Live Review: Culture Club, Björn Again, Kids In The Kitchen

“You make an old man feel like he’s 18 again,” said Kids In The Kitchen frontman Scott Carne, though the feeling with the sold out crowd was mutual (or at least similar).

The snappy synth beats of a melodramatic Shine and the overblown power ballad Current Stand were highlights of a set akin to the warmth of meeting an old friend.

With all the moves, all the costumes and all the catchy tunes Björn Again have been playing at ABBA for years now. So much so that they have developed their own take on the songs, with most given a rockier edge to the original pop. Typical was SOS which was belted out with a heavy undercurrent. As they closed with Dancing Queen it was the ultimate feel-good performance for a night of retro music.

Complete with the full original line-up and a massive band including brass and percussion, Culture Club clearly meant business.

With their first Australian tour for 15 years, complete with the full original line-up and a massive band including brass and percussion, Culture Club clearly meant business. And they delivered. We are so used to hearing the classic '80s recordings of their hits that when performed live they were given new life. It was particularly evident in Do You Really Want To Hurt Me which was much richer. The Crying Game (originally recorded as a solo project by lead singer Boy George with Pet Shop Boys) was deeply atmospheric in tone and, set standout, Victims was simply mesmerizing.

Boy George did seem particularly satisfied when he performed some new material which showed a funkier side. His voice has matured greatly and had a depth which was not apparent in the more frivolous musical past. He is also a less flamboyant version of his previous self, though appeared ever affable and relaxed. Despite all their own hits the band closed with a couple of covers – his very personal tribute to David Bowie in a celebratory Starman and a rousing version of T Rex’s Get It On. A striking performance, far more than a band playing at the past.