IT was a celebration of all things rock at the Old Mount Gambier Gaol on Friday last week when the Red Hot Summer Tour rolled into town.
Boasting an epic all-star line-up, around 4500 people celebrated Australia Day in the presence of some of the country’s renowned rock icons.
This was the third installment of the touring festival to be held in Mount Gambier and the first time concert tickets were completely sold-out.
Moving Pictures opened the show at 3pm performing a range of classics including the smash-hit What About Me, which was re-recorded by Shannon Noll in 2004.
The crowd embraced the live music and danced in close to the stage while others kicked back in deck chairs enjoying the view from afar.
Chocolate Starfish provided the crowd with a high energy performance of renowned tracks while eccentric frontman Adam Thompson’s infectious presence was felt throughout the gaol’s paddock.
Thompson ventured into the crowd showcasing his unique dance moves and approaching fans in the audience.
The performance had a strong resemblance to the act’s televised performance at the 1994 Australian Music Awards with Thompson swapping his silver pants for a black and red leather kilt.
Newcastle rock ‘n’ roll icons The Screaming Jets exploded onto the stage with frontman Dave Gleeson bringing his unique high-energy performance to the city audience.
Fans relived the classics and filled the standing section in front of the stage while dust flew high as music lovers jumped and danced in the summer heat.
Renowned Australian act Baby Animals was next on the bill as the temperature began to cool.
Frontwoman Suze DeMarchi impressed all with her effortlessly cool stage presence and seasoned vocals while energetic guitarist Dave Leslie worked the stage.
Iconic Australian outfit The Angels attracted a large crowd in the pit as memories were triggered by founders the Brewster brothers John and Rick.
For over 40 years, The Angels have rocked the country producing hit after hit with their unforgettable riffs and relatable lyrics.
After the passing of former frontman Doc Neeson, the band continues to tour, showcasing the best of The Angels with vocalist Dave Gleeson belting out the classics.
As the sun set, the crowd prepared to witness the queen of rock ‘n’ roll from Detroit, Michigan, Suzi Quatro.
Fans patiently waited at the barrier to get up close to the 67-year-old multi instrumentalist and female rock icon.
Suzi was welcomed to the stage by a deafening applause and she was all smiles as she kick-started her set highlighting all aspects of her career.
She performed plenty of crowd favourites, including Can the Can, Devil Gate Drive, 48 Crash, The Wild One and even teamed up with Dave Gleeson to perform the duet Stumblin’ In.
Between songs she highlighted the tour was her first visit to Mount Gambier.
“It is great to be back in Australia, but I do not think I have ever been here before,” she said.
“That Blue Lake is gorgeous, it really is blue.”
Emotional fans shed tears in the front row as they watched their idol perform in their hometown.
Fans also displayed a customised banner thanking Suzi for performing in the Blue Lake city.
Old Mount Gambier Gaol operator James Stephenson thanked all attendees for supporting the event.
“Thank you to everyone who attended the Red Hot Summer Tour, it was our first sell-out, which was incredible and the weather was fantastic,” he said.
“There are so many people around town this weekend from all over the country to see the different events being held and it shows Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast can put on a party.”
