chris isaak tour review

LIVE REVIEW: CHRIS ISAAK With Special Guests ThornBird & Mark Seymour and the Undertow

Kings park, perth wa - 4th april 2024.

6 April 2024 Stephanie Jewell

The stage was set at Kings Park for an idyllic and serene evening, as crowds milled around on the grass and found their seats to settle in for Chris Isaak in concert.

The first support for the evening was ThornBird , a band that was born out of the pandemic. Vikki Thorn, one third of popular folk-rock trio The Waifs, brought her band of West Australian locals along to delight the crowd, introducing them all as though they were old friends meeting new friends, the audience. ThornBird began singing their beautiful pop blues melodies as the sunset orange clouds rolled lazily by in the late afternoon sun. It was what could be described as a perfect Perth evening. All of the members were smiling the entire time, as Thorn’s vocals rang out. By the time ThornBird’s set had finished, you truly felt like you had just caught up with friends that you had known for a lifetime.

Mark Seymour and the Undertow hit the stage next, warming up the crowd in anticipation of Chris Isaak who was still to come. Of former Hunters and Collectors fame, Mark Seymour’s vocals soared above the crowds and into the canopies of trees above. They played songs about life, of love and of dusty, long, red dirt roads on tour in the far north of Western Australia’s outback towns. It is easy to see why Seymour is one of the most established and celebrated musical story tellers of our time as the visual imagery paired perfectly with the tone of the guitars and the drum licks. Mark Seymour and the Undertow truly threw their arms around the crowd and got everyone up out of their seats grooving along as they played classic Aussie banger tracks such as Holy Grail, Do You See What I See and ended on classic ballad Throw Your Arms Around Me. If you are a fan of Midnight Oil, Tex Perkins or The Aints, you will enjoy Mark Seymour and the Undertow.

Setlist: The Boxer, Holy Grail, Westgate, Joanna, Cry In The Rain, Say Goodbye, Cherry Red, Lorelei, Dogs Of Williamstown, Do You See What I See, Throw Your Arms Around Me

We come to the main event as Chris Isaak and his band, Silvertone, took to the stage, his first time singing on West Australian shores since 2016. This part of the review comes with a fair warning: Isaak is so damn charming and charmed the pants off the entire audience.

Isaak, with his hair slicked back, came out in a pale blue suit to match his baby blue eyes, the glistening jewels matching the stars sparkling above in the night sky. Those stars couldn’t outshine the brightest one of all though, as Isaak performed to the crowd, starting with his hit Somebody’s Cryin’. Nobody was crying except those who missed out on the chance to see Isaak swoon the crowd with his charm. The audience were enchanted by his voice and swept up by the sweet, beautiful music before them.

Isaak took the night up a notch, stepping down from the stage and taking a journey through the very surprised crowd, to the amusement of all who were there. Ever the nice guy, Isaak sang, hugged, high-fived, and handshake’d fans on his way around the audience and back to the stage, never missing a single note of Don’t Leave Me On My Own. He worked his magic through the many anecdotes he told throughout the evening, his cheeky sense of humor unmistakable. He told of how a fire marshal had said to him during rehearsal not to do some things during a certain song, and Isaak asked if it was a fire hazard and the fire marshal had replied that it was just no good. He mused further that Rowley and Hershel had been working hard on a two-step and that while it was no Taylor Swift level performance with impeccable costumes and dancing, that his guys do things from the heart. He joked that this isn’t that, but they were going to do it anyway. And sure enough, soon the guitarists were two-stepping and spinning their way across the stage, charming the crowd and not missing a beat.

The mood was set with a spotlight as the Californian crooner slowed the pace down and sang Wicked Game. It was slow and beautiful, and perfectly delivered straight into the hearts of all who were there. Isaak’s magic continued with daring to play a Hank Marvin song, who was present in the audience. The bouncing bass lines of Pretty Woman picked up the pace as Isaak’s hypnotic voice made all the women in the audience feel like we, too, were pretty. A quick guitar swap saw the melancholic Forever Blues come true, with Isaak telling the crowd that if you like unrequited love songs and sad ballads that you have come to the motherload, because he loves singing that sad stuff.

Two Hearts saw another anecdote shared by Isaak of how he loved this time of day, and loved what he does performing on stage. He told us how he was born into show business because his dad drove a forklift so straight away, he had those connections (to the laughter and cheers of the crowd). Isaak truly has a way with words be it in his music, or the way he shares his heart, soul, and life with the audience through anecdotes. He told how the music he loved in his life is magical because he loved artists like Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis and Hank Marvin and then he got to play with them. These influences definitely shined through in his songs and the way he held himself lyrically throughout.

The audience were in for a treat as Isaak launched into a cover of Roy Orbison’s Only The Lonely. With his voice was like a velvet massage after a long day. How can musical notes and lyrics carry so much emotion, and at the same time convey so much emotion? That’s a question I spent much of the evening musing over as love song, sappy ballad and heart break hits were played one after the other. His hilarious sense of humour continued throughout the night as Isaak said if you’re here with someone special then at least they brought you a ticket, and if you’re by yourself then maybe think about why. This led into his rendition of Elvis’ hit Can’t Help Fallin’ In Love, as couples all around me held each other close, entwined in each other’s embrace. More hits followed, as the crowd continued to adore Isaak and be captivated by his charming sense of humour.

There was no sound quality difference between a recording and this live performance of Isaak, he sounded just as good as what you can hear on a record, except better because it was live and accompanied by his blue sparkly suit. He has still got it, more than 4 decades after his musical journey began, and he continues to still have it, that absolute pure magic. Isaak ended the night with a bang on Big Wide Wonderful World before returning to the stage to the raucous cheers of the audience. This time, he had done a quick outfit change to trade his baby blue suit for black disco. It was an even sparklier suit, and I really did not know it was possible to outsparkle himself, but he did it. This outfit was a black suit covered in disco ball mirrors. There was no missing where he was as he outshone the stars above and launched into Baby Did A Bad, Bad Thing. This was followed by his sensual sultry keys-heavy number, Can’t Do A Thing, that you might expect to hear in a cigar lounge. The night ended with Isaak bringing up his drummer Kenney to sing harmonies with him on The Way Things Really Are, a purely spectacular number, to end a purely spectacular night. If you like Elvis, Roy Orbison, Talking Heads or Jeff Buckley then you will love and adore Chris Isaak.

Setlist: American Boy, Somebody’s Cryin’, Here I Stand, Don’t Leave Me On My Own, Put Out Your Hand, Wicked Game, Go Walking Down There, Speak Of The Devil, One Day, Oh Pretty Woman, Forever Blue, Two Hearts, Only The Lonely, Living For Your Lover, Let Me Down Easy, Can’t Help Fallin’ In Love, Blue Hotel, Notice The Ring, San Francisco Days, Big Wide Wonderful World, Baby Did, Can’t Do A Thing, The Way Things Really Are

With thanks to Revolutions Per Minute for the media accreditation. Images Hunter Brothers Media

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We’ve got the windy city covered., “it’s almost christmas” after “wicked game” crooner chris isaak spreads genesee cheer.

