GLENN ESMOND - Live After Covid-19

Written by Jimmy Wah | Sense Music Media

Last Saturday, the 4th of July 2020, 2 months before Covid-19 restrictions were expected to be lifted, the Sydney public was not just free to wander the streets and go out for dinner; they could even go out and watch live music! The Hard Rock Café in Sydney’s Darling Harbour had it’s reopening party on Friday night and seemingly out of nowhere live music re-emerged, with the one and only GLENN ESMOND from the leading Australian alternative-rock band The Butterfly Effect taking the stage on Saturday night. I know what you’re thinking; ‘Hard Rock Café? Isn’t that just another one of those cop-out international chains run by self-serving investors?’. Not anymore. Since new investors got their foot in the door during the chaos of Covid-19, Hard Rock Café Sydney is taking a fresh new turn; with an interest in providing a platform for the local music community to thrive. Let’s set the scene…

Darling Harbour in the heart of Sydney, a place seemingly under perpetual construction since the turn of the century, is finally coming into its own. I won’t lie, Saturday night was cold… but that didn’t stop the smiling faces that littered the open stone pavement, enjoying the public spaces cradled in the diversity of brightly lit buildings that brought the glassy water into clear focus. Illuminated by vibrant and dazzling light, the newly constructed ICC Sydney provided the perfect backdrop to a diverse range of eateries. The clean, open stone concourse making a comfortable avenue for young and old, pastime revellers and families, free to use the city as their playground with its stunning view overlooking the harbour.

On the south end of Harbourside shopping centre is an iconic establishment we all recognise, Hard Rock Café. The glowing red sign that captivated my imagination as a child now had my renewed attention as a live music venue. With its entrance located inside the shopping centre, patrons are welcomed by friendly staff that reinforce the positive reception I had from management over the phone. Beyond the entrance is an open plan, cosy seating area where music is played on screens tucked into the walls amid a backdrop of ambient lighting, distinctive décor and a brightly lit bar giving emphasis to the character of musical immersion.

I was lucky enough to speak with one of the new investors Kristie Spillane (wife of Mark Spillane) from Unbreakable International, who told me that they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play live music now that they had re-opened, with the seated dining arrangement giving them the flexibility to do so. I was told to expect live music 6 nights per week and the Hard Rock Café to be re-invigorated as a live music platform to support artists and patrons alike. After hearing of their previous business successes such as Bondi Ink and Stones Fest, I have newfound hope for the venue. In the midst of a global pandemic where a sense of community and opportunity is exactly what we all need, Sense Music Media will be keeping a keen eye on just how exactly this unfolds.

Then it was into the seated dining area to see GLENN ESMOND on stage where he was already performing; and with a few hours still left until close, boy did he not disappoint. It’s amazing how one man and his guitar can not only bring ambiance to a room but positively transform it and liven the experience. From Nothing Else Matters by Metallica to Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, Glenn pumped out classic after classic encouraging audience participation and taking request after request, none of which he turned down. Whether it was INXS, Elton John, Guns ‘n’ Roses or Queen; he seemed to have something to suit everyone’s mood. Even the Chicken Dance for the little (big) kids.

Inside the Hard Rock Café is a laid back, bohemian atmosphere with class. You can kick back with your favourite drink, favourite food, favourite person or all of the above! One thing’s guaranteed, you’ll be listening to your favourite music in suitable surrounds. If the outdoors was more your thing, the romance of city lights overlooking the harbour from the balcony was certainly a welcome opportunity to escape. Although even from the inside, the glass walls gave no shortage of indulgence in the opportunity to take in the city surrounds.

As the night finally drew to a close and Glenn played his last song (Tiny Dancer by Elton John) the audience in the club didn’t pass up the opportunity to personally thank Glenn for a wonderful performance but even request him at their own events. One little boy tentatively approached the stage with big gleaming eyes and took the chance to shout out ‘You’re the best!’. A fitting end to a wonderful night showing just how much promise is in store for the revitalised Sydney venue Hard Rock Café.

What are you doing tomorrow night?

GLENN ESMOND on Spotify