the future of earthly delites tour
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. Well, you'd all know that Darren and Daniel played Australia first. The concert totally *rocks* - believe me - I was lucky enough to see it twice (the first and last performances would you believe!).  So, compiled here is some info and spoilers if you will, on 'The Future of Earthly Delites Tour' of 1998.
Enjoy...
. . . Concert Review...
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   I have been a very very privileged fan of Savage Garden, my very favourite band.  Not so much in the respect that I was lucky enough to meet these amazing boys, nor perhaps that I have a pic that Daniel threw out to the audience at their first concert, or even that I live in the same city as them and will have the opportunity to stalk them down when they finally return home *lol*.  No, I am particularly privileged because I have seen, no, rather *experienced* them in concert three times.  The first time being a Brisbane concert before they were major hits overseas and when Darren still had his long locks.   The second being their *first* UNREAL concert of the Earthly Delites Tour which kicked off in Cairns, North Queensland.  The final being their *last* Australian concert of the Delites Tour which rocked the Brisbane Entertainment Centre last night, March 7, 1998.
   As a veteran viewer of this concert then (!), I am happy to provide a little report on what you guys overseas have to look forward to.  Savage Garden absolutely come alive on stage with their act often verging on ‘Broadway Musical’ status because of the theatrics it involves. The 'futurisitic' backdrop is quickly unveiled, and as you eye the dragon's little red eyes suspiciously you can dream you've been transported to another dimension; the world of Darren and Daniel's amazing minds.  Your mission?!  Don't miss a second and enjoy every minute - there's a lot you can take from this concert!  One could not imagine these songs being performed in a more fascinating manner.  The audience is treated to a ‘visual’ version of the stories, emotions and dreams which they have derived from listening to the lyrics and music which the band’s inspirational and original songs provide.  The best example of this is definitely ‘Mine’.  It is so obvious Darren enjoys performing this song, one of his favourites from the  album.  You can see this song come to life through him and know it is very much a part of him.  Draped in a cloak and shrouded in smoky darkness - the effect is overwhelming and the ‘Vampiresque’ influence shines through as his intrigue with "lost love rather than love gained" and "darker corners" of love and life are performed with spine tingling consequence.
  One of the coolest numbers of the night is ‘All Around Me’.  It is simply CLASSIC!  Set to a kind of ‘Austin Powers’ theme, this song is theatrical, sexy, sassy, fun, and… well, it could be summed up in the words "Yeah BABY! Do I make you horny?"  You’ll see what I mean - I hope!
   From the opening score which is most definitely ‘Vampire’ inspired (have a listen to the ‘Interview with the Vampire’ soundtrack!) and the laser lights which build up the atmosphere to boiling point before the boys *finally* appear on platforms on either side of the stage where they are clouded in a silvery silhouetted glow, through to the final array of dazzling lights which sparkle out the fading of ‘Truly Madly Deeply’, you will be absolutely mesmerised.  You *will* clap your hands in time with Darren through ‘I Want You’, and you *will* join in with the audience appointed words ‘Chica-cherry cola’!  You can’t help but smile and enjoy the entertainment and atmosphere as Darren and Daniel move up to the front of the catwalk and perform a terrific version of ‘Promises’, and then as Darren takes centre catwalk again and commences a thoroughly entertaining sequence for ‘I’ll Bet He Was Cool’.  As well, you *will* scream when you hear the opening score of ‘To the Moon and Back’ and ‘Carry on Dancing’, and your soul will be drawn into the heartbreakingly beautiful renditions of ‘Mine’, ‘This Side of Me’, ‘Universe’ and a stunning duet with the lead backing vocalist (I’m sorry, her name escapes me - but she is brilliant) which goes something along the lines of ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me…’.
   This concert is surely like ‘Titanic’.  You simply have to see it more than once *lol*.  Grab your friends and rellies and make them go and see this. None of you will be disappointed!  If you’re near the back take binoculars because you can not miss the cute little smiles that Darren keeps throwing at his pal Daniel to make him laugh!  They’re both classic, gorgeous and above all, talented.  I’m sad to see them leave but I know they’ll return to "the best damn city in the world" as they’re coming back after touring to record a new album for us, the fans who cheer these deserving guys onwards.
   Whatever you do, don’t leave when they finish ‘I Want You’ - no way!  The concert isn’t over!  (However, it nearly was for a massive group who stampeded outside as we knew that B105 was giving the ONLY 1000 copies of a special edition single away which contains ‘All Around Me’ (special release single to promote Aussie tour) and acoustic versions of ‘I Want You’ (a VERY cool sorta jazz version) and ‘To the Moon and Back’ (also a kind of jazz version, exactly like that performed at the Aria awards).  I’m VERY sorry for all the toes I stepped on to get outside, but hey, I’d been planning to nab me one of those collector’s CDs for a week (since I’d heard about it) - and "yeah baby!" I got me one! BUT THEN I ran back inside to catch the end of the concert…)  I’m glad I caught it ‘cause two of my very fave Savage Garden songs were played, ‘This Side of Me’ (at which point some lucky darn girl gets pulled up from the audience and is caressed/ may caress Darren for the duration of this performance!!!!) and ‘Truly’.

        OK, so I've had a late request to find out what they were wearing! eek! That's a tough one - I've seen this show, up close and far away - but I was too busy looking at 'them', not their clothes - God Daaamn they're fiine!  Their costumes are 'Sanvero Designs' (if that means anything to anyone!) according to 'The Cairns Post' newspaper article.  Ok, Dan has this black long sleeved jacket on (over a dark shirt) and on the sleeves is this sort of 'firey' pattern.  I think his jeans/tightish long pants were a light brown shade and his hair is pretty short now, but that smile...! (cool down Lauren :) I remember his guitar strap had 'Future' written along it (for those who like detail).  Daz changes a little, but basically it's tight black long pants, a tight grey long sleeved shirt over which he is often wearing a variety of coats or other costuming. His hair is very short now, but although I like it a *little* longer (perhaps the Aria do that he also had at the Cairns concert) this guy is too fine and mesmirising for me to worry about hair cuts!  They are both ultra cool Gods!
  ‘Memories are designed to fade’?  I don’t think so!

Copyright  Sarah   March, 1998.
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