STONE CIRCLE’s second album ‘Living For Sunshine’ had been a long time in the making. So nothing less than a big celebration was required to celebrate its introduction to the world. But few of the punters who turned up expected the Civic Hotel to look like it did for the launch. There were daffodils everywhere, food being served and the PA was pumping out the 80′s metal.  Quite simply, Stone Circle don’t do things by halves.

First up was a special acoustic set from DIAMOND EYE. They kicked off with‘Atlantis’ and any questions about whether the songs could survive without distortion were crushed. Diamond Eye then delved into a set of several of their best songs in a set that was reminiscent of KISS Unplugged. A particular highlight was a cover of the DEF LEPPARD classic ‘Hysteria’. Stand in bassist Paul Jones of SOUL TREE performed admirably in the absence of Chase Cameron. The band finished off with ‘Beyond’ and already it was obvious that tonight was going to be special.

Next up was the CHRIS GIBBS TRIO. They may be changing their name but whatever they call themselves won’t drive away fans. ‘One In The Same’ started off the set and the class of the band was immediate from the start. Gibbs is one of Perth’s premier guitarists and the rhythm section of bassist Gareth Hughes and drummer Mathew Ferguson is to die for. Songs like ‘Another Day Like This’ and ‘Turning A Dream Into A Nightmare’ consist of strong melodic rock with well executed guitar solos. ‘Fourth of July’ featured a great intro solo from Gibbs that made everyone happy. The last song in the set, a cover of ‘Rockin’ In The Free World’ will be talked about by everyone who saw it, with Gibbs shredding like his life depended on it. If you have never seen the Chris Gibbs Trio or whatever they’re changing their name to, do so. Musicians of this calibre are few and far between.

At 10.20pm the lights dimmed and Stone Circle hit the stage. The pyro went off and the band dived into ‘Tied To Stone’. Frontman Jeremy “Harry” Harris was floored by the applause he and his merry men were receiving. ‘You’, ‘Transparent’ and ‘Take Your Chances’ all went down well, with brilliant guitar work from Scott Howe. ‘Speed Racer’ was another highlight, with Howe and bassist/keyboardist Craig Skelton going straight for the jugular, with drummer Derrin Kee keeping time like the atomic clock. ‘Ramblin’ Man’ showed off Skelton’s excellent keyboard work, including a keyboard solo and more guitar freakouts from Howe. ‘Don’t Look Back’ had more keyboard work,  while the debut performance of ‘Epic’ featured Howe playing a double-necked guitar.  After a pyro blast the band ran offstage to catch a breather but the fans wanted Stone Circle and they wanted them bad. The epic ‘Gero Love Song’ would be a hit in a perfect world, with a chorus to die for. Harris was singing like a man possessed on this one. Another possible hit was the beautiful ballad ‘Lost’, and the band finished off with ‘Living For The Sunshine’, meaning the whole album was played. The pyro went into overdrive and after that it was all over.

This was a gig that will be talked about for years by everyone who saw it, such was the quality of the performances by each musician and the songs performed. If you like your rock hard and don’t like Stone Circle, there’s something wrong with you.