Ian Moss performing his Rivers Run Dry Tour at The Rescue Rooms Nottingham on Friday 2nd June 2023.



Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

It’s hard to convey the cultural significance of Cold Chisel the band that Australian rock icon, Ian Moss formed back in the 70’s with Jimmy Barnes before their initial eleven year run ended in 1983. Pursuing a solo career that really took off when he released his debut solo album Matchbook in 1989, and at the Rescue Rooms on Friday night the crowd were treated to a set list that contained a mixture of both.

Opening with Such A Beautiful Thing and Out Of The Fire it was instantly evident that he has lost none of his magical and gifted song writing and guitar skills. Backed by a very talented band he introduced one of the faithful Chisel classics early on and My Baby had the crowd singing along as did new song Nullarbor Plain from his latest album Rivers Run Dry.

If Another Day began with a beautiful intro before Moss’ soulful voice kicked in and One Long Day is another Chisel classic and a certain fans favourite which showcased his superb guitar work. Never Before was really well received with its smooth reggae like riff, and which saw him move around the stage, interacting with the other band members.

A delightful slow version of Chisel’s Choir Girl from their killer album East saw the crowd appreciate what Moss is all about before he closed his main set with back to back hits from his classic Matchbox album, Telephone Booth and Tuckers Daughter, his solo debut single, which had the crowd singing along.

For the encore there was a stunning and powerful version of Mr Rain with its smooth and jazzy guitar riffs and the beautiful Georgia which began in its slow laconic way before reaching a crescendo with its raunchy guitar lead breaks.

Ending the show with the enigmatic Bow River, Moss had delivered a perfect and memorable show that left no-one in doubt that he is a very talented solo artist.

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