024 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

By James Currie

Last night, Australia’s college rock kings, Hoodoo Guru’s played at Thalia Hall in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood blistering through almost 30 tracks, told stories from the road and even asked for audience requests, but that wasn’t the biggest news of the night. That came near the end of the show when lead singer Dave Faulkner announced quite unceremoniously that this might be the bands last tour and visit to Chicago. No real reason other than hinting to 40 years of time have past and things have changed in the world.

The house seemed shocked by the news and you could hear the groans swell after he spoke, but before the next song came to play. One of those audience members to hear this and take it in was Lynn. A woman from Detroit Michigan who not only came all the way over here to Chicago for the Hoodoo Gurus’ show, but going on and following the band to its next gig in yet another state, Wisconsin. Lynn said, “I just love this band. They’re so iconic. I took a train from Detroit to Chicago and then going to catch another one north for their next show in Madison.” Lynn is a trooper when it comes to concerts. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her at many shows throughout the years and becoming friends with her. She alone seems to support these acts, many from the 80’s, bringing friends along to enjoy the ride. I asked her what she thought of the news, she said, “I’d be bummed if they don’t tour here one more time honestly.” Her sentiment shared with many.

No matter what the outcome, this night was rockin! They started the night as the rest of the tour, playing their iconic breakthrough debut album, “Stoneage Romeos” celebrating its 40th anniversary. We learned throughout the show that the US version and the Australian version have their differences including alternate US album cover and track listings. At this show, a 40th anniversary remastered edition was for sale, with the original album artwork and tracks. From it, we hear the classics and b-sides live including “I Want You Back”, “Leilani” and “Tojo”.

The show started as a seated event. Rows of chairs filled the floor. Something you don’t normally see at a rock show. I asked Lynn what she thought about it. She said, “We tried getting right up front at the stage and they told us to go back to our seats.” She furthered with, “I mean, I can’t imagine the band wanted this? I mean, we’re old, but come on.” But that soon changed as the show started and fans rose to their feet. After the first song, the first fans approached the stage, followed by another until finally, the pit was full of fans dancing and singing along with the band in harmony without complaint.

After playing through the album, front man, Faulkner turned to the audience and said, “Well, that’s that, now what?” Then asked the house for requests and the shouting of hits commenced. First up was “World of Pain” off their most recent album, “Chariot of the Gods” (2022). Faulkner commenting on how they’ve now covered the beginning and end of their career. He then introduced the band again calling out one of the only other original band members, Brad Sheppard on guitar, bassist Richard Grossman whose been with the band since 1988 and Nik Rieth on drums holding down those rhythmic beats for almost a decade now.

The Guru’s played through the hits, near rapid fire at the end covering, “Miss Freelove ’69”, “Bittersweet” and the drum pounding, surf classic, “Like Wow – Wipeout” that really got the joint rocking.

After a brief break, they came back out and played a final three songs, “Axegrinder”, “What’s My Scene” and “Where Nowhere Is” before calling it a night and possibly leaving the iconic Chicago venue’s stage for the last time. If that’s true, these fans witnessed a legendary band going out on a bang! The Gurus sounded great. Still tight and powerful live. It would be a shame to see this go away.

If your a fan of the HooDoo Guru’s and want to see them live either for the first or last time, you better get on it as their is only 8 US tour dates left!

For more on the band, and the last of the tour, click here