When my husband asked, “Are we going to see Peter Garrett lecture or sing?” I had to laugh because that’s just the kind of artist Garrett is.
He’s as much a political force as he is a musical one, using his lyrics as a megaphone for activism, almost like Australia’s own Bob Dylan. His words make you think, they stir the soul, and they demand action.
And this concert was no exception.
Taking to the stage at the historic East Perth Power Station, Garrett and The Alter Egos delivered an electrifying performance that blended high-energy rock with uncompromising political statements. He didn’t hold back, calling out Gina Rinehart and Woodside for pillaging the earth and seas, and warning against the influence of global figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who, he argued, are changing the world for the worse.
His voice? Untouched by time. Garrett sounds as powerful and raw as he did decades ago, proving that some things don’t fade with age. He was joined on stage by his two daughters as backup vocalists, standing proudly alongside a band of legends, including Midnight Oil’s original electric guitarist. The chemistry between them was undeniable, amplifying the energy of every song.
Under a starlit Perth sky, the crowd danced to Midnight Oil classics like Beds Are Burning and Blue Sky Mine, alongside newer hits from The True North album. The atmosphere was electric: music with meaning, performed with passion. The industrial East Perth Power Station, as a backdrop to the show, only amplified the high-voltage experience.
Garrett is unapologetically Australian. He knows what he believes, and isn’t afraid to say it. A night like this isn’t just a gig. It’s an experience, a rallying cry, and a reminder of the power of music to drive change.
An unforgettable night. A true Australian icon.