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Here is a sort of diary-come review of the Adelaide portion of their tour, which included 3 shows, a tv appearance and couple of  radio interviews with on air performances. Enjoy!

Day 1 - Friday November 23rd - ADS Channel 7 and The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide

Beeped the car horn loudly as I nearly ran over Kevin and Robert in the carpark of the TV station as they unloaded their guitars!<G> Must have thought that Adelaide drivers were a noisy impatient lot,
until they saw the posters attached to my car windows advertising their shows! Jumped out the car and greetings and hugs all round!  ( 9 o'clock in the morning and the guys looked pretty bright after their 800 mile car journey the day before!)

Shuffled into the TV green room where a longish wait was to ensue before the boys went into the studio to pre-record a song for the late morning show - much of the time spent chatting, warming up on their guitars and drinking tea!)

Finally ushered into the TV studio and the boys were parked in front of a solar powererd car on a couple of stools! Robert looked up at the monitors and started singing "She Loves You, Yeah Yeah, Yeah' Kevin looking good in an expensive(?) Melbourne bought shirt!

They had decided after much discussion to sing I Don't Even Know Your Name - which they did extremely well and with one take ! They then decided to do another song,  I Wish I Were Blind - which again sounded great - Kevin in fine form for so early in the day!

The boys then had to hang around until the show went live to air, for a short on air  interview with one of the co-hosts. By then there were a few other guests waiting in the green room that the boys could entertain! The short interview was evcentually done live to air, talking about Kevin's parents and how Kevin and Robert began working together.

Late in the afternoon they went on a University Radio show where they played Melrose live in the studio.
I caught up with the boys later at Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, for their the soundcheck! Enjoyed them playing around with a new song they had started writing together in Melbourne (I think it was called Tell Her You Love Her? - sounded good) - as well as Kevin doing a lovely version of the Everly Brothers'  Dont Let Our Love Die.

Robert was trying to finish learning another old Zombies song (They had been listening a lot to the Zombies and Colin Blunstone albums (Zombie singer) in the trip from Melbourne to Adelaide)
They were sounding good already!

Local band played a very nice warm-up set before Kevin and Robert hit the stage at about 10pm to rapturous applause! Kevin started the show with Another Long Story before playing a set comprising of much of his recent Live album. Robert contributed some fine acoustic guitar work and harmony vocals on several of Kevin's songs, in particular Fear Nothing a standout performance.To hear Kevin sing live is a pleasure; and a very moving and touching experience (brought a tears to my eyes with a wonderfully sincere I Wont Close My Eyes!)

Robert also sang I Don't Even Know Your Name, Near Perfect Smile (beautifully - and dedicated to Trisha), and the Zombies classic, She's Not There followed by The Cajun Song and great harmony work on Wishing.

The big surprise song of the night (for an Australian audience), was when Kevin related the story of their previous weekend shows in Victoria, where they played at a singer-songwriter workshop and had to play a cover song that they had been their first 'inspiration' to get into songwriting and/or music. Kevin explained about starting off in a heavy metal band before immediately launching into AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long, with Robert assisting ably on 'lead' guitar and vocals - this song of course going down very well with the audience! And it is quite a suprisingly good song heard in an acoustic context! To top it off, Kevin finished the song with a very fine impression <G> of Aaron Neville!

So a great night was had by all and Kevin and Robert work well together on stage, with Robert providing much of the between song banter, jokes etc - a very warm and enjoyable musical experience all round. After the show Robert and Kevin mingled with the crowd signing posters cds etc before heading of into the cool Adelaide night!

So that was day one.

Day 2 - Saturday November 25th - Radio BBB-fm, Tanunda and Bentleys Hotel, Clare

Saturday morning and I met up with Kevin and Robert at the local radio station at Tanunda, BBB-fm. This community / public radio station is housed in the old Tanunda Railway station, which only gets used for passenger drop off once or twice a week with a tourist Wine Train run. The presenter played The Mavericks',  Here Come My Baby as a lead-in to the boys introduction. They discussed The Mavericks and Kevin's histories before playing the band version of Paint's
Tennessee Girl.

Kevin then sang his seemingly current favourite cover, I Wish I Were Blind. The studio was pretty small but Kevin and Robert hugged close to their microphones with their guitars and gave a nice performance. A bit more chat about a couple of Bruce's; Springsteen (as the writer
of IWIWB) and Willis (the Die Hard man who was now not flying, after September 11th.)

The presenter then played I Don't Even Know Your Name from the Kevin's Live CD before finishing the chat promoting the next two shows. Robert left the studio requesting the Beatles', And I Love Her, which he had been strumming throughout the previous day and wanted a quick refresher, so as to remember the words.

The boys left the radio station and stopped for lunch, trying out kangaroo meat for the first time (both loved it!) before heading north up to the Clare Valley another of our famous wine districts.

I met up with them again at the Bentleys Hotel in Clare, where they were attempting a soundcheck. However the mixer operator was elsewhere at a local wedding, so a few desparate calls were made and the boy was dragged back to set up the sound for the night. Robert and Kevin did not seem impressed.

