Review: Busby Marou @ Great Western Hotel (Rockhampton)

There's something wholesome and comforting about a local band putting in the hard yards for years, then coming home not only to celebrate their success, but to show support to those who helped make it happen.

That's exactly what Busby Marou did at Great Western Hotel on Saturday night (19 September). The duo have been celebrating 20 years with 20 gigs around the country, which landed them in their home town of Rockhampton.

This was a night full of great live music, plenty of memories to share and lots of local pride to be shown. The night did start with a small technical hick-up, delaying the gates from being opened by about half an hour, however this did not spoil anyone's spirit.

The night started off strong with another local act, fronted by Angelo Conway, The Short Fall. Even presenting as a three-piece acoustic band (compared to their full-band ensemble), they brought to the stage a lively blend of indie rock, folk and a bit of pop.

Initially, their set began with a bit more of a folky sound, warming up the crowd, before it evolved into a higher-energy sound displaying more of an indie rock performance.

Playing songs such as 'Foreign Country', 'This City', 'Looking Over My Shoulder' and 'Going Home', there was plenty of momentum in their performance and plenty of character in their harmonies and hooks; this made it so easy for the crowd to get involved singing and dancing along to their music.

With the first act over, the crowd was loosening up, finding their groove and eager for more music. Not to worry, the next band setting up is definitely someone you'd want to see in Australia's collection of up and coming bands.

Frank and Louis (pronounced 'loo-ee') are a brother-brother duo from Sunshine Coast, and despite being young, they definitely bring a level of experience and maturity to the stage.

Taking on the lead vocals and guitar work, Louis provides good foundation for the band's indie folk-pop sound. He also uses the ability to shift between the bass and drums to add some versatility to the structure of their music.

Frank then beautifully complements his brother with his harmonious vocals, playing six- and twelve-string guitars, harmonica and stomp box. These two boys have already received plenty of recognition from other great artists around the nation, including recent performances with The Rions and Lime Cordiale.

After delivering such authentic enthusiasm onstage, the crowd almost seemed a little disappointed when their set finished. However, with the waves this duo is making, I'm sure we'll see them back in Rockhampton performing again in no time.

Now it was time for that agonising wait for the headlining band. All the roadies and techs are getting everything set up and ready onstage.

The excited audience has a short window for beverage refills, food replenishments, maybe the chance to wiggle through the crowd for a better view of the stage.

Not much longer now, you can feel all the excitement in the air. So here we are, celebrating two decades of music surrounded by friends, family, long-term and new-found supporters, and simply just local music fans.

This gig was more than just a big event, it has become a particularly meaningful anniversary. Demonstrating how and why their songs have connected with more audiences beyond the reach of Central Queensland.

Accompanied by Enzo Russo on bass and Damon Joel on drums, Busby Marou put on a performance like no other, because there is no other that compares to a hometown performance.

The Great Western was absolutely buzzing with all the best sing-along songs we know. However, partway through their show, they wanted to draw on the importance of their family upbringing, and all the support they had around them.

Touching on the subject of Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou having lost their own fathers, a slide show of pictures was projected onto a screen behind the duo while they played 'Gone' – a tribute to lost loved ones.

There was not a single dry eye in the room. It was beyond touching and completely moved the audience. With everyone in their 'feels', Busby Marou wanted to give back and prompt the upcoming generation of musical talent.

Welcome to the stage The Caves School Choir. This little group of bright-eyed young children sang along with the duo for a few songs such as 'Best Part Of Me' – if the audience wasn't already won over, they definitely were now.

Unfortunately, the clock is ticking and their time onstage is almost over. Throughout the duration of their concert, Busby Marou has proven what makes them, well, them.

The longevity of their music is very impressive. Having travelled far, far away from starting as a regional town pub act, to being on massive stages entertaining a sea of thousands of people, their music has grown without losing the sense of place; that place being home and where they grew up.

Twenty years on and I'm sure there's another twenty years to come from this duo. The connection and performance remains as strong as ever and it seems like Busby Marou has plenty more to sing about in the years to come.