Bodyjar were the first band to play the Corner in December 1995, when it opened as a dedicated live music venue. So, it was only fitting that they returned to open the Corner Hotel’s 30th birthday celebrations.
Twenty- six years ago Bodyjar asked Klinger to support them on their NSW tour mistakenly thinking they hailed from NSW. In 2026, the tradition continues- despite Bodyjar now knowing Klinger’s true origins. Indie Rockers Klinger are warming up the punters with infectious energy and the undeniable charisma of frontman Ben Birchall. Joining him are Dave Rogers on bass, Shayne Adams on guitar and backing vocals and Darren Vlah on drums. Amongst the crowd is a mini fan club, enthusiastically singing along to every song… loudly.
Their latest single, 2023’s, “The Wrong Way” is well received by the throng. “Twenty, it’s a song about what it feels like to be 19,” explains Birchall to chuckles of laughter in the audience. Double A single “4000 weeks,” follows and packs a punch. “Have you ever picked a fight and lost?” laughs Birchall as they launch into “Ben Lee.” Ending on a high note with their popular track “Hello Cruel World,” Klinger takes the audience on a sentimental musical journey.
Nursery Crimes kick off their set with their debut single, frenetic punk gem “All Torn Up Inside.” Frontman Phil Rose is every bit as energetic as he was in his heyday, cavorting across the stage as he tears through each song at breakneck speed. Original lead guitarist Dave Dixon’s high-speed guitar licks are a sight to behold, complemented by James McInnes’ meaty riffs. Shane Bush lays down impressive, swift basslines while Dave Ross’ machine gun drumming punctuates each fast- paced number. “Who’s Sorry Now,” showcases the bands melodic harmonies, and “SAD,” is dedicated to one time drummer Chris Latham who passed away two months ago.
Rose informs us that it’s 35 years since the release of their debut album, What Do You Know (Anyway)? – meaning there’s more than one birthday to celebrate tonight. Crowd favourites “What Do You Know?” and their rousing, sped up version of TheBeatles “Eleanor Rigby” bring a potent, frantic, high-octane set to a triumphant close.
Punk rock/skate punk outfit Bodyjar take to the stage for their 109th gig, kicking off proceedings with “Calling Orson.” Frontman and guitarist Cameron Baines sings up a storm joined by his guitar-and-vocal- sidekick Tom Read. The pair play in unison, their tight guitar riffs matched by a series of choreographed guitar moves that are a joy to watch. Flanked by bassist Nick Manuell and Shane Wakker on drums, it’s clear why Bodyjar command such respect among international punk bands. “One in a Million,” is a veritable punk highlight delivered with aplomb by the band. As mentioned by Rose earlier in the show it’s the 25 th Anniversary of Bodyjar’s How It Works, yet another celebration tonight, so it’s appropriate that Bodyjar prompt us to sing Happy Birthday to The Corner during their set.
“I was driving on Hoddle St in the rain, and a car pulled out in front of me, without indicating. It looked like an Ark,” exclaims Read to squeals of laughter in the crowd. Many dedicated punters have made their way to The Corner Hotel tonight, despite the incessant rain. Baines and Read rib one another throughout their set, much to the delight of the audience. “Not the Same,” sparks a mass sing- along, with the crowd enthusiastically joining in. It’s easy to see why the song remains one of Bodyjar’s most popular and enduring hits.
“My sister is standing in for Adalita,” explains Baines, before Kath joins the band on stage to sing “Too Drunk to Drive,” which features a Twisted Sister refrain of “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” mid song. Latest release “Sounds of The Stereo,” is yet another infectious punk gem, and for the encore their fast- paced rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Hazy Shade of Winter” rouses the throng, with the finale seeing bassist Nick Manuell take on vocal duties, screaming into the microphone for “Let ‘em Loose,” before launching himself into the front row.
Bodyjar put on a killer performance for the Corner’s landmark 30th Birthday, and remain a formidable live act, delivering the kind of high energy performance that has earned them enduring respect in the international punk scene.