The hotel was currently undergoing major renovations, and the new owners were attempting to create a new suitable music venue for an otherwise quite country town; home to many great Australian wines.

Great idea but very wrong approach and wrong timing; they really should have waited until the renovations were completed! Kevin and Robert were to play in the front bar area, which also served as the dining area. This night it was hosting a 60th birthday dinner, the attendees not the slightest bit interested in the great international talent on hand.

Kevin and Robert started the set as usual, with Kevin singing Another Long Story, but having to compete with a rather rowdy birthday table. Another Long Story became somewhat longer, as he paused between each verse with a definite glare toward the oblivious partying folk.

There was something in the air - and it appeared to have a very dark aura. Kevin worked his way through another song, progressively looking somewhat on the edge! Also some of the locals holding up the bar were already starting to want a bit more sing-a-long activity.

Robert sensed the warning signs and they quickly upped the tempo with I Dont Even Know Your Name. Kevin then followed with Tennessee Girl, attempting to drown out the slightly rowdier birthday chatterers. Robert also threw in his Zombies favourite, Shes Not There, much earlier than usual. He also managed to succesfully slot in Near Perfect Smile, before joining together for Wishing; which of course everybody knew - and everyone lapped up! A few smiling faces were starting to appear. Things were looking up, a little bit at least!

Robert suggested they all take a break and indulge in a little more beer, etc before the next set.
Everybody appearde this was possibly a good idea.

After a break of about 45 minutes, and those few beers, the boys returned. Kevin played a couple of songs and Robert played a second SWAG song, She's Deceiving; a wonderful version I might add. His SWAG songs work very well in an acoustic setting, mainly due to some great melodies
he's constructed. He was beginning to look much more relaxed and comfortable on his own songs.

The partiers were a little bit quieter by now, but a regular barfly was now starting to get more vocal with his requests, "play something we know", were the drunken shouts! Robert then played a third  SWAG song, Dear Trixie, with it's catchy little melody hoping to provide some lightness to the proceedings. Robert must have then drawn on his days playing the tough Miami bars, so they went straight into another Buddy Holly / Bob Montgomery song Hearbeat, which Kevin and Robert had already been playing at sound checks. This was received with much louder applauses and Yeahs!. Time for Kevin to slot in another song before the natives were showing signs of restlestness.

"Kenny Rogers! Play Kenny Rogers!" The barfly now added while attempting some mixture of Kenny's greatest hits in a drunken Aussie drawl. Kevin had an ace up his sleeve for a good old Aussie pub crowd, as he upped the tempo and his apparent credibility, with his take on AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long.  The night before, it was received with gracious fun. Tonight it took the roof of the pub, with the whole crowd joining in on the rousing chorus. Kevin was now starting to smile as the crowd began to appreciate the talent in front of them, a few even getting up to dance!

But by now the writing was on the wall, so Robert decided to take the bull by the horns and ripped into an acoustic bash of his medley; Not Fade Away / Who Do You Love / Magic Bus, with Kevin following his cue. The joint was by now definitely jumping.

"Kenny Rogers! Play Kenny Rogers!"  the drunken slur was back. Robert attempted a mock Kenny impersonation, before Kevin suggested they play an obscure Kenny song. One that only real fans may have heard and only if they had all his records. With the obvious permission of the fan, Kevin immediately started up with Gram Parson's, Ooh Las Vegas and Robert joined in for another few minutes of acoustical thrashing and singalong. The drunk appeared to recognise "Kenny's song and was now partially satisfied with proceedings but still wanted more. "Bobby McGee", was his next request, before pulling up a chair to support the now very unsteady legs hovering below.

Robert again dug out a couple more of his favourites, including another Buddy Holly song, The crowd was lapping up the boys and the birthday party had long since died.  Robert and Kevin asked for a shot of tequila, which was duly thrown back and followed by anotherswig of beer, before belting out some opening mexican yelps introducing The Cajun Song. The boys were really rocking by now, filled with beer and bravado. I'm sure that the scene had developed into something like the early days of rock'n'roll that Kevin's dad and Buddy had been one of the original instigators of.

This night, Kevin and Robert showed they were an integral part of a great continuing tradition of two boys with guitars, rocking up a storm for the locals. The show was nearly over. Kevin decided that a mellow tune would now be possible, as the crowd was in a much more receptive mood. He played Fear Nothing to a much more attentive audience, including the drunk, who was now slouched asleep on his chair. As Kevin finished the song Robert ran over to the guy and startled him awake; much to everyone else's enjoyment! The drunk gave a wobbly cheer and nodded back off to his beery slumber. The boys then finished the night of with a rollicking Melrose.
And so once more that old expression, "All's well that ends well" was more than appropriate.

Kevin and Robert had made the most of a very difficult environment and had played a very professional and sincere set of original and much loved inspirational songs, that had ended up in a great night of fun music for all concerned! And Robert's 10 years of being a Maverick had proven invaluable.

