Aussie pub rock with a purpose!

I walked into this show hoping to have a good time and hear a few well-known Australian songs. What I didn’t expect was to feel deeply moved with a sense of true Aussie pride.

Down Under: The Songs That Shaped Australia is performed at The Courtyard at State Theatre Centre of WA. This show was an absolute treat and a real surprise.

The artists opened the show with the song “Blue Sky Mine” by Midnight Oil. In the middle of the song, they paused to explain the song’s dark yet impactful meaning. They had us all in the palm of their hands, hanging on every word. This performance structure happened again and again. The group continued making their way through hit after hit from Australian artists while sharing engaging stories.

The vibes for their first show were electric. People got up and danced, sang along, shone their phone torches to “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS. We all gave a standing ovation, which encouraged the band to perform an encore for us.

The five-piece band is led by the undeniably talented Michelle Pearson. Together with her band mates, they tell some compelling stories of our Australian history, Indigenous culture, pop culture moments, and politics while performing songs that relate to those moments.

Australian artists featured included AC/DC, Silverchair, Powderfinger, Cold Chisel, John Farnham, Tina Arena, Kylie Minogue, The Whitlams, Paul Kelly, INXS, Hunters & Collectors, and The Easybeats, just to name a few.

This is Aussie pub rock at its absolute finest. If you’re after a night filled with Aussie pride with a side of education, look no further!