Posted by Andy Argyrakis

In the process of becoming one of rockabilly’s premiere revivalists from the 1980s through now, artist/actor Chris Isaak scored a stable of personally-penned singles and ingeniously interpreted many others.

His latest project, “Everybody Knows It’s Christmas,” is chock full of eight originals and five remakes, which alongside the promise of non-holiday hits, packed the historic Genesee Theatre in what’s quickly becoming the superstar’s second home.

The California troubadour, clad in a flashy suit, was indeed the grown-up version of an “American Boy,” also the title of the jangly opening track, plus he briskly recalled the fellow retro-leaning likes of “Somebody’s Crying” and “Here I Stand,” walking all around the ground floor to get a better view of the interacting audience.

The season soon shifted towards “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” as he climbed the stairs to the balcony, and a little later, turned in an authentic “Blue Christmas” on a stage decorated straight out of a department store window, all backed by the longstanding Silvertone band.

For “Wicked Game,” placed surprisingly early in the 90-minute night, Isaak’s voice became the primary instrument, which continued to be the case come “Washington Square” to kick off an intimate seated set.

Isaak even introduced some less frequently addressed emotions and subjects of the season, such as the weighty wallop of “Holiday Blues” and the light-hearted levity of “Dogs Love Christmas Too,” used as an opportunity to promote adopting from his partnership with the BISSELL Pet Foundation.

For additional information on Chris Isaak, visit ChrisIsaak.com .

Upcoming concert highlights at the Genesee Theatre include Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith (Dec. 1); Classic Albums Live: Jimi Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced?” (Dec. 16); The Guess Who (Dec. 28); Smokey Robinson (Dec. 29); Gavin DeGraw (Jan. 12); Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (Jan. 13); Puddles Pity Party (Jan. 19); Bee Gees Gold (Jan. 26); “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Feb. 16); Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience (Feb. 17); Michael Bolton (Feb. 23); Elle King (Feb. 25); Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox (Mar. 1); Brit Floyd (Apr. 7); The Mavericks (Apr. 12) and Kansas (Apr. 13). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com .

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Live Review: No One Could Save Us But Chris Isaak- Live at the State Theatre, Sydney 10.05.2024

Platinum-selling and GRAMMY-nominated singer and actor Chris Isaak is touring Australia for the first time since 2016 and tonight he is at the venerable State Theatre in Sydney.

Throughout his impressive four-decade career, Isaak alongside his band Silvertone, has captivated audiences worldwide with sold-out shows. His diverse talents extend to both music and acting, boasting a repertoire that includes thirteen acclaimed studio albums, twelve hit singles, and notable appearances in films like The Silence of the Lambs and That Thing You Do!

In addition to these remarkable achievements, Isaak is renowned for his iconic pompadour, a hairstyle that has become world-famous in its own right. Many have attempted to replicate this distinctive look, but few have succeeded in capturing its unique charm.

From the moment he steps onto the stage, wearing a meticulously embroidered, black suit adorned with jewels, you know it’s going to be a night to remember. Isaak’s sartorial splendour is matched only by the band’s synchronised dance moves. Longtime Silvertone member Kenney Dale Johnson handles the drums, while Hershel Yatovitz on lead guitar and Rowland Salley on bass, join Isaak as he leads them through some classic guitar hero moves. Isaak tells us that Yatovitz will be moving to Sydney, which will make band practice sessions challenging.

Isaak’s voice remains as pristine as ever, a testament to his enduring talent. His banter between songs adds a layer of charm to the performance. By the third song he has moved into the audience, he makes his way all the way to the top level of the State Theatre, where he serenades lucky audience members as they eagerly take selfies with their idol.

He recalls the time he met James Brown, who, in true Godfather of Soul fashion, communicated with a grunt instead of words. His vocal prowess shines through as he masterfully performs his hits and covers of songs made famous by Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison.

Isaak perfectly captures the essence of rock ‘n’ roll with a twist of humour and style. Blending impeccable vocals, coordinated dance routines, hilarious anecdotes and an unexpected twist of bold sartorial choices make this a night to remember.

Chris Isaak will be appearing in Newcastle next. Go HERE for all tour information.

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Chris Isaak concert reviews and tour history

• rating: 98% (10)

Fans' concert reviews

Sprint pavilion in charlottesville, us on thu, 25 jul 2019.

This was one of the best concerts I have been to. He engages the crowd in an awe inspiring way. Would definitely see him again!!

Sunset Center in Carmel, US on Sat, 29 Nov 2014

Great showmanship...

Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, US on Sat, 20 Sep 2014

One of the best concerts I have we've been to! I am 27 so a little late to the Chris Isaak fan club BUT I have been a huge fan since middle school when I heard "Wicked Game" on VH1! I loved how personable he was with the audience, the energy Chris and his band put into the performance and that every song got better and better at the concert progressed! Hands down one of the best performers around! I was even invited on stage....dream come true!!!

NYCB Theatre at Westbury in Westbury, US on Sun, 07 Sep 2014

I have seen Chris scores of times in the last 20+ years. Aside from Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard, I have enjoyed Chris's shows the most. There was no opening act; Chris began promptly at 7 and the show was over at 9, with no intermission. He and the band rocked/worked HARD. This time he closed with a song that is one of my favorites that I haven't heard him to in concert in several years --- "You Can't Do A Thing To Stop Me." Love it!! I'll be happy to see him on his next go-round. Best to Rodney & the crew.....

Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, US on Sun, 31 Aug 2014

As a Chris Isaak fan I adored the concert and wish Count Basie would have him more often. As for my boyfriend. . .He turned to the dark side - he is now officially a fan as well. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Chateau Ste Michelle Winery in Woodinville, US on Sun, 27 Jul 2014

The band was tight and Chris Isaak was great as usual. I have seen them play four years now and loved the new set. This guy is is a great entertainer that really loves his fans!

Rodney Strong Vineyards in Healdsburg, US on Sun, 13 Jul 2014

You won't see a better show. Crazy hot & barely any shade, but this band is worth it. Chris was in perfect form, as usual. Every minute of this show was a treat, from the opening act, big brother Nick Isaak (with special appearance by his pestering little brother Chris), to the spot on performance by Chris & Silvertone. Special thanks and great respect to Chris for stopping the show to ensure a dog locked in a hot car in the parking lot was rescued.

