Playing With Dolls…

There’s something about an Amanda Palmer crowd that makes them unique; they get into the spirit of the show within minutes of the opening act. Happy to go with the flow and laugh along with the antics, they holler and heckle and genuinely encourage the support band on stage.
Last night’s crowd of 1000 fans at Brisbane’s Tivoli Theatre were beyond excited by the end of the second support act, already delighting in the frivolous atmosphere that envelopes a Palmer gig.

No stranger to Australia, Amanda Palmer has made a regular appearance in Australia each year, performing solo on stage, often including impromptu “Ninja Gigs” in parks which are broadcast only hours before via Twitter.

But it has been six long years since punk cabaret duo “The Dresden Dolls” has graced our shores, last appearing in Brisbane at The Arena in 2006.
Comprising of Ms Palmer on keyboards and vocals and Brian Viglione on drums, it was not surprising that they played last night’s opening Australian show for a solid 2 hours.

Appearing in semi-military costume, it wasn’t long before Palmer and Viglione soon stripped down to their trademark punk attire and had the venue jumping.

Last night’s setlist included ‘less played’ songs as “Ultima Esperenza” but also included many fan favourites.
A fantastic cover of The Beastie Boys “Fight For Your Right (To Party)” featuring Palmer on drums, Viglione on lead guitar and “special guest Steve” was a random fan who had answered a Twitter request to play bass.

“Missed Me”, “Gravity”, “Half Jack” and “Coin Operated Boy” were obvious favourites amongst the admiring throng. Palmer’s “Astronaut” from her solo album “Who Killed Amanda Palmer” was also thrown into the set.
The main setlist ended with the popular “Girl Anachronism” which left the fans screaming out for more.

A three song encore finished the evening; the first tune being a cover of Nick Cave’s “Mercy Seat” and ending with Black Sabboth’s “War Pigs.”

Nothing to complain about from this punter, who had only decided on the day that she couldn’t miss this opportunity to see Brian Viglione on percussion. Viglione definitely adds to the show as his energy and antics on the drums are theatrical and visually entertaining.
Palmer and Viglione play well together, working musical timings by subtle visual clues directed across the stage.

Having left their previous record company, this tour depends entirely upon the fans promoting The Dresden Dolls shows via social media and the like, a request that Palmer put to the audience before the end of the gig.
So, to show that I am doing my bit as a fan, here are the dates for The Dresden Dolls Australian Tour…
Catch them if you can!

The Dresden Dolls Australian Tour 2012:
Brisbane – Thur 5 Jan
Sydney – Sat 7 Jan
Melbourne – Sun 8 Jan
Adelaide – Wed 11 Jan
Perth – Thur 12 Jan

All ticket details can be found on Amanda Palmer’s Official Website:
http://www.amandapalmer.net/events/upcoming-shows/

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