Live Review: Jon Stevens, Kate Ceberano, Phil Ceberano

Punters took their seats at Astor Theatre last Friday night ready to rock out with the stellar line-up of Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano on the final leg of the Starlight tour.

Phil Ceberano and his band opened the show - working the crowd with his charisma and building momentum with covers like Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On and Van Halen's Jump. Punters received an entertaining lesson in crowd etiquette and how to clap in time. The standout song was an energised execution of Led Zeppelin's Rock And Roll. A true showman, Phil and his band gave the hyped up crowd a fitting segue to the arrival of the talented Kate Ceberano.

Kate graced the stage flashing her signature smile to enthusiastic applause, jumping straight into her hits including Pash and Bedroom Eyes like only she can. Her soulful sound and vibrant style swirled through the theatre mesmerising the audience with The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Kate paid homage to Chrissy Amphlett with an exceptional rendition of I Touch Myself and absolutely owned it. 

Building anticipation for the main event, Starlight multi-media streamed across the theatre with music heavyweights Dave Stewart (Eurythmics and Starlight co-writer/producer) and Ringo Starr complimenting Jon Stevens' voice. The bass drum kicked in and with the band in position, Stevens ripped into the grassroots rock song, Devil In My Heart. 

Starlight has a great range of tracks and such a full sound, which heard live, with Stevens in full flight, was no doubt even better. Oh Lord, Hold On, Feel Like Letting Go were delivered with passion, and the emotional Starlight with sincerity. With an in depth music catalogue to choose from punters were treated to INXS' Kick and Noiseworks songs that were absolute crowd favourites. 

The first note of Touch saw fans cheering and jumping in the air with arms held high. As the music of Take Me Back, Miles & Miles, No Lies and Hot Chilli Woman filled the theatre, people were dancing, clapping in time and singing wholeheartedly.

Kate and Phil returned to the stage with Stevens for the encore to perform Jesus Christ Superstar hits, Heaven On Their Minds and Everything's Alright - certainly a highlight of the evening. The final song Ain't No Mountain High Enough saw everybody jamming on stage, genuinely enjoying themselves and getting a real kick out of the sound and the vibe.

A thoroughly entertaining night out at The Astor. If you get the opportunity to see Stevens or Kate live in the future, get off the couch and live it. The two signed merch at the end of the night much to fans delight. On one's Starlight CD, was written, "Play it loud!" The only way to do it.