Rated concerts

• Chateau Ste Michelle Winery in Woodinville, US Sun, 27 Jul 2014 100% from 1 rating
• Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego, US Wed, 16 Jul 2008 100% from 1 rating
• Sunset Center in Carmel, US Sat, 29 Nov 2014 100% from 1 rating
• Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, US Sat, 20 Sep 2014 100% from 1 rating
• Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, US Sun, 31 Aug 2014 100% from 1 rating
• NYCB Theatre at Westbury in Westbury, US Sun, 07 Sep 2014 100% from 1 rating
• Rodney Strong Vineyards in Healdsburg, US Sun, 13 Jul 2014 100% from 1 rating
• Sprint Pavilion in Charlottesville, US Thu, 25 Jul 2019 100% from 1 rating
• Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, US Sat, 29 Aug 2009 90% from 1 rating
• Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, US Sat, 26 Jul 2014 90% from 1 rating

Ratings View all

• one of the best: 7 100%
• fantastic: 0 0%
• great: 0 0%
• disappointing: 0 0%
• should've stayed at home: 0 0%

Chris Isaak 2024 tour dates View all

Chris isaak tour history, about chris isaak.

Chris Isaak was born 67 years ago, on Tuesday, 26 June 1956.

Based on our research data, it appears, that the first Chris Isaak concert happened 39 years ago on Sun, 13 Oct 1985 in Futurama 1985 - Deinze, Belgium and that the last Chris Isaak concert was today on Wed, 17 Apr 2024 in Palais Theatre - Saint Kilda, Australia.

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Live Review: Chris Isaak, Bobbie Lee Stamper @ Palais Theatre

Chris Isaak and his band move and perform with joyous ease and freedom.

Chris Isaak (Source: Supplied)

While the Melbourne International Comedy Festival fills the city streets with punters hungry for laughs, one of the funniest and most enjoyable shows in town this evening has nothing to do with the festival at all.

But before the Chris Isaak show can begin, an almost-full theatre is treated to the hushed folk rock of Ohioan singer-songwriter Bobbie Lee Stamper .

Stamper’s finger-picking style is easy on the ear, and his voice brings to mind Mark Knopfler or Bruce Springsteen . To hold a sold-out Palais to attention requires charisma, and thankfully, Stamper has plenty.

His songs Too Much Light, Another Human Heart, and Burn So Bright sound as though they could have been released anytime in the last 50 years, and they hush the audience in a way that is surprising for someone relatively unknown. Playing much of his 2023 album Bad Rhythm Of A Good Heart, Stamper's songs are deceptively straightforward, balancing simple structures, unshowy playing and sharp, observational lyrics.

He closes his set with Black Eye , a “drinking song for people who don’t drink”, its lyrics full of Americana references like county lines, tanks of gas, and shotgun shacks, imagery the audience eats up. But of course, we're leaving plenty of room for the main course.

As Isaak arrives, the stage is bathed in warm lights and red drapes that can't help recalling the world of Twin Peaks . The crowd, mostly aged as if they caught Isaak on his first Australian tour in 1995, thrill with excitement. More than anywhere else in the world, Australia has had a lasting love for Isaak, sending his albums high in the charts during his heyday and warmly welcoming him to X-Factor and the 2015 AFL Grand Final decades later.

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It’s a curious obsession but one that comes to a full-throated denouement this evening. Within moments of beginning American Boy ("I'm the original American boy / Love you, baby, with all my heart / Ten times better than those movie stars"), there is no flicker of a doubt that we are in good hands.

Isaak's magnificent voice, good-natured Hanks-ian charm, and musical proficiency are all here, and no screaming, impassioned sexagenarian fan will sway him. Isaak’s band—most of whom we are later reminded have been with him for over 39 years—is equally at ease in the songs, on the stage, and with the crowd.

Sometimes, such as in the case of some recent tours from long-running bands, familiarity can result in lazy concerts in which the audience is taken for granted. Not so with Isaak.

After a version of Somebody's Crying that sees the band dancing energetically while holding their guitars aloft, Isaak pauses to talk to the crowd. “I mean, we might not be Taylor Swift quality,” he says in mock seriousness, snapping a friendship bracelet on his wrist. “But we are union quality, and tonight you’re going to see this band give at least 60 per cent. Maybe even higher.”

Isaak spends the next two songs testing the range of his wireless microphone as he ventures throughout the crowd, up the stairs and to the very back of the higher balcony, posing for selfies, doling out high fives and ensuring no face is left glum. Skills that led to him being given the short-lived sitcom The Chris Isaak Show television series are being exercised to their fullest. 

“You’re not a crowd; you're a mob,” he says, smiling and breathless from the exertion. Once back on stage, the band reel through the high-energy rock of I Want Your Love and the spellbinding tenderness of Wicked Game , a delicate atmosphere of close mic'ed vocals that swoop to a peerless falsetto and resonant guitar lines, broken only by the incessant screams of an inebriated fan.

Tonight's crowd contains more boomer energy than a Kmart Boxing Day sale, but again, nothing phases Isaak. Not even when a story about visiting Sun Studios is interrupted by a fan in the crowd who insists he sign her tee shirt. "Man, I feel like I'm in a bar again," he says, smiling and taking her pen.

Speak Of The Devil , Summer Holiday, and a cover of Pretty Woman bring the crowd to its feet, much to Isaak's delight, "Come on, stand up!" he tells us. "Pants are overrated." Much of the second half of the concert is given over to cover versions of fifties and sixties classics, and it is a thrill to hear not only Isaak's magnificent voice curl its way around melodies that he almost makes his own but also the personal connections to that era of music.

Returning to the Sun Studios story, Isaak shares how he met Elvis Presley 's guitarist Scotty Moore there and later sang with proto-rock legends Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison , "a man who was friends with everyone in this band." It is this connection that is clearly a huge part of his appeal, yet it is one that never overshadows Isaak's talents. 

For the concert's acoustic session, the audience returns to their seats, and the band draws themselves to the front of the stage, Isaak taking an acoustic guitar to lead them through Forever Blue, Two Hearts and another Orbison cover, Only The Lonely .

It is here that the musicianship on stage really shines. Drummer and backing vocalist Kenney Dale Johnson , bassist Roly Salley , guitarist Hershel Yatovitz and keyboard player Timothy Drury feel like a band who have played together for nearly four decades. Occasionally moving into synchronised dance moves, as in Livin’ For Your Lover (used in the film Blue Velvet ), pitching in with perfect backing vocals and looking like exactly what you would expect someone who has made a living as a session musician to look, they are exactly the right crew for the job.

The band and Isaak move with joyous ease and freedom when goofing around or nailing the chorus of a pop classic like Blue Hotel . Tonight, we get two Elvis covers, I Forgot To Remember To Forget, and I Can't Help Falling In Love With You, and gags about long-term relationships and the value of being passionate over being good at something before we get the set closer, Big Wide Wonderful World . 

Disappearing off stage just long enough to change into a suit made of small rectangular mirrors, Isaak and the band return to the ominous chug of his evergreen hit Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing , which sees him bring some of the few women in the crowd under 40 to the stage to dance alongside him. Like him and us, they can barely keep the smiles from their faces. 

