Playing for rent it seems Love him, hate him or perhaps you don’t know him. If you do know him you’ll have an opinion. If you refer to “You Am I” a few more get it. If it still falls on deaf ears then well perhaps you’ve been listening to Nova too often and not visiting iconic pubs like the Annandale. Those that dislike him perhaps don’t understand him. I guess it’s easy to understand why. Comments such as “this is the greatest song ever written” doesn’t sit well in Australian ‘tall poppy’ culture. Brash, showman, arrogant, and often at times frustrating (take his Tex and Tim performance at the Annandale last year).

You’re never really sure which Tim Rogers will walk onto the stage. Tonight the stage was set with candles and simple lighting, a table for his customary bottle of wine, and lounge chairs in front of stage. It seemed as though we were about to be invited into Tim’s lounge room to listen to his melodies and twisted stories, but surely not…that’s not the Tim Roger’s we know?

Indeed last night we saw the human Tim Rogers. He was humble, in story telling mode, and at times emotional. He opened up about being a “self centered fuckwit”. And take this line for instance…

“This gig is a benefit concert for my landlord. I bet Eskimo Joe don’t have to play for rent”.

He dabbled into a few classics with Berlin Chair and Heavy Heart but it didn’t matter what he played last night because the Annandale was silent. Hanging off his every word. I couldn’t help but recount my favourite gigs of all time and see if this could squeeze in there. Indeed I think it can.

I can recall 3 or 4 brilliant stories and witty anecdotes, but you know what I won’t try and retell them. If your a fan of Tim Rogers you already know this stuff. If your not put Kyle and Jackie O back on. Or play your main stream classics. Perhaps even the popular flavours of the day.

Just don’t come to a Tim Roger’s gig and dance to the Sister Scissors…cos he’s taking the piss.

I only wish that when he threatened to tell us the real story as to why he “hate’s this city and this city hates me”. I’ve got my opinions.