Hall & Oates star John Oates joined Icehouse on stage for the first time in nearly 25 years last night to perform ‘Electric Blue’, the song he co-wrote with Iva Davies.
Icehouse, Iva Davies - Photo By Ros O'Gorman
John wrote the song from the ‘Man Of Colours’ in Sydney with Iva. It reached number 1 on the Australian chart and number 7 in the USA.
After last night’s show John told Noise11.com that he had forgotten he had ever performed the song that first time at Madison Square Garden. “Iva reminded me we had done it together before. I had totally forgotten,” he said.
Last night at Plenary Hall in Melbourne was only the second time ever the two writers of the song had performed the song together in public.
Icehouse shook up their set last night with some interesting adjustments to some of the song. Keyboard player Michael Paynter took over lead vocals for ‘Man Of Colours’ with Iva playing oboe.
They totally reinvented ‘Miss Divine’ as a country and western song.
I’ve seen Icehouse a number of times since the reunion shows but last night at The Plenary they were at the top of their game.
The audience knew it too. It was a sell-out crowd (just over 5000) and the crowd where given greatest hits sets from both Icehouse and Hall & Oates. Everyone in the room knew nearly every song by each band.
Hall & Oates and Icehouse together was one of Melbourne’s finest ever live music moments.
Setlist for Icehouse at Plenary Hall, Melbourne
Icehouse (from Icehouse, 1980)
We Can Get Together (from Icehouse, 1980)
Crazy (from Man of Colours, 1987)
Hey Little Girl (from Primitive Man, 1982)
Cross The Border (from Measure For Measure, 1986)
Man Of Colours (Michael Paynter on vocals) (from Man of Colours, 1987)
Miss Divine (country version) (from Code Blue, 1990)
Don’t Believe Anymore (from Sidewalk, 1983)
Electric Blue (with John Oates) (from Man of Colours, 1987)
Love In Motion (single, 1981)
Can’t Help Myself (from Icehouse, 1980)
Great Southern Land (from Primitive Man, 1982)
Remaining dates for the Hall & Oates and Icehouse Australian tour:
Feb 4, 2012, Bowral, A Day On The Green Centennial Vineyards
Feb 5, 2012, Mount Cotton, A Day On The Green Sirromet Wines
Feb 8, 2012, Sydney, Sydney Entertainment Centre
Feb 11, 2012, Barossa Valley, A Day On The Green, Peter Lehmann Wines
Feb 12, 2012, Yarra Valley, A Day On The Green, Rochford Wines
