John Farnham steals show at Expo Liaison by being iconic not ironic

JOHN Farnham showed he still has it and then some as he joined Client Liaison on stage at Flemington Racecourse’s Birdcage.

WHISPERING Jack had to holler to be heard at Expo Liaison, held at Flemington Racecourse’s Birdcage on Saturday night.

“How good are these guys?” he asked rhetorically, motioning to the band.

John Farnham joined his young champions, local hipster heroes Client Liaison, for three songs towards the end of their explosive headline set.

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It was the first leg of Client Liaison’s debut travelling festival.

The 3000-strong crowd braved the sideways rain, staying dry under the big top and screamed approval as Farnham roared through Pressure Down, Age of Reason and then introduced his final song cheekily, “You might know the words to this one.”

Not living in fear. John Farnham and Client Liaison’s Harvey Miller AO at Client Liaison. Picture: Joshua Braybrook

You’re The Voice damn near brought the marquee down, the 69-year-old’s voice potent and expressive as it was 40 years ago when he was chirping about a cleaning lady.

Client Liaison’s extroverted singer Monte Morgan dressed in a see-through blue raincoat that would make Vivienne Westwood blush.

He pointed out “We have two legends on stage.”

Farnsey’s longtime keyboardist, Chong Lim, joined him to play synthesised bagpipes.

Bassist Tom Tilley (UPDATE: still very much the OG Triple J Hack host) spoke on the mic emotionally: “I had an accident last year and thanks to the support of these guys and five surgeries it’s great to back playing again for the first time.”

Singing timeless classic Age of Reason by John Farnham with help from Client Liaison. Picture: Joshua Braybrook

Morgan sang a snippet of Sophie B. Hawkins’ Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover during Hotel Stay.

The set featured frequent pyrotechnics: red flames shot up while scantily clad dancers gyrated with choreography reminiscent of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814.

The band finished with a heavy disco groove, Off White Limousine.

DJ John Howard (a mysterious act wearing a Rubbery Figures mask) spun Tiga, Daft Punk and caused a scene dropping reborn memes-banger Shooting Stars by The Bag Raiders.

Farnham with Client Liaison. Picture: Sarah Chavdaroska

Footage of the former Prime Minister waddling on his morning walks filled the screen.

Earlier there had been a woodchopping competition, artisanal ice-sculpting and fans posed for pictures in front of Client Liaison’s own Off White Limousine which they use to operate a legitimate hire business.

Other acts who kicked out the jams were NO ZU, Rainbow Chan and Total Giovanni.

Expo Liaison now travels with their meal-ticket, Farnham, to Sydney and Brisbane.

The Perth show was cancelled due to poor ticket sales.

clientliaison.com

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