By Jason Beardsley

Date / Venue: Monday November 6th, 2017 - Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne

Well, you 'wouldn't read about it', Midnight Oil have returned, and just in the nick of time to serve a healthy dose of the 'Power and the passion' that the world needs, with a hint of nostalgia.

I've been feeling for a while now that we have lost our way, not only in Australia but around our world. We seem to have lost our identity and, at times, our moral compasses. Where are those strong and reassuring voices that we so long to hear when times are desperate?. Midnight Oil were that voice throughout the 80's and 90’s, and now in a time of need they have returned for their most extensive tour in over two decades to again be the voice of reason and to lend a hand through the power of music.

Whilst doing a Great Circle Tour of Australia, Midnight Oil have brought out the best and rising Australian talent around the nation. Tonight was no different as former Magic Dirt front woman and animal rights activist Adalita eased the crowd into the night with her soulful melodic rock making a solid impact on the crowd that had arrived early on this chilly Melbourne Cup Eve.

Adalita was followed by Sydney quartet The Jezabels, with front woman Hayley Mary as smooth as ever, engaging the Melbourne audience and making the stage her own. They certainly had a Divinyls feel about them and the Melbourne audience resonated with their brand of Indie Rock.

By now the capacity crowd are settled into this beautiful bowl in Kings Domain and the seagulls descend before Midnight Oil burst onto the stage bathed in red lights, stirring the audience into a frenzy as they open with 'Wouldn't Read About It', 'Don't Wanna Be The One' and 'Truganini'.

Peter Garrett is his quirky best with his signature dance moves showing the loyal fans how it's meant to be done, and surely enough they follow suit. The fans are at full voice such is the passion and solidarity within the venue. We are one with the band, Australia's band, our voice and the voice of the future generations.

The middle of the set becomes a more intimate scene with acoustic guitars and pianos bringing out the more heartfelt ballad anthems that force yet more sing-a-longs and goosebumps down my spine. It's like they've been here all along, not behind the walls of parliament.

The musicianship is a masterclass with Rob Hirst stealing the show at times with his vocal prowess and rhythmic domination, whilst Jim Moginie, Martin Rotsey and Bones Hillman cleanse my soul with spine tingling melodies, harmonies and leads.

We are not left disappointed as the Oils play hit after hit, performing all the highlights of their back catalogue spanning 11 albums including 'US Forces', 'Blue Sky Mine' and crowd favourites performed throughout 2 encores, spurred on by the emotional and extraordinarily vocal fans, 'Beds Are Burning', 'Best Of Both Worlds', 'Power and The Passion' and personal favourite 'Forgotten Years'.

Whilst these are some of the hardest and darkest years of our generation, these shall not be forgotten years, this shall not be a forgotten show and as long as the Oils are still around and inspiring the next era of activists and performers we are heading in a safe direction.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL MIDNIGHT OIL GALLERY BY STEPHEN BOXSHALL