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Utah Concert Review

Relive the Utah Concert Experience!

Chris Issak & Lyle Lovett

Chris Isaak & Lyle Lovett July• 1, 2022• Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Red Butte Garden started July off on a good note with a double headliner show starring Chris Isaak and Lyle Lovett.  These two legends could not have picked a better date to come to Utah.  The weather was perfect, and everyone was feeling good heading into the Independence Day weekend.   I’ve seen Chris Isaak in concert once.  I was invited last minute and was beyond impressed with the concert.  I’ve always wanted to see him again.  I had never seen Lyle Lovett in concert before this show.  So for me personally, this was a perfect mix of anticipation to see someone I had enjoyed before, and the anticipation of seeing someone I had been wanting to see. 

I chatted with a few people before the show and I asked them if they had seen either artist before.  They had seen both and mentioned that they never pass up the opportunity to see them whenever they come to Utah. They assured me that I was in for a good night.

Lyle Lovett

When I was walking into the amphitheater I noticed there were a lot of tour buses. Like way more than I was expecting.  Being an amateur to Lyle Lovett concerts, I was unaware that he brings his “Large Band” with him.  Large Band is the actual name of the ensemble.  Large indeed.  13 strong by my count.  Once the band was in place they began the show with “Are We Dancing?”.  Sharply dressed Lyle Lovett took the stage to a warm applause.  I always wonder if it’s weird to perform with the sun still up.  It seems so much easier when lights are in your face and the room is dark.  Lovett looked perfectly comfortable, but it made me wonder. 

Lovett departed the stage for the second song, an instrumental, titled “Cookin’ at the Continental”.  The Large Band took advantage of the opportunity to show the audience what we were dealing with.  Turns out we had a mini orchestra of amazingly talented musicians.  There wasn’t a weak link in the group.  The music felt like a mix of Jazz and Western Swing.  I was drawn in immediately.  

Lyle Lovett returned and joined the band by adding his own guitar to the ensemble.  The band also increased in numbers as three male backup singers joined Lyle on stage.  Lovett and his Large Band now played “Pants is Overrated”.   I was fascinated with the style of music that was being played.  In many ways, it felt genreless.  I’ve mentioned Jazz and Western Swing.  But there were times when songs were very much classic Country.  It wasn’t one style per se.  But it all sounded like Lyle Lovett.  I did not know what to expect, but it wasn’t this.  I was totally drawn into the performance.  These various styles mixed with Lovett’s unique vocals were a refreshing and different experience musically for me.  

Lyle Lovett took the time to introduce one by one each member of his band.  Many of them have recorded with Lovett since 1988. The musician that stood out to me the most, and the one I recognized from the moment he walked on stage was bassist Leland Sklar.  You may have seen Sklar perform here and there, but you have no doubt heard him.  He has played bass guitar on many of the greatest songs in Rock n Roll history.  I looked and there are too many to list in this review.  But I consider it a real honor to have seen him perform live.  The man is a living legend.

Lyle Lovett’s set felt like it flew by.  Songs like “Her Loving Man” and “12th of June” stood out as favorites from the crowd.  Many couples got up to slow dance together during these and many other songs.  The audience loved what might be Lovett’s biggest hit “If I Had a Boat”.  People were singing along witht their friends.  

Lyle shared that his young son has been spent his young life as a vegetarian. “But he loves bacon!” he exclaimed.  He followed his comments with “Pig Meat Man”. The song had a nice groove to it.  A Blues feel.  People moved and got into it. 

Lyle Lovett ended his set by thanking the Utah audience.  “We appreciate you bringing us back to Salt Lake City every year.  Y’all come down to my state some time.” He then finished with “That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas)”.  The song had elements of a Dixieland Gospel style.  People were on their feet clapping and dancing.  Many raising their hands as if they were in church.  It was a fun closer that got the crowd going and also showed off all of the strengths of Lyle Lovett and his Large Band.  Seeing Lyle Lovett in concert far exceeded any expectations I had. He’s a true artist.  

Chris Isaak

Lyle Lovett was such a good experience that I began to worry that after all that Chris Isaak might be a bit of a letdown.  Well, I had nothing to worry about.  Chris Isaak is a true performer. His band was significantly smaller, but they were awesome in their own right.  The first thing I noticed was just how good Chris’ voice still is.  There are so many singers in their 60s who just don’t have the pipes they once had.  With Chris Isaak this is not the case.  It seemed his voice was as strong and as clear as it has always been.  Even his falsetto was as pure as I’ve ever heard it.  That seems to be the first thing to go.  But Isaak sounded excellent. 

There is one thing I lied about though.  While I did notice how amazing Chris Isaak’s voice was, the first thing I noticed was his suit.  Chris Isaak Walked out in a black suit with an intricate rhine stone design.  It sparkled in the lights.  

Isaak told the crowd that he wears these suits like doctors wear their white robes.  It shows that they’re professionals and that people should feel comfortable taking their clothes off in front of them.  The comment drew a large laugh from the Red Butte Garden crowd.  Chris is a great entertainer.  He was really funny throughout the night.  Chris ensured us that the show wouldn’t go below the State Fair level.  He told us this was a family show.  Then his drummer yelled out, “Bull Shit!”. Another large laugh from the crowd.  When things got a little loose later in the night, he joked that they were still above State Fair level although he could smell the corn dogs.  

I was surprised when Isaak played his smash hit, “Wicked Game” pretty early in the set.  The song was unsurprisingly well received.  People slow danced.  Others got, how should I put this,  real friendly during the song.  I have a feeling a lot of people at the show have this song on a certain playlist.  Things got steamy real quick in the amphitheater.  I’ve heard this song a million times like all of us have.  It was so huge when it came out.  But I have to say that there is nothing like hearing it live.  I figure as many times as I’ve heard it, Chris Isaak has performed it.  But he still put everything into the song and it sounded excellent.  

Chris mentioned that while they did have a setlist to go by they often get lost and excited.  He invited the remaining sitters to stand up.  That we were in the Rock n Roll portion of the show.  They didn’t need much convincing.  The entire venue was on their feet when Chris Isaak performed a cover of “Ring of Fire”.  I love that song and he did a great job with it.  Come to think of it, Isaak did an awesome job with all of the covers he performed.  He also played Roy Orbison’s “Only the Lonely” to perfection.  Sharing a story of when he opened for Orbison and Roy helped him get noticed by the press.  Something that helped launch his career.  Chris also covered “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley.  I came to the conclusion that Chris Isaak may have been born a couple of decades too late.  His voice is perfect for these songs and this style of music.  But perhaps it’s good that he was born when he was so he can carry the torch of this great genre of music.  

The wind picked up.  The hanging speakers swayed and the wind blew into the microphones a few times.  But that didn’t slow down Chris and the boys or the fans.  We continued on with a night of great music.   A couple of nights earlier at Howard Jones, lightning caused the show to be stopped for a few minutes.  From what I could tell there was no lightning or threat of bad weather in the air.  So we were able to finish the show without delay.  

