Richard Clapton - Sydney - August 31 2024

This year’s State Theatre concert, Richard’s 15th, celebrated the re-releasing of three of his best albums, “Prussian Blue”, “Goodbye Tiger” and “The Great Escape”. And for me, that combination resulted in a sublime setlist. The first set featured the acoustic numbers. The second, the upbeat rock songs. I recorded five songs from each set (although I could have easily recorded many more):

Get Back to the Shelter (00:11)
All the Prodigal Children (06:16)
Prussian Blue (10:57)
Capricorn Dancer (16:34)
Wintertime in Amsterdam (20:24)
I Wanna Be a Survivor (26:22)
Glory Road (30:31)
Syncopation Train (37:08)
Distant Thunder (41:49)
I Am an Island (47:08)

Richard’s voice sounded as good as it ever has, the band was brilliant, the lighting wonderful, and the overall sound at the State close to perfect. Without a doubt, one of the best Richard Clapton performances I’ve been to (and I’ve been seeing him for 50 years now). I used to wish that he’d write some more songs. Now I’m just happy to have the opportunity to hear the many old favourites once again.

On Facebook, Richard thanked all those involved. Here they are:

Mahalia Barnes and Bec Jensen on vocals
Danny Spencer and Jak Housden on guitars and vocals
Lee Moloney - drums
Colin Coorie - Keyboards
Travis Clarke - bass
Andy Bickers - saxophone

and his crew:
Dave Henderson - front of house audio
Kez Kesby - monitors
Randall Casey - guitar tech

[TheRedlich]

Thanks for Sharing @Peter_LiveMusic, saw Richard a few months ago in Melbourne at a small club. Following him since the 70s but my first show. Was impressed by how well he performed and entertained with a few stories and banter between songs. So glad I went and hope he continues to play and enjoy his shows

[jimmyd]

Just goes to show we have some of the best musicians in the world, Lets keep on supporting them and keep live music alive!

[Vishangro]

So good. Great to see Richard in such fine form. His voice sounds as good as ever. Thanks for posting.

[spaceengineer-music]

Saw him walking down Crown Street, Sydney. Rode my bike (peddle) up to a stop, said "I love yr songs" He replied "Oh, Thank you !" and I rode off into the sunset. So great to hear these early songs, like Wintertime in Amsterdam, Prussian Blue. Got me thru some lonely times. I remember breaking up w my first gf and hearing I Am An Island. It was like he KNEW my situ...

[robpriest]

Going to his show in Cairns early forward to this one!

[DaveCooper-tzbr]

Excellent gig…surrounded by top musos, he hasn’t lost any of the magic. Privileged to be there.

Thanks for a really good quality permanent remembrance of a fantastic gig. I have been following him for 50 years, been to probably 30 or so of his gigs in various places and I think 7 State Theatres. This gig is in the top two alltime for me. He was in great form, the band was superb, the sound excellent, a full house and a setlist that was perfect for the night. Special shoutout to having both Danny and Jak as guitarists on the night. Took some of the songs to another level. So good that we can enjoy these musicians at this stage of our lives and their lives. Long may they run!

[ronfreeman]

Aussie Legend!..😎 Great to hear his voice and see him traveling ok..✌❤

[mariorubino]

YES this gifted man has always been the real deal FROM THE BONDI LIFESAVER. WHERE I FIRST MET HIM TO TODAY .HE IS STILL THAT MAN AT THE LIFESAVER ..HIS VOICE IS SOMETHING ELSE . . SEEING HIM 4 THE 10 TENTH THOUSAND TIME ...STILL BRINGS OUT THE BEST.YEARS OF MY LIFE ...FABULOUS FABULOUS CONCERT .GREAT SOUND ..AWESOME BAND ..RICHARD YOUR JUST YOU AMAZING .YES RICHARD U R A LION ...JUST KEEP ROURING OUT YOUR MUSIC ....WE LOVE IT U AGAIN

[driverbirch]

An under rated musician with a great band thanks for posting 👏

[CambellRing]

So good and just love Aussie Music. Lucky to be old enough to remember when Pubs played live music. Hot sweaty nights in the Bridge Hotel @ Rozelle, VB on tap and the room smoke filled and Richard Clapton absolutely kicking ass on stage. Long live LIVE music and Aussie Rock Rules, you're a true legend Richard Clapton.

[Peter-qnxo]

Superb as expected the stories, voice, delivery, band ……..

[paulrobinson]

Man that guitar player ( white strat) is so f*** ing good. So cool

[rchw]

Wow, Goodbye Tiger is about 45-46 years old. My best life memories during that period. The old buggers vocals are still pretty well intact. ❤🙏

[davidbradley]

Unforgettable gig. Thanks for posting this record of an amazing night.

[markbazzana]

I’m glad I was there for this.

It was a perfect set list, the acoustic set was sublime with three songs I’ve never heard live. To top it off all three of them are here in this video!

The band and back up singers were outstanding. Richard was in great voice and spirits.

Prussian Blue is my new favourite album. If you haven’t heard it before well with buying.

And don’t forget the fantastic venue. It’s been decades since I’ve been there and it’s honestly worth entry to any gig just to experience it.

I’m back every year until it stops.

[fiveby]

“Sitting out on the Palm Beach Rosd,
I’m so drunk and the car won’t go…”
Music of my youth ❤

[rickchiplin]

Great to see RC back one of Australia’s most under rated Artists

[geoffreybruce]

Bloody legend, still got it in spades.🎶🎶🎶

[goodvibesgoodvibes-mrbs]

Great musician, sounds as good as he did 40 years ago 🤙