When someone said to me earlier on in the night at Renee's (a good mate) hens night 'yeah later tonight we're going to see Wolfmother perform at a pizza place' I remember saying 'oh ok cool!' And then laughing a little inside. One of the best Aussie rock bands, who (as far as I was concerned) broke up 2 years ago after selling out to huge crowds, were now reformed and playing in a Pizza joint tonight? You sure it's not Led Zeppelin?
As the night progressed everyone seemed certain it was happening and as we got to Frankie's and lined up outside, some scruffy dude said to the bouncer 'Is this where we line up to see Wolfmother?' To which he replied 'I couldn't tell you!'. I was confused, was it still top secret or did this bouncer just have no idea. Apparently Frankie's is this cool little venue who has been putting on secret little gigs for years, you never know who is playing, they release the band name an hour before the gig and it spreads by word of mouth. This was the most hipster thing I'd ever been involved in and I got swept up in it! Sure enough the bouncer had no idea and as we got to the front of the line we were so excited. One in, one out, and we eventually all made it in. If this was to happen it would officially be the best hens night ever nay the best night ever!!
Somehow we managed to get a whole booth, the front booth right next to the tiny stage and 5 minutes later, as if perfect timing had been organized, the little curtain was pulled back and out came Andrew Stockdale and co. in all their big haired glory!
On a tiny stage fit for up-and-coming armatures, they rocked out in style and stunk of professionalism. They played old favorites like Woman, Joker and the Thief, and Apple Tree, whilst smashing out a few newer tracks like New Moon Rising. I'd had a few more than several wines at this stage at decided now was the time to practice my Wind Mill (que crazy drunk girl swinging long red hair in circular motion in psychotic fashion) and proceeded to do so at several points throughout the night. This excessive wind milling resulted in a disgustingly sore neck for the next 3 days punishing me for my drunken stupidity.
We bumped into several band members after the gig out in the Pizza Bar section of the joint and whilst I wouldn't usually, I decided to stagger over and get a photo. I do believe the gentleman in the bottom image is Shaggy from Scooby Doo who moonlights as a drummer by night. At the time I was pretty sure I was charming the pants off them, I look back and realize that may have been the wine talking.
Did I have a great night? Yes. Would I do it all again, even knowing of the impending 2 day hangover and whiplash? Hells Yeah!
This was possibly the best night of my life and was without a doubt the best Hens night I'd ever been on and the Pizza at Frankie's was pretty good which was an added bonus! Can't wait to get back to Frankie's but I have a sneaking suspicion I've seen it at it's best and it couldn't get any better.
Stay tuned to this space, I leave for Japan this weekend, heading for the 3 day Fuji Rock Festival. Blog post to follow in the next few weeks...or months...whenever I get around to it.