Shortly after the show, Kevin ran outside, as the drunk had bid the barmaid farewell and was starting a slow staggering walk home. Something he had obviously done with consistent regularity over the years. Kevin's main concern however, was he going to get home safely? Kevin watched for several minutes before feeling satisfied that he would indeed survive the apparent long trek home, and headed back inside for another well deserved drink. Wonderful -a man of sincere concern, even after all the heckling! All I can say is well done Kevin and Robert.

It had definitely been a night to remember, and for the most part it was all 'great' memories!
After a few more quiet drinks and a chat, I left the boys and headed back on my hour long journey home.

Day 3 - Sunday November 25th 2001 - The Barossa Junction Resort, Tanunda

Couldn't sleep in Sunday as I was off to the Barossa Junction Resort early, to take and setup the boys sound gear. A mav roadie for the day <G>!

Kevin and Robert arrived back from Clare around lunchtime, looking a little bit weary.

They had a good look around at the venue before we did a soundcheck, which fortunately went very well (and quickly). After the previous night's disarray, it was greatly appreciated!

Today was going to be an afternoon show, so the boys had less time than usual to psyche themselves in ‘show’ mode. And being an afternoon show, it appeared it was going to feel a little more casual. The boys went of to grab a bit of lunch at the venue's lovely restaurant .

Kevin and Robert took to the small stage and immediately began with the current set opener Another Long Story, again very nicely done (even if Kevin had too much reverb - blame the
soundman)! A little nob twiddling and things were just dandy; or so they claimed. The boys looked very relaxed and began an afternoon of wonderful listening pleasure.
No hecklers today. Kevin had an audience that wanted to listen. And listen they did; his voice clear and unaffected. Whenever Kevin gets the chance to sing, and be heard; its always all the way; heart and soul.

Particular highlights for me today, were Angel Tonight and I Can’t Drive You From My Mind; both diamond drops from the spiritual core of longing and belonging.
They played several more songs from thos eon Kevin's Live cd, with a lot of  in-between song joking, anecdotes and messing around with bits and pieces of other songs. In particular Robert, who threw in snatches of Beatle tunes Blackbird (in response to the nest of birds we could hear in the roof) and Norwegian Wood (when discussing deception!).And a touch of Burt Bacarach's This Guys In Love With You. Not too mention his newly written song about what not to do with Kangaroos!

Robert also played the two SWAG songs, Near Perfect Smile and She’s Deceiving; again dedicating both to Trisha. Robert's style of melody and songwriting is definitely very much more in an English tradition; with many subtle changes of tempo. A delightful combination when rubbing  shoulders with Kevin’s more traditional American flavours.

Kevin was also having a very enjoyable time breaking into a great  impersonation of the previous night’s drunk, and of all those Pearl Jam inspired groups (i.e. sounding like the Pearl Jammers), with I Only Wanna Sing In Tune (adapting the Hootie and Blowfish hit). You have to hear him to believe it!

With the many songs they sing together, and where Robert provides harmony vocals to Kevin's catalogue of melancholy, the afternoon show was a perfect way to absorb these two fabulous talented singer-songwriters who had travelled all the way from Nashville; and wre now pouring out their hearts in a quiet and lovely Australian town. Kevin finished the afternoon with the almost anthemic, Fear Nothing, a song which I have come to hold close to my heart, and I think carries a universal positive message for anyone who gets the chance to hear it.

A very pleasurable afternoon indeed; even for a nervous mixier-man.

After the show the boys again signed cds, etc and had photos taken, this time including one or two with yours truly!

Kevin went of to try out some local wine, while Robert chatted a bit longer with folks before heading of for a small break in his hotel room. Together with my sister-in-law-come-photographer and Robert, we began walking into town to find a quiet bar to reflect on the weekends shows. We were picked up along the way by Kevin, who excitedly related his first encounter with a real ‘live’ kangaroo. We headed back to where these fabulous marsupial creatures were hangin’ out and spent half an hour observing nature’s beautiful adaptability; there were also a few emus that Kevin was
most fascinated by.

After the nature walkabout, we found a nice local pub and enjoyed some of the Barossa’s best red wine, followed by a good feed and plenty of ‘life on the road’ stories from Robert and Kevin. A very laid-back and pleasurable evening to finish of the weekend. The boys actually looked a bit weary and after coffees, we went back to the Junction, where fond adieus, thanks and hugs were the order of the day (or night!).

See ya'll next time !

So I headed home and began permanently etching the last three amazing days into that thing they call memories (or the grey cells!). A near perfect smile etched on my face!

I wholeheartedly thank Robert and Kevin for the opportunity to witness first hand, true masters of their art, for extending the sincere hand of friendship; and all this after travelling 9000 + 800 miles across oceans, the bush and the rest of our glorious land of oz.

So that was the Adelaidian adventures of bob and his buddy, a maverick in permanent hiatus (now disbanded) - the acoustical swagman, together with a fellow painter - a painter of beautiful pictures of the heart and of the soul.

Fear nothing!

Pictures can be found at the links below.
 

© 2001 chris swann

day 1 & 2 - tv & the first show        day 2 - the country pub        day 3 - up the junction