Hilltop Hoods
MyState Bank Arena, Hobart
Saturday, February 14th
Hilltop Hoods are too old for your bullshit.
Suffa and Pressure have been in the game for more than 30 years now, and with DJ Debris (who’s also reaching his third decade with the group), they know exactly what they need to bring to put on a spectacular live show.
The trio kicked off their almost-completely-sold-out Never Coming Home Tour at Hobart’s MyState Bank Arena, dubbing it “The Friendship Tour”. They’re travelling with a posse of collaborators, including longtime percussionist Plutonic Lab, and a three-piece horn section – seemingly transforming the group into a septet (with more to come).
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From the opening notes of “Leave Me Lonely”, there’s a whole lot of energy on that stage. Despite being in their late 40s, the two MCs are jumping around like three-year-olds on red cordial. In “Chase That Feeling”, Suffa marks the line “And I can hear the drummer” with an effortless high kick towards the drum kit, while Pressure bounds from left to right, engaging with every individual in the audience.
Playing in Tassie, many in the crowd are experiencing Hilltop Hoods live for the first time. When asked to raise their hands if they’ve never seen HTH before, more than two-thirds of those on the sweaty GA floor comply.
“Okay, that’s a lot of you!” says Suffa, singling out a woman named Hannah in the front row. “Now Hannah,” he declares, “since you haven’t been to a Hilltop Hoods show before, we’re going to do a song that you definitely know, okay?” as that iconic Melanie Safka sample signals the beginning of “The Nosebleed Section”.
The show feels like a party; a celebration of music, hip-hop and community. There’s guest vocalist Nyassa, who is introduced early in the set for a feature on “Fall From the Light”, and then sticks around atop a platform in the centre of the stage, providing backing vox for the remainder of the evening.
Then Montaigne shows up for “1955”, Marlon Motlop joins the stage for “The Gift”, and support act Maverick Sabre returns for soulful contributions to “Won’t Let You Down” and “Live and Let Go”.
And just when you think there couldn’t be any more surprises, Adrian Eagle comes out for “Clark Griswold”, followed by Illy on “Exit Sign”. It’s a who’s-who of collaborators past and present; any and all friends of the Hilltop Hoods are welcome to attend.
Suffa, Pressure and DJ Debris have brought together a family of musos from across Australia and the world, using their platform to not only work with people they like and respect, but also to offer them the opportunity to perform in places and venues they otherwise wouldn’t have access to. It’s a tough time to be a touring musician right now, and HTH are doing their bit to make it easier for those in their circle.
Spirits are high, even after “Don’t Happy, Be Worry” – “It’s beautiful here,” says Pressure, assuring us all we DON’T need to worry. “It’s true – everything’s fine!” replies Suffa. They’re here to celebrate, not commiserate.
The one sombre moment of the night comes during “Through the Dark”, a solo number from Pressure, written about his son’s battle with leukaemia. Phone torches shine through the arena. It’s emotive, but ultimately uplifting.
Montaigne, Marlon Motlop and Adrian Eagle come back out for “Never Coming Home”, before the main set closes out on “Rattling the Keys to the Kingdom”. But the restless crowd knows there’s still more to come, and Hilltop Hoods don’t leave us waiting for long.
Perhaps a nod to the fellow parents in the crowd, the second-last song of the night is one of their newer tracks, “Rage Against the Fatigue”, complete with “Mr Sandman” intro. It’s a relatable sentiment for those who’ve been with HTH from the start, and maybe aren’t so used to these late nights any more. However, Suffa, Pressure, Debris and their crew aren’t showing any signs of slowing down.
“Fuck Bill Cosby!” is the war cry before their closing number. It is, of course, “Cosby Sweater”, and just like the lyrics entail, Hilltop Hoods really are as large as Biggie – I swear it could not get better.
They’re older, wiser, and here to show us all how it’s done.
