General News
30 August, 2024
Eric Bogle entertains crowd
The legendary Eric Bogle played to sell out audience for last week's Old School Session at the Oasis in Rainbow.
As well as locals, the audience included visitors from Hopetoun, Nhill, Ballarat, Horsham, and one couple from Melbourne who were staying in Hopetoun.
Backed by Emma Luker, Pete Titchener and Jon Jones - somehow they all managed to squeeze onto the small stage - Eric played an outstanding gig, full of humour and great storytelling.
Many of his most well-known songs featured, including, If Wishes Were Fishes, No Man’s Land, Now I’m Easy, and a beautiful acapella version of If I Should Wake, with the very talented Emma singing the late John Munro’s lines.
Newer songs, such as Reg Evans Cradle, The Armageddon Waltz, and If She Ever Dreamed, also featured along humorous songs such as He’s Nobody’s Moggie Now.
The byplay between Eric and his band, especially Pete, made for a fun, entertaining evening, while Emma’s harmony vocals and Jon’s work as a percussionist made it a very special evening that will live in the memories of those who attended.
There was a standing ovation for the last song of the set, his classic The Band Played Waltzing Matilda - a first for the Old School Sessions.
An encore song then ended the show.
After the show was a real buzz among those who stayed for the supper, and a chance to meet and talk to Eric, Emma, Pete and Jon.
- LES GRAETZ