Brendan Gallagher

Finally got to see Brendan Gallagher live, in the same week as rediscovering Karma County's 1999 album "Into The Land Of Promise". It was a tremendous intimate gig inside Marrickville's Gasoline Pony, another first but definitely won't be the last. We'd travelled from Newcastle, and were killing time while our teens rocked out to their own show at the Hordern Pavillion. Brendan's voice is as sweet as it ever was, and his guitar playing superb. Accompanied by an upright bass and drummer (the Prosecco Echoes), Michael Galeazzi bass, and Ivan Jordan drums, the audience was treated to new material in the first set and a wander through Brendan's vast back catalogue in the second set. Banter between songs provided just enough context for new audience members, and plenty of fodder for exploring material I (criminally) have been unaware of. The venue was a bit rowdy up the back at the start, but the sound guy got on top of that exceptionally well, while Brendan read the riot to a few punters talking through the set up front, who mercifully left in the break. Definitely check this venue out again. The vegan friendly fare (and carnivore options) were excellent, the staff friendly and efficient. A gem of the inner west. Five stars!