When Chris Isaak returned for his encore, he was now donned in what I can only describe as a suit that looked like a mirror ball.  His music matched the look as he broke into another huge hit of his, “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing”.  The crowd was so into it.  The song has such a good groove and seemed to have a way of drawing the crowd in completely.  People were letting loose and singing along.  There was a woman next to me who had been dancing the entire night.  She did not hold back on this song.  A younger man came up to her and just started dancing.  Nothing inappropriate, just dancing near her as if he didn’t notice her.  As the song progressed, they started dancing together.  It almost looked rehearsed how in sync they were with each other.  I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it.  

The entire night was a great experience.  Lyle Lovett got the show going.  He impressed me far beyond anything I could have imagined.  Chris Isaak carried things to the next level and entertained the sold out Red Butte Garden audience.  It was an excellent pairing for what was a perfect summer night in Salt Lake City.  

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• Concert Reviews

Chris Isaak: The Concert Review

• by Michelle Keel
• December 12, 2013

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Chris Isaak perform at the Boulder Theater (in Boulder, in case you were wondering).  I promise there really is a limit to the type of artists I see live! 😀

This was the second time I’ve had the pleasure and I must say his shows are always worth the price of admission.  He and his band are extraordinarily talented, playing off each other and following Chris’ lead without hesitation or mistake (including a few jaw-dropping changes).  Their highly-stylized appearance belies their tendency to  spontaneously  interact with the audience, incorporating their actions and reactions into the show, often with hilarious results.  Chris is wonderfully sassy in his dialogue, managing to make fun of himself (important – it wouldn’t work otherwise!), his bandmates, and the audience with delightfully off-color jokes that are at odds with his sad songs, handsome face, and sparkly costumes.  Case in point:  During their cover of “It’s Now Or Never” , a woman got up to leave for a break.  He calls out, mid-song, “Hey, where are you going?”  She waved and kept going.  His response?  “I guess it really is Now Or Never” and then he resumed singing without missing a beat.  (I acknowledge that he could have already planned on calling out to someone leaving – someone is always on the move at a show – but it felt impulsive regardless). 

Chris joined us on the balcony, as he is wont to do!

And now for the set itself:  ‘Tis the season, so a good 5 or 6 holiday songs were incorporated into the set. There was also a backdrop reminiscent of a wrapped package and a Dancing Santa (yes, a Dancing Santa – see Sense of Humor above) for part of the show to set the mood properly. It was a good mix of traditional and original Holiday songs (of course he has a Holiday album ).  The rest of the set was thankfully dedicated to non-Holiday music; I’m a small-doses-of-holiday-music kind of gal.  The non-holiday songs were a well-balanced combination of his greatest hits and songs from his current album Beyond The Sun , with covers of  Sun Studio ’s heyday in the 50s (excellent collection, btw).  The execution of all of the music is so tight, so en pointe, it is a wonder to behold.  And they have so much fun while doing it!

Highlights for me:

1. The performance of his standard hits:   I, like so many others, LOVE “Wicked Game”, “ Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing ”, and “ Blue Hotel ” (flawlessly beautiful performance of this song).  I would be delighted if he would sneak in “ You Owe Me Some Kind Of Love ”, but alas.  They are forgiven, however, as I understand the Challenges of the Set List and am glad I don’t have to make those decisions!

2. Introduction to an older song I had missed:   “ Go Walking Down There ”.  This was apparently a single from the Forever Blue album (which I missed. 1995 had many things in it.  Chris Isaak was sadly not one of them).  This song was awesome and quite dark live.  And we all know how I feel about dark music.  🙂

3. The Sun Studio covers:   I was a mere 7 months old when Elvis left us and many of the other artists on the Behind The Sun album are either also gone or haven’t toured during my adulthood (Jerry Lee Lewis is maybe the only exception?).  So it is cool to hear these songs live, caringly and respectfully performed with such obvious love for the material.

On Michelle’s Arbitrary Rating Scale (would calling it MARS be too corny?  Mayhap.  And mayhap I like corny), I give the performance a 9 .   The one-point ding?  Mostly, like a teacher who grades on a bell-curve, I struggle with awarding a perfect score.  There have been perfect shows that retain focus and energy from start to finish – you are transported from the realities of being in a theater on a cold December night into another, music-filled plane.  Alas, this show had a few dips in energy that were not a result of playing a quieter/slower song.  I would actually give his performance at the Paramount Theater last December at least a 9.5, so we know he has it in him.  😉

All in all, if you get a chance, go see Chris Isaak (and his amazing band!) live – it is an entertaining evening of fantastic music and snappy, sassy humor!

I will leave you with some videos to whet your appetite:

Wicked Game .  If you somehow missed this sexy bad boy over the years, you are in for a treat.  Otherwise, you know you want to watch it again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGlfpzRL2O0

A little Johnny Cash , from Beyond The Sun

And lastly, a holiday song .  Christmas is only 2 weeks away!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD7Z97tThxQ

For your Chris Isaak needs:  He’s available on iTunes , Amazon , Spotify , and anytime you need a soundtrack for your broken heart. 

PS  You know I can’t resist also mentioning HIM’s cover of Wicked Game (“Oh, it’s so sad, isn’t it” 😀 ).  Thank you for humoring my addiction…

Chris Isaak Captivates Sydney With Timeless Music and Unforgettable Performance

The iconic State Theatre in Sydney serves as a beacon for unforgettable musical performances, and Chris Isaak’s recent show is a prime example of such an event. Known for his compelling voice, charismatic stage presence, and deep connection with fans, Isaak, alongside his band Silvertone , creates a concert experience that resonates with audiences of all ages. This article delves into the elements that make Chris Isaak’s performances a timeless treasure in the world of music.

Read more, or listen below:

The unwavering appeal of chris isaak.

Chris Isaak, now in his late 60s, continues to captivate audiences with his rich, pitch-perfect voice and dynamic performance style. Despite the years, his ability to convey deep emotions through his music remains unparalleled. Isaak’s repertoire of moody love songs, including hits like “Somebody’s Crying” and “Wicked Game,” resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing his unique talent for blending melancholy lyrics with beautiful melodies.

A Connection Like No Other

One of the most remarkable aspects of the night was Isaak’s profound connection with his Australian fans. His genuine affection for the country and its people was evident, creating an atmosphere of mutual adoration. Isaak’s charisma shone through not just in his music but also in his interactions with the audience—whether he was sharing a laugh, sprinting up stairs to sing among his fans, or engaging in playful banter with his bandmates.

