Al Green was one of those acts I never expected to see in Australia mainly because at 66-years of age you would have thought if he would have wanted to come here he would have already been.
After all these years, the Rev. Al Green has finally made his pilgrimage to Down Under. The Reverend recounted how he travelled 18 hours to get from Memphis to Australia and had another 18-hour trip to get home. “I’m happy to be here in Australia,” he told the capacity crowd.
This was a must-see show for anyone who has ever listened to a soul record.
The Reverend Al had a 15-piece backing band including two dancers and his three daughters Alva, Rubi and Kora on backing vocals.
The time in Australia has been bittersweet for the soul legend. During this journey he is mourning the death of his good friend and producer Willie Mitchell. He dedicated his soul classic ‘Take Me To The River’ to Willie.
The set included a batch of covers, some of which Al has recorded over the years. He kicked off the set with the Four Tops classic ‘Can’t Help Myself’ because “I was raised in Michigan”, the home of Motown, he said.
He won the women of the crowd by consistently handing out roses to the ladies in the front rows.
The absolute highlight was his signature song ‘Let’s Stay Together’ but he also managed to mix the old with the new. The title track from the recent ‘Lay It Down’ album stood up alongside all of the classics. Mind you, while it stood up, Al laid down, literally, which got a few laughs.
The setlist for Al Green at the Palais, St Kilda was:
L.O.V.E. (from Al Green Is Love, 1975)
Let’s Get Married (from Livin’ For You, 1973)
Lay It Down (from Lay It Down, 2008)
Everythings Gonna Be Alright (from Soul Survivor, 1987)
Amazing Grace (from Higher Plane, 1981)
Nearer My God To Thee (cover)
Let’s Stay Together (from Let's Stay Together, 1972)
How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
Take Me To The River (from Al Green Explores Your Mind, 1974)
Can’t Help Myself (Four Tops cover)
My Girl (from Green Is Blues, 1969)
I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (Otis Redding cover)
Sitting On The Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding cover)
You Are Everything (Stylistics cover)
Tired Of Being Alone (from Al Green Gets Next To You, 1971)
I’m Still In Love With You (from I’m Still In Love With You, 1973)
Love and Happiness (from I’m Still In Love With You, 1973)
Remaining dates for Al Green in Australia and New Zealand are:
Tonight, January 15, Melbourne, The Palais
January 17, Perth, Convention Centre
January 19, Brisbane, Convention Centre
January 21, Auckland, Civic Theatre
