Whatever, Whenever, Wherever Tour 2024, Grinspoon at 170 Russell

(Feature image by Michelle Grace Hunder, supplied)

Fresh off the back of their brand-new album whatever, whatever, classic Aussie rock icons Grinspoon proved to Melbourne that they absolutely still have it, conducting an electric and hyped crowd through an absolutely incredible night on November 5.

The 4-piece made it abundantly clear that there is no better way to spend a Tuesday night than rocking out with them at 170 Russel in the heart of the CBD, as they slowly approach the back end of their colossal Australian tour, featuring over 44 shows in the span of months.

The night was kicked off by local Brunswick powerhouses Press Club, who certainly succeeded in warming up the crowd through their energetic and infectious punk rock, surely gaining an array of new fans. Lead singer Natalie Foster was no stranger to entertaining a crowd, delivering true rock and roll spirit from cartwheeling on stage to serenading security guards. However, nothing could beat her visit into the crowd, giving fans a close and personal experience of the magic that is Press Club.

From the very moments they ascended onto the stage, Grinspoon had their sea of merch-embellished fans on an absolute high. Electric from the moment they touched down, the band opted to open with a newer track, 'Unknown Pretenders', fresh off of the new album. The night's setlist consisted of a perfect blend of the band's classics as well as their newer works, pleasing the crowd with fan favourites such as Chemical Heart, Hard Act To Follow and Lost Control, whilst proving they can still write irresistible bangers.

The band delivered a flawless, authentic performance, offering everything expected from a classic rock concert, including jarring yet entertaining lighting, epic crowd interactions and killer guitar solos. They didn’t miss a beat proving their ultimate talent as not only performers, but musicians. The performance's turbulent nature was balanced out by a number of more tame, yet stunning acoustic performances, including a duet of their newer track Underground, sung with Press Club’s Natalie Foster.

Perhaps a security guard's worst nightmare, the crowd certainly complemented the bands untamed rock attitude, creating waves through impromptu mosh circles and quick attempts at crowd surfing, managing to extend the show off the stage. One thing was for certain; the show absolutely succeeded in reaching the loudest volumes possible, created by not only shrieks from the crowd, but frontman Phil Jamieson's incorporation of a megaphone as well as a microphone for certain songs, opting to double epic sound impact.

In what was truly a thrilling and electric night, Grinspoon proved their timeless ability to deliver an authentic and killer rock display, sure to please fans both new and old!