27 Club: Adelaide Fringe 2025 Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars for a rocking good time, guaranteed.
Review by Lisa Bachmayer
The concept of a show dedicated to a group of musicians who all died when they were 27 might seem a bit sombre, but given the musical legacies they left behind, this thrilling and super-charged celebration of rock ’n’ roll is anything but.
Paying tribute to the ‘club’s’ infamous members – Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix – with an electrifying open-air concert, this crowd-pleasing show is not only a safe bet – it’s going to knock your Doc Martins off.
Individually, these rock legends were icons of their era. But together, as Dusty Lee Stephensen tells us, they make up “one hell of a house band down below” played above ground for our enjoyment – their electrifying soundtrack thumping throughout the trees of Rymill Park on a balmy evening in late summer.
Playing these iconic songs is not an undertaking for the faint hearted, but lucky for us this stage is oozing with talent in every direction.
We were treated to the dynamic, all-star line up of Kevin Mitchell (Bob Evans, Jebediah), Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus), Carla Lippis (Mondo Psycho) and Dusty Lee Stephensen, solidly supported by an awesome four-piece band of Adelaide’s best, including the thumping beats of Danny Leo rocking away on drums.
Kevin Michell’s rendition of Nirvana’s Teen Spirit gave us goosebumps when Kurt Cobain’s lyrics came roaring out across the crowd. As a 90s kid, this song was an anthem of our youth, but it suddenly dawned on me this was the only time I’ve heard it live. And what a performance it was.
Other highlights included Dusty Lee Stephensen playing the absolute heart out of some classics from The Doors, with the electric energy of Sarah McLeod and astounding vocal talents of Carla Lippis ringing out some fabulous tracks from Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse and Jimi Hendrix.
While individually the performers were all amazing, the audience especially loved how they came together for some dynamic group performances of several songs, the energy only building as the show went on.
27 Club is a seated, open-air concert with a bar on the premises for your comfort, but there is plenty of room to have a boogie as the mood takes you.
We also noticed several older children of about nine or 10 rocking out with their parents and having a blast, so if you’ve raised your child on any of the musical icons mentioned above, take them with you for a memorable event at the family-friendly time of 6.30pm.
The line-up of performers may change a little, depending on the date you book (see the event listing for details), but with End of Fashion’s Justin Burford, Southern Empire’s Shaun Holton, and Sydney’s Virginia Lillye also on the list, you are bound to have a good time regardless.
The 27 Club has been a can’t-go-wrong stronghold on the Fringe lineup for the last five years, but the performers seem pretty resolute that this season will be their last. So, if you’ve been wanting to see this show but haven’t, consider this your sign to book that ticket and come as you are to this epic celebration of rock ’n’ roll.
Are you still here? Have you booked your ticket yet? Go. Just go.
You’re welcome.
For more information please visit the Adelaide Fringe website.
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
As per all our Play & Go reviews, this is not a sponsored post. The Play & Go team review via media accreditation and when kindly invited.
All photos by Play & Go Adelaide
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