Live Review: Belinda Carlisle, 1927

Coming out to a lively crowd, 1927 played a solid set that showed their tenure as seasoned musicians. Those in the audience were appreciative but it wasn't until singer Eric Weideman took on That’s When I Think Of You, followed by the classic sentimental ballad If I Could, that the band finally got their full attention.

“Who remembers the '80s?” asked Belinda Carlisle just before launching into her first solo hit, 1986’s Mad About You. Carlisle is touring Australia to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her smash album Runaway Horses, and on her first stop at Perth’s Astor Theatre, she gave a sparkling performance that reminded us of her integral part in the '80s pop scene.   

Much like the title of that album, Carlisle came bolting out of the gate in a silk blue blouse, matching pants and bare feet to begin her set with Runaway Horses. For a lady who celebrated her 60th last year, the infamous former-partygoer danced on stage with all the chilled-out vibes of a girl without a care in the world.

It was this confidence along with her very formidable band, which unfortunately never got an introduction, that kept the show moving along during the lesser known, but still fine material, like Whatever It Takes, (We Want) The Same Thing and I Get Weak from the album Heaven On Earth.

Still, Carlisle, with her slightly flinty voice, soared when she had a sweeping ballad to wrap herself around, and she had plenty to offer with Circle In The Sand, In Too Deep and Live Your Life Be Free. 

The show stoppers came towards the end of the night with one iconic belter after another: Summer Rain, Leave A Light On, and Heaven Is A Place On Earth, which Carlisle led her choir of eager singers through a thunderous rendition of. However, the treat of the night was hearing Carlisle sing two songs by The Go-Go’s - We Got The Beat and Our Lips Are Sealed - and seeing her enjoy it just as much as the crowd, who bounced along like teenagers at a blue light disco.

Two encores later, Carlisle closed her set with the subdued Shades Of Michelangelo and even through her cool veneer, she appeared appreciative of the adoration coming back at her after departing the stage with a, “Thank you Perth.” She may have a few hazy memories of the '80s, but this audience clearly remembered it all.