Who & What: Adam Brand and The Outlaws
Where: Hallam Hotel, Melbourne
When: 28th January, 2016

Take five musicians, mash them together and what do you get? – Australia’s newest country super-group, of course. I’m talking about the Outlaws, consisting of Adam Brand, Travis Collins, Matt Cornell, Drew McAlister (of McAlister Kemp fame) and Mike Carr (also known as the musical comedy character, Buddy Goode). All talented musicians in their own right – with their own respected fan bases to boot! – it’s hard to imagine how an idea like this could possibly fail.

And it doesn’t.

One could think that the idea of the band would be a recipe for disaster. I mean, take one person with an ego and the whole thing would blow up in the others’ faces – but that’s not in the spirit of The Outlaws. It’s all about a bunch of guys doing what they do best.

And boy, do they ever!

I couldn’t tell you enough about how excited I was when I first heard the idea of The Outlaws. Not only is it a great way to showcase the talent of five artists, but a great chance to expand on each others’ fan bases too. As a huge fan of both Adam Brand and Travis Collins, it was also a great opportunity for me to see Matt, Drew and Mike in concert as well as I am not too familiar with their work. Basically, if you’re a fan of one, you’re seeing five for the one price. Sounds great, no?

The Hallam Hotel is such a strange venue. I had never been before and wasn’t too sure what to expect – I certainly didn’t expect long tables, a smallish stage and a counter meal. It’s hard to want to get up and dance after you’ve had a big steak and chips (I say this, even though I had a salad), but by the end of the night, The Outlaws had done it – with all present members up on their feet.

The show was split up into two sets. The first, showcasing songs off the new Outlaws album, some Adam Brand favourites, and also – and I say most importantly – gave Adam the opportunity to introduce the other members of the band, giving each of them the time to sing a solo song of their own. Travis sung his hit single, Curves, while Mike (who has written extensively with Adam on many numbers) gave us the heartfelt The Anzac, which had everyone standing from their seats in respect for those who gave their lives for us. Seriously though, I had tears. It was beautiful. Drew and Matt also sung their respected songs to the roar of the crowd.

The second set created a huge buzz – perhaps that was from the flowing beer from the bar – but everyone seemed in such higher spirits. I’m not much of a dancer. I’m usually the person you see in the corner being way to snap happy – but even I was dancing by the end of the night. A horrifying sight that that is, I enjoyed it immensely.

It’s hard to fault the show at all, with its set list full of great classics songs and favourites, it showed a great combination of pub music mixed in with some great country music. Did it live up to the hype? You betcha! There is no glitz, no glamour – but it’s one hell of a ride!

Also, as it was Adam’s birthday the day before the concert, he was presented on stage with a skateboard-shaped birthday cake. How incredibly cool is it that we got to share cake with the band? That’s not something that happens too often! Adam wasn’t the only one to receive a surprise that night, during Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), he brought his two god sons on stage to sing – would make any mamma proud!

The Outlaws are around for only a short amount of time. Seriously. There last tour date is for mid March, and then they are gone. Forever. Bye bye Outlaws. Back to do their solo thing again. Don’t miss the opportunity – you may not get another chance.

Also, if you’re only going to buy one Album this year, buy their one. Support the guys. Support Australian music. Support great classic songs.

For tour dates, go to Adam Brand’s website for details.