Musical Mastery on Display

Accompanied by the seasoned members of Silvertone, Isaak delivered a performance that was both polished and spontaneous. The band’s synchronized dance moves and impeccable musical arrangement added layers of entertainment and artistry. Their setlist, a mix of melancholic tunes and energetic hits, highlighted their versatility and skill, leaving the audience mesmerized by their cohesiveness and charm.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chris Neave (@chrisneavephoto)

The Night’s Unforgettable Moments

Isaak’s show was punctuated by moments that ranged from tender to electrifying. His renditions of Roy Orbison covers were a poignant tribute, while the closing number, “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing,” featured risqué dancing and audience participation, ending the night on a high note. These moments exemplified the essence of a Chris Isaak performance: a blend of emotion, humor, and rock and roll that captures hearts and leaves a lasting impression.

For those who missed the live performance, fear not. The magic of Chris Isaak’s music is just a click away on the LiSTNR app , where you can relive the night and experience the joy of music that knows no bounds. Join us as we continue to explore the sounds and stories that make the world of music infinitely rich and compelling.

Click Here For More Music News

Download the LiSTNR app now and stay up to date with everything going on Aus Music by subscribing to Triple M Rock!

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Review: Chris Isaak @ State Theatre (Sydney)

• Chris Isaak
• Alt Country
• Country Rock

It's a slightly chilly autumn night around Sydney's State Theatre, but inside is cosy and warm just like the voice of our leading man.

Image © duncanbarnes.photography, hot in your box.

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Scenestrs of the day - jay and shaun perry, let's socialise,  og    nat.

Lovett, Isaak: just damn good fun

The greek, los angeles, june 18, 2022.

Reviewed by Dan MacIntosh

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Sheldon Ang Media

Live Review: Chris Isaak Did The Bad, Bad Thing in Perth

Chris Isaak in Concert – 4th of March 2024 at Kings Park Botanic Garden, Perth Western Australia

Review by  Sheldon Ang

Photography by  Sheldon Ang Photography

Executive Summary for those with only 30 seconds to spare…

Chris Isaak does the bad, bad thing really well – despite being pretty darn unlucky in love.  The undefined je nais se quoi and the visceral expulsion from his performance tonight led us to believe the lyrics were garnered from the chapters of his love-shattered autobiography. He oozed the classic rock charm through the ghosts of Elvis, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison – perhaps a lazy but succinct description of the San Franciscan’s onstage persona. Put simply, Chris personified the classic entertainer, a progeny from the vintage rock and roll Americana; sprinkled with old school sexual charm in glittery suit, the swinging hips and woobly knees with finesse stemming from the golden era. The melancholic guitar riffs, the emotional crooning and emotive vocals moulded and propagated the story from the masterful lyrics of love, heartbreak, longing, nostalgia, introspection, desperation and unrequited love. The duality of rock and ballad was in perfect harmony. At 67 years young and four decades into the business, Chris Isaak – who is also an accomplished actor – remains as one of the greatest onstage interpreters in the lyrical form.    

And for those with another 2 minutes – here’s the story of Chris Isaak onstage in Perth…

The performance by Chris Isaak propelled fans through a journey of the Americana dream – from the dream of an American Boy that sparked the night – narrating the longing for someone against the odds of higher opposition. Nashville cast her spell onto this big country town (coined by our east coast cousins!). The swinging instruments and on stage movements infected the mood of the Perth fans – known for being seat warmers. His guitar was occasionally pointed to the heavens, flanked in synchrony with his two guitarists. He smiled throughout, accentuating the chiselled jawline and facial structure that seemed to elicit joy from the fans. Feet were tapping, as crowd propelled to a restrained unbridled affair.

Legend has it that the singer went to a party with his then girlfriend, only to realise it was an unrequited love. He sought solitude through his guitar, shed a tear, and sparking a seminal moment in his music career. The teaser through the acoustic guitar at the intro of Somebody’s Crying sparked another wave of excitement from the fans, surprised by the serenade from a classic this early into the setlist. After three decades, Chris Isaak is still begging for love, emphasising through his signature falsetto – So please return the love…you took from me. The Grammy nominated track was performed with a delicate desperation, yet rocks through the field of longing and belonging across Kings Park Botanic Garden.

The yearning bloomed, as he descended from the stage in hope to find somebody new by embracing the crowd. Here I Stand – he presented himself. And it wasn’t just a few steps, instead, searching deep into the general area where bottles of wine and baskets were littered on the picnic rugs amongst the languid fans, who found themselves on their feet as they sprung for Chris Isaak’s attention. There were plenty of on-field embrace, including a kiss on his hand by a lady – like a loyal servant worshipping his highness, while he serenaded the surrounding with his crooning vocals. No need to sing the blues. It was a requited love tonight in Perth Western Australia.

He also played the Wicked Game – really well, despite the track is about a tortured love affair. The classic scene of two half-naked bodies entwined in a cruel desire was reimagined – and once again, drawing that dreamy vocal and falsetto, transcending the aching pain to a masterful performance. The image laden performance sent a brooding atmospheric display of black and white nostalgia, as he cried lyrically in a moody yet zestful sentiment. The pain released from his vocals was unbearable, yet infectiously soothing – it was simply paradoxically beautiful.  And so, we wonder if Helena Christensen still lingers in his mind. Yeah, nah – high school is over, folks.  

And it is not just the Wicked Game et al that sparked the nostalgic blues. The essences of time travel slithered across the setlist. There was a tribute to Roy Orbison through Pretty Woman .  After all, Chris’s onstage dexterity has been compared to the legendary singer known for the moment in time performance in a solid jam.  Just like that, the visceral connection between Chris and his guitar were inexorably linked like an extension of his body.

That was Chapter 1 of Chris Isaak’s story.  The show is divided into four sonically themed sections.

The second chapter takes a break from the emotional lugubrious lyrics to the “mother of sad songs” as Chris Isaak prewarned.   His sat on the stool with the guitar.  And so he began with Forever Blue (of course he did).

The melancholic journey continued with another of Roy Orbison’s cover – Only the Lonely . For some, the seminal moment of tonight’s autobiography went to an Elvis cover; Can’t Help Falling In Love . We’ve heard this song played over a million times by various artists of both sexes across six decades at weddings and movies and is perhaps the number one song at the karaoke bar and KTV. But no one did it like the man himself…and Chris Isaak. Silence ensued. Not a single whisper, not a mutter, as if seven thousand students were holding onto the make or break tips for an upcoming exam. The baritone was soothing. The control of his vocals was mellifluously at par, elevating our cupid senses through the yearn of unleashing the pandora of falling in love again. Chris Isaak is possessed through the spirit of The King. Thank you for showing us we can love more than one person in this lifetime.

“Life is short, tell her that you love her.”

Classic rock returned in chapter 3 and blue seems to be Chris’s favourite part of Sir Isaac’s spectrum. And in Blue Hotel , his ability to evoke sentiment through his emotive vocals and music is second nature, highlighting the melancholic character seeking mental appease in a blue hotel, in hope of escaping from the mental trauma. The story teller’s ability to exude on top of the haunting tunes and rock intrusion was a perfect one-two duality. Old school rock still lives on.

