No Fixed Address was formed in the late 1970’s by Bart Willoughby and soon became a popular pub rock band in Adelaide, especially amongst students. They made a movie and soundtrack album called Wrong Side of the Road in 1980 with another Aboriginal band, Us Mob. The band also had the distinction of having their debut mini album From My Eyes launched by then Prime Minister Bob Hawke at the Hilton Hotel in Adelaide. In 1982 they toured Australia as support band to Peter Tosh before touring Great Britain. After splitting up in 1985 and other than a couple of brief reformations, the band is back on the live circuit and playing The Gov.
Opening with The Vision from Wrong Side of the Road soundtrack, the band soon had the crowd on its side, with the dance floor quickly filling. The single From My Eyes cemented the support from the crowd. From there they played most of the debut mini album and Wrong Side of the Road soundtrack songs, as well as a couple of new songs.
The band was tight. Special mention must be made of Bart Willoughby’s drumming. I have never seen anyone hit the drums so hard and still sing in tune. Guitarist Les Lovegrove was no slouch either, peeling off searing guitar licks all night. Vocals were shared amongst most members during the evening, showcasing how diverse this band is.
As good as the main set was the encore took everyone to a new high. Greenhouse Holiday was the highlight of the evening with Les Lovegrove owning the stage while playing loud hot riffs and the band providing a heavy solid support. Street Fighter and Time Before Me closed out a sensational night of reggae rock… the show being more rock than reggae.
Welcome back No Fixed Address. I hope The Gov becomes a regular address for you in the future.
Special mention to support band Kineman Karma for their great set of reggae, with a splash of ska, songs. The band played with a full brass section that added to the sound of the music. Excellent set.
Geoff Jenke
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