Andrew Farriss - Wollongong - March 15 2024

While I watched the largely elderly audience arrive, I couldn’t help but think what it must be like to go from playing to tens of thousands in the world’s best known venues to about 40 people in small pub in Wollongong. Surely it must take some major readjustments, both mentally and emotionally. The tour was called ‘Songs & Stories’ and Andrew Farriss had plenty of both, beginning with his more current compositions, then working backwards in time to include some of his collaborative works, and finishing with a handful of INXS numbers. Each song was introduced by a story associated with its writing, and while these were all very interesting, providing insights to both the songs and to Andrew himself, I have only included a couple of snippets from them in this recording. I did record seven of the seventeen songs in the set:
Tears in the Rain (00:06)
All the Stars are Mine (04:07)
Apache Pass (08:10)
Mystify (11:36)
Healing Stone (16:22)
Beautiful Girl (20:39)
Need You Tonight (23:57)
I must admit I hadn’t bought tickets to see Andrew, but rather his support act Imogen Clark. However, I when I started listening to his latest music on Spotify I was rather surprised. Those country songs are a long way from INXS’ pop/rock ballads. But there is no denying his skills as a songwriter and I soon found myself enjoying them. In fact, I could have done with one or two more of his recent compositions and fewer INXS covers. However, that’s not what the majority of people were there to hear. As for any regrets he may have now he’s no longer a rock star, he told us that he’s happy with his current life, he's enjoying writing songs, and he doesn’t miss those earlier days. His advice for anyone seeking fame and fortune was good luck.

[@Peter_LiveMusic]

Andrew Farris website: andrewfarriss.com/?avia_forced_reroute=1
Facebook: facebook.com/AndrewFarrissMusic/
Instagram: instagram.com/andrew_farriss/?hl=en

[@regfries8279]

That's the biggest hat I've ever seen.

[@Peter_LiveMusic]

LOL He actually wore two different hats during the show. And there was a brief discussion regarding the first one, brought up by a member of the audience. It was very impressive.