It’s surreal that Chris Isaak is 67. He has been singing Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing for three decades. Sometimes, we were led to believe he’s still engaging in those forbidden desires, crumbling to temptation, thanks to his sexual grunt in the chorus. He turned on the grit. Then again, he’s an actor, but his stories may be real. Chris Isaak cements himself as one of the best live acts of our generation.

Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Revolutions Per Minute, Live Nation Australia, Mellen Events and Chris Isaak for the Press Accreditation

Chris Isaak is touring across Australia and New Zealand in April 2024. Tickets are available through Live Nation Australia

About the Writer/Photographer : Perth based Sheldon Ang Media  (est. May 2022) have been accredited to over 80 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), KNOTFEST (Melbourne), Coldplay (Perth), KISS, P!NK, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart with reviews shared by the likes of UB40, Delta Goodrem and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (that’s her below), Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 40 artists.

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• Chris Isaak
• wicked game

Chris Isaak is Ready for More Music

by Jacob Uitti June 13, 2022, 10:50 am

Chris Isaak is a bachelor. As such, as he packs for his upcoming tour, he says his living room looks like a “bomb went off.” He laughs at that. Laid back, Isaak talks about the process of preparing for a tour. He has his suitcases in the middle of his room, his possessions spread out, t-shirts and underwear, socks and shoes and belts. He’s wondering what Hawaiian shirts to bring. At least, he says, this isn’t the type of tour where he’s going to a range of climates. It’s a summer tour and he’s looking forward to it, so he’s packing light. “And as I said to the guys in the band,” Isaak tells American Songwriter, “it’s not like we’re going out to the Amazon. If we forget something, there’s always a Macy’s.” Isaak isn’t worried. In fact, he’s excited. He loves his band and is titillated at the idea of hitting the road with them. It’s about the music and he’s always had a “really good response” to music. 

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“I still have cassette tapes of me trying to write songs when I was maybe 12,” says Isaak. “But I can’t say I was going ‘I’m going to be a songwriter.’”

Isaak remembers his birthday as a boy. He remembers a big value store in his hometown of Stockton, California. He remembers having some money saved up from his birthday and going to the value store with friends, who asked if he was going to get a new football or basketball. They rode their bicycles down there, excitedly. But when Isaak left the store with a cassette recorder, his pals were nonplussed. 

“I came out and said, ‘Look what I got!’ and my friends were like, ‘What the hell are we going to do with that?’” he says. “And I said, ‘We can write songs with this!’”

Little did his friends know he would grow up to be a wonderful songwriter—the author of the insanely popular song “Wicked Game” and the protagonist of its sultry music video. Though, later in life, he did experience something funny along those lines. As a teenager, Isaak had learned some guitar chords from a friend, Mark. At that moment, Isaak was thrilled, he felt the new musical knowledge was his “in” to the music business. It was then when Mark handed him a piece of paper, telling him to sign it. The paper said that when he grew up and would later become a rock star, he’d owe Mark half of whatever he made financially. 

“And when I [eventually] made it,” Isaak says, “when I was on TV, Mark came to the show and said, ‘Chris!’ and he showed me the paper. I was dying! I said, ‘Mark, I owe you now!’”

Isaak has always been ambitious. He used to get to school three or four hours ahead of the morning bell. His father had to go to work early in the morning and he’d give Isaak a ride, sometimes dropping him off in his beat-up truck as early as 5:30 a.m. He’d get there before the custodians and wait there for them to open up. He was the first guy at school every day. 

“It was gruesome,” he says, with a laugh. “So, I met everybody, all the people who came to school early, I knew and I talked to them.”

Isaak is a people person. So much so that he later became class president in all three of his first years in high school and later school body president as a senior. He attributes it to the fact that he just knew everyone. He made lots of friends, not because he was some popular, handsome jock, but just because he was there. He was in the chess club, he played music, and was the first person in the building each day. He also loved Elvis and the Beatles. 

“My big heroes were the same as everybody else from my generation,” Isaak says. “Elvis was just like, okay nobody’s  that  good looking, nobody sings that pretty. The sound of that voice echoed. I just went, that’s the best sound I’d ever heard from anybody.”

Isaak remembers being in a second-hand store, combing through the records. He’d go there often with his mother to buy clothes. He found an Elvis 45” and put it on his 1940s record player and it “changed” his life. Later, he remembers being in Japan and finding another Elvis LP full of early recordings. He had a short haircut at the time, like a Marine. But that’s when he decided to start growing it out so he could comb it back like Elvis. He just wanted to play guitar and be in a band. Later, that Elvis influence would come out in spades on Isaak’s incendiary track, “Wicked Game.” The song and accompanying music video are  hot . 

“You know,” Isaak says, “I have some place in my tapes where I have the first time—probably 20 minutes after I wrote it, I made a little tape of it so I could remember it.”

He brought it to the band, they played it and they liked it. He wasn’t sure that they would but they did. And when they began to play it live, they noticed the bars and clubs they performed in would  hush , even before the track had hit the airwaves. Suddenly everyone would go quiet. 

“My drummer said, ‘I think we have something here,’” Isaak recalls. “People really liked that song. That was probably our first real sign that yeah we had something different here.” 

Isaak liked tremolo bars and he asked his guitar player if he’d get one to use for the song. The guitar player initially resisted, saying, “What, so my guitar sounds like it’s out of tune?” But he eventually acquiesced, and as Isaak says, “killed it” on the main lead riff. Today, anyone who knows the track knows about that lead guitar bend that’s simply the sound of a heart breaking and building all at once. The song helped Isaak become famous and it led to some major acting roles, as well. Today, Isaak is known as much for his acting prowess as he is for his musicianship. He’s worked with David Lynch, Jonathan Demme, John Waters, Bernardo Bertolucci, and more.  

“My dream would be,” Isaak says, “I love film noir. I love old ’40s movies like that, I watch them endlessly. I could play a good guy, a bad guy, I don’t care. I still have hopes that maybe somebody will say, ‘Why don’t we tap him for that.’” 

But in lieu of that for the moment, Isaak is heading out on  tour . He’s set to play in L.A. on June 17, and at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas the day after, with more shows beyond. He’s also recently finished a Christmas album that he’s planning to release later this year during the holiday season. He takes holiday records very seriously, he said, adding, “I’m weird that way.” But more than anything else, he’s thrilled he still gets to play music live and to do so with his band. To him, it feels like being invited to a birthday party every night. 

“For me,” Isaak says, “it’s a really natural way of telling about my fears, my happiness, my blues. It’s like releasing everything. For me, it always came very natural to sing and let people know how I feel. And I love being in a band—every night when I get up on that stage and play, it’s me living out my fantasy. I think I’m going to do this until they drag me off the stage.” 

