Bondi Cigars w/ Tim Griffin – Dalrymple Hotel 29/03/25

Tim Griffin and his band delivered a powerhouse performance as the support act for Bondi Cigars, setting the perfect tone for the night. With gritty blues riffs, soulful vocals, and tight grooves, they had the crowd hooked from the first note. Griffin’s raw energy and masterful guitar work shone through, proving why he’s a force in the local blues scene. A top-notch warm-up for an unforgettable evening.

The Bondi Cigars have long been a staple of the Australian blues and roots scene, and their latest gig was yet another testament to their enduring musicianship and undeniable groove. With their polished, professional delivery and an easy command of the stage, these seasoned pros had the crowd—mostly a mature, dedicated fanbase—right where they wanted them from the first note to the last.

The band, led by the ever-charismatic Shane Pacey on vocals and guitar, proved why they’ve stood the test of time. Pacey’s gravelly, expressive voice carried the weight of experience, while his left-handed guitar work—matched by fellow southpaw guitarist Eben Hale—added an extra layer of intrigue to their dynamic sound. Meanwhile, Al Britton (bass) and Frank Corby (drums) held it down with a tight, driving rhythm section that kept the energy high all night.

A standout moment was their cover of Cry To Me, instantly transporting me back to Dirty Dancing’s iconic love scene. Other highlights included Steppin’ In and Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You, but the crowd had one song on their minds early—Howling at the Moon. The band reassured the eager audience that it was coming up later in the set, and when it finally arrived, it was worth the wait.

Despite the electric atmosphere, Pacey made it clear that encores weren’t really their thing, and by the end of the night, his voice had just about had enough anyway. "My throat's f^&ked," he admitted with a wry grin, a perfect rock ‘n’ roll sendoff for a night of blistering blues.

The Bondi Cigars have been around long enough to know exactly how to work a crowd and deliver a tight, memorable show. No frills, no gimmicks—just damn good music played by damn good musicians. And really, what more could you ask for?