The 60 Four

Before a die-hard audience of 700 loyal fans, this group heralded as “Australia’s best tribute act”,

had its audience - made up largely of fans who knew the words from their time in the 1960s - captivated, entertained, clapping, bopping and singing along. It’s very hard to attend a 60 Four concert and not become a fan of this group, and indeed, a show of hands indicated that the vast majority of the aged 60+ audience were in fact, returning fans. These four very talented young showmen are warm, charismatic, immensely talented and surprisingly wholesome, in fact one of them quipped that there was nothing quite like taking his Mum on tour.

They described their six-year professional journey - having begun as a Franki Valli and the Four Seasons Tribute group, to a group who now embrace the breadth and depth of the full range of ‘60s hits and singers, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Frankie Valli, Queen, Johnny O’Keefe, The Hollies, The Bee Gees and Elvis Presley. Occasionally they drift back and select favourite songs from the 50’s and at the concert I attended, included songs by Abba.

They are backed by a superb nine-piece band, who they lovingly and frequently acknowledge and feature in solo spots. Several members have been with them from the start of their journey and it shows. The band is integral and watching them sway, bop and sing along is a tribute to this tightly professional performing team. Their MD, Marco Callisto, is unobtrusive but leads this cohesive team who are skilled entertainers in their own right.

I believe that the 60 Four now have a couple of interesting challenges. In the time I have followed their career, there have been two notable changes of singers. The longer standing members, Ben Francis, Lachlan Williams, and more recent member Finnegan Green are joined for this tour by Jack Conroy. Director, performer and choreographer Francis (you have to see these astounding moves to believe them!) commented on what inspired their musical journey saying, “There’s a couple of things. I think the main one is the beautiful and intricate harmonies that were so prevalent in that era, especially in the Beach Boys and Frankie Valli’s music”, and for this season Kyle Hall who harmonises beautifully with Francis and the group, is missing.  

The second challenge for this incredibly talented group is to cover what is a huge number of vocally different musical styles of groups and performers from one of the most challenging, interesting and diverse musical periods of the last 50 years. I was delighted that Francis’ choreography included precise movement details to capture the different styles as fifties and sixties music evolved into more frenetic and energetic dance moves that we associate with the Vietnam War period of bold and sometimes challenging performance.

They started with Franki Valli favourites ‘Sherry’ and ‘Who Loves You Pretty Baby’, before energetically launching into The Hollies’ ‘Bus Stop’. The Monkees’ ‘Day Dream Believer’ provided an opportunity to feature the terrific brass section and Francis’ pitch perfect leading of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ was moving and satisfying. If you love the Beach Boys, the eight song medley covered every one of their top hits.  ‘Friday On My Mind’ by Aussie band The Easybeats featured excellent work by Bailey Hall on drums and their talented guitarists and the Bee Gees set had spot on moves and great saxophone and trumpet solos.

Never ones to stint on value for money, the 150-minute concert includes 34 different songs, many with very different styles.  The auditorium fell silent when these four talented young men performed Elvis Presley’s ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You’ A Capella. The harmony was intricate, the pitch was perfect and I was reminded what terrific singers they are.

Finnegan Green has grown in performance confidence and in a couple of songs that he led, he was seen disappearing into the dancing audience, never missing a beat or move. Francis led the Johnny O’Keefe favourite ‘Shout’ with such passion and confidence that the late great performer would have undoubtedly given it his seal of approval. I am unashamedly captivated by Lachlan Williams. Does he ever fail to light up the stage with the beaming, contagious smile that accompanies every song and energetic move? Jack Conroy has all of the moves and delivers a confident and passionate performance that will undoubtedly settle in vocally to this demanding, and lengthy two set show.

Not content with touring to many regions that others eschew to share their very entertaining, sought after, and now often booked out show, the group has created an opportunity to support Riverland residents, many of whom suffered during the recent floods. Their performance on Saturday March 18th for residents in Renmark has the option for those who are buying tickets to purchase a ticket via the PAY IT FORWARD ticket type and enable those who are experiencing hardship the opportunity to enjoy an uplifting night out.

I cannot help wonder when this amazing South Australian based group will spread their wings and conquer the rest of Australia, followed by launching on the international scene. We love having them here, but it may be greedy not to share these fabulously talented performers with the world. NB: Lachlan, you may need to get Mum to pack a bigger bag for that next tour.

Jude Hines

Photographer: Jordan Gollan

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