Photo courtesy CSM MGMT

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Chris Isaak: It’s Almost Christmas Tour

With special guest : derek adam, wednesday, nov 15 2023, show at 8pm  |   doors at 7pm, seating charts.

In the course of Chris Isaak's career, he has released nine extraordinary albums, twelve singles, been nominated for two Grammy awards, acted in several motion pictures and starred in his own critically acclaimed TV series. His legendary shows with his longtime band Silvertone have entertained tens of thousands of people for over two decades. Even his hair has its own fan club. And yet, this highly praised herald platinum-selling artist has never released a greatest hits album. Hard to believe, no? Well, unlike some artists who roll out a greatest hits package after, say, their second album, Isaak waited until he actually had enough hits to legitimately describe the collection as such. "Shouldn't a greatest hits collection after two records be called 'Greatest Hit'?" Isaak asks. "I guess I've just always been too busy making records. Plus, it takes a while before you really want to compile everything. But after.... Read more...

In the course of Chris Isaak’s career, he has released nine extraordinary albums, twelve singles, been nominated for two Grammy awards, acted in several motion pictures and starred in his own critically acclaimed TV series. His legendary shows with his longtime band Silvertone have entertained tens of thousands of people for over two decades. Even his hair has its own fan club. And yet, this highly praised herald platinum-selling artist has never released a greatest hits album.

Hard to believe, no? Well, unlike some artists who roll out a greatest hits package after, say, their second album, Isaak waited until he actually had enough hits to legitimately describe the collection as such.

“Shouldn’t a greatest hits collection after two records be called ‘Greatest Hit’?” Isaak asks. “I guess I’ve just always been too busy making records. Plus, it takes a while before you really want to compile everything. But after going through all the songs to make the Best Of, I feel like we have good stuff.”

Good stuff. That’s typical Isaak self-deprecation- it’s much more than good stuff. Best Of Chris Isaak-the CD and accompanying DVD, which features 18 video clips by such esteemed directors as Gus Van Sant, Bruce Weber, Herb Ritts, Mary Lambert and Jean-Baptiste Mondino-take listeners on a gratifying musical journey through the Stockton, Calif., native’s two-decade career, showcasing his stellar songwriting; smooth, dusky baritone (and tender falsetto that will alert your dog); and effortless brand of stylish retro-cool.

The album displays Isaak’s many different musical personas: the rockabilly rebel (“Dancin’,” “Baby Did A Bad, Bad Thing,” “Speak Of The Devil”), the brokenhearted crooner (“Wicked Game,” “Somebody’s Crying”), and the breezy acoustic storyteller (“San Francisco Days,” “Two Hearts”). It includes two brand new songs, the elegant “King Without A Castle” and the break-up exhortation “Let’s Have A Party,” as well as two covers: Cheap Trick’s power-pop anthem “I Want You To Want Me,” a live favorite previously unavailable on any of his CDs (“It’s kind of fun to do something a little different for me,” Isaak says), an inspired version of his hero Roy Orbison’s classic lovelorn ballad “Only The Lonely,” and a stirring never before heard acoustic version of “Forever Blue.”

“What a sweet guy Roy was,” Isaak says. “We opened for him one time and after the show I said to him, ‘I don’t know if I write hits or not,’ and he said, ‘You write hits, you just don’t know it.’ It was exactly what I needed to hear at the time to keep me going for another year.”

That was before noted director David Lynch used “Wicked Game,” a spare, moody ballad from Isaak’s third album, Heart-Shaped World, in the film Wild At Heart. The song went Top Ten in 1991, and the video, a steamy Herb Ritts-directed clip featuring the singer rolling around on the beach with a topless Helena Christensen, made Isaak a star. “‘Wicked Game’ really put us out there,” he says. “We were on the road at the time, and got to ditch our van and get into a bus. For the first time in years, we got some sleep!”

Another significant hit included on Best Of is the south-of-the-border-flavored ballad “Somebody’s Crying” from 1995’s Forever Blue (both the single and album were nominated for Grammy awards in 1996). “I wrote that song in a closet,” Isaak says. “I had just broken up with someone and hadn’t been out of the house much. A friend of mine was having a party and as soon as I arrived I realized I didn’t want to be there. The house had this big walk-in closet in the hallway, so I went in, shut the door, and sat down underneath the coats. There was a guitar leaning against the wall in the back. I started tuning it up and wrote ‘Somebody’s Crying.'”

Then there’s the swaggering, bluesy rocker “Baby Did A Bad, Bad Thing” (also from Forever Blue), which can be heard in Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 film Eyes Wide Shut starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. The director asked Kidman what music she wanted to rehearse the movie’s striptease scene to. “Nicole had been listening to the track and brought it in to run through for her rehearsal,” Isaak recalls. “Stanley said, ‘I love it,’ and put it in the film. I owe Nicole Kidman a full body massage.”

So what were Isaak’s criteria for a song’s inclusion on the album? “I wanted it to be a record that people want to listen to over and over,” Isaak says. “I tried to pick songs that people request most when we play live, and then make sure it was balanced between slow and fast tunes.”

While reviewing tracks, some going back to the mid-’80s, Isaak says what struck him most was how lucky he has been to have the people he works with around him, such as producer Erik Jacobsen (“who taught me everything I know about making records, but not everything he knows”), longtime engineer Mark Needham, and his Silvertone bandmates, drummer Kenney Dale Johnson, bassist Rowland Salley, and guitarist Hershel Yatovitz, who have been with Isaak for years. “People see my picture on the album covers and think, ‘Chris goes into a room and he makes an album.’ But I go into a room and make it with these guys, who’ve been supportive, and have good ideas and good energy.” And to what does he attribute the longevity of his career? “You know, I’ve never tried to jump on a trend, and I’ve never had to jump off of one,” he says. “I try to do what feels right for each song. So I never have to go, ‘Well, no more disco for me.'”

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Health and Safety

with Special Guest :

Derek Adam is an upcoming New York artist that blends guitar driven rock with alternative and country music. Originally from upstate NY, Derek relocated to the NYC area after graduating Crane School of Music. As luck would have it, it wasn’t long before he met James “Jimmy T” Meslin, the Grammy winning engineer for Dream Theater, and recorded his first EP, “Silver Lining”. The album was released in late 2021 and produced the infectious single, “The Circle”.  Shortly thereafter, he teamed up with Kyle Berry, the original guitar player for Luke Bryan. The two recorded 3 singles that were released in April 2022 including the anthemic ballad, “The Road I Know”.  Since releasing music, Derek and his band have played constantly throughout the NYC area and have even garnered local radio support. Although new on the scene, Derek is quickly leaving a mark with his guitar prowess and high energy….

Derek Adam is an upcoming New York artist that blends guitar driven rock with alternative and country music. Originally from upstate NY, Derek relocated to the NYC area after graduating Crane School of Music. As luck would have it, it wasn’t long before he met James “Jimmy T” Meslin, the Grