23 The rhythm of today is the rhythm of this particular generation. Upbeat, excited, feelgood and funky. The kind of “let’s get this party started” attitude which is not usually associated with this oh-so-very-proper age zone. Craig Martin and his “The Great British Songbook, Volume 2” at Redland Performing Arts Centre was the perfect place and time to remember those other perfect places and times of the 1960’s. “Oh yeah, groovy baby”, as cultural historian Austin Powers would emphasize. Audiences have been enthusiastically embracing the solid gold and silver songs performed in person once again. Sure, radio played its part in keeping old hits to the forefront: however, nothing but nothing, beats actual singers with original instruments, making it all real again on stage. Live music is back, venues are filling. Unashamedly people are singing along with gusto. Craig, a veteran entertainer with impossibly youthful looks, appeared to have stepped out of Liverpool’s Cavern in 1960. Black suit and tie, crisp white shirt, a Colgate smile and lungs full of melodies. His most difficult task, we were guessing, is what to take out or leave in, amongst the 20 plus, chart buster set list. Cleverly from Craig’s radio experience, his choices were not time-lined. They’re mood structured. High and low energy, cheery to reflective - and then zoomed over to complete joy. Some examples were the Fab Fours’ version of “Twist and Shout”, The Stones’ “Jumping Jack Flash”, Cliff & the Shads’ “Summer Holiday” and Gerry and the Pacemakers’ “Ferry Cross the Mersey”. (Craig spent time with Gerry Marsden, as a musician) Backing each of the songs were thought provoking slides on the massive screen. Fashions, faces, faded album covers. Frankly no one has time to grow old when you’re absorbed in this much fun! Craig made it a point of being accessible, you could meet him at his merchandise table, have a chit-chat, buy some CDs and take a flyer and get that important photo. As if you needed any proof of a wonder-filled morning? He is up for it! Do yourself a favour. Go to the next one. Reviewed by 101FM Radio Presenter Stu Robertson www.101fm.com.au | Photography by Michelle Cop (MC Photography) MUSIC REVIEW Craig Martin RPAC 18th Feb 2026 KILLER QUEEN EXPERIENCE Formed in 2003, The Killer Queen Experience has risen from a local Brisbane-based Queen Cover-band to an international touring show and is Australia’s most sought-after tribute act today. Meeting Queen in 2020 is the highlight of their career! Killer Queen has taken their show across the globe, including the UK, Norway, Singapore and India. In May 2019, Killer Queen performed in Russia for the first time. They have also shared the bill with the likes of Jeff Beck, Foreigner, Journey, Twisted Sister, Thin Lizzy and Kelly Rowland. John Blunt’s (lead singer) resemblance to Freddie Mercury is uncanny, appearing live to 7 million viewers on the French TV show “Qui Sera Le Meilleur Sosie? – Who will be the best impersonator” and John was chosen by UK’s ITV Channel 5 for the docu/drama “The Freddie Mercury Story – Who Wants to Live Forever”, a detailed look into the personal life and death of Freddie Mercury, screening in the UK, Europe and North America in 2016. This two-hour live show consists of all Queen’s Greatest Hits (and stage costumes), including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Somebody to Love, Radio Ga Ga, Another One Bites the Dust and many more. This will be an unforgettable Killer Queen Experience! TO ENTER - EMAIL: info@localnewsletters.com with KILLER QUEEN in the subject line. Please include your name, address and phone number in the email. Entries close 30.04.2026 Winners will be notified by email. WIN A DOUBLE PASS Saturday 23 May @ 8.00PM TWIN TOWNS SHOW ROOM 2 Wharf St, Tweed Heads book online www.twintowns.com.au Twin Towns Showroom Tweed Heads Saturday 23 May
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