REVIEW: THE SUMMER OF LOVE...

REGENT CENTRE, CHRISTCHURCH

Exactly 50 years after one of the most significant cultural, social and musical events in popular history, The Summer Of Love show recalls the unique summer of ’67 – an explosion of flowers and psychedelia, freedom and peace, love and inspirational music.

Featuring a full talented live band augmenting overhead projections of original 1960s film footage, this entertaining production nails the excitement of an unforgettable summer. (When we formed our very first Birmingham band.)

Opening with The Lovin’ Spoonful’s atmospheric Summer In The City, the hooky Brown Eyed Girl, and The Turtles’ brilliant multi-harmonies on Happy Together, the optimistic sound contrasts with the grim visuals of the Vietnam War.

Film footage of American soldiers dying amid horrific explosions in Vietnam is reinforced by the melancholic Mamas and Papas’ Monday-Monday and the hope-filled anthem of ’67 – Scott Mackenzie’s If You’re Going To San Francisco.

Compelling images of mass protest and political demonstrations blend with The Byrds’ quirkily melodic Hey Mister Tambourine Man and Crosby, Stills & Nash’s harmonically insistent Love The One You’re With.

Enthusiastic standing ovations greeted the fantastic finale of the Mamas and Papas’ classic California Dreaming and Jose Feliciano’s inspirational Light My Fire.

And the wistful encore featured the band strolling through the audience delivering an a cappella version of the plaintiff All We Are Saying Is Give Peace A Chance.

The summer that changed the world!

Brendan McCusker