Judging by the dreadlocked, poncho wearing crowd it was clearly a Xavier Rudd concert.
With the stage draped with an Aboriginal flag and the lights flashing, The Fremantle Arts centre was buzzing on Saturday night, and good vibes were building for the legendary musician, activist, and all round good guy, Xavier Rudd.
Rudd was on tour to promote his latest album Spirit Bird, which the song ‘Follow the Sun’ is from, quickly becoming an instant hit. He played a good mix of old and new songs with intervals of goodwill messages, like saving the wales, respecting your country, and explaining how Karma works.
There was plenty of room for dancing, which the crowd took full advantage of, busting out moves reminiscent of Woodstock in the sixties. With many of his songs being instrumental focussed with few lyrics,it at times put the listener into a musical trance.
His love of everything natural and preserving Australia in its natural state shines through in the beautiful lyrics of his songs, even incorporating bird noises, in a way that is anything but naff, adding such a natural feel to his music and a sense of pride in Australia’s natural beauty.
There are times where you have to keep reminding yourself that Rudd is a one man band, it’s phenomenal that he manages to play multiple instruments, yet still produce such a magical sound. Crowd favourites ‘Let Me be’, and ‘Culture Bleeding’, saw the venue turn into a sea of waving arms and stomping feet.
If you don’t find yourself moving to Rudd’s live sets, there is most probably something physically wrong with you. The heart like drum beat that forms the backbone of many of his songs, and the echoing didgeridoos, set his music apart from any other. Renowned especially for adding a certain spirituality to his live sets.
He finished the night with a version of ‘Buffalo Soldier’, where he changed the lyrics to: “I love my country/ and I respect our history“ and had the audience singing the new words along with him.
Xavier Rudd is a gleaming example of where music and activism can co-exist in a harmonious way. Through his music it’s easy to connect with the messages he is sending out and get involved. It’s hard to not be a fan of anyone who is as passionate and talented as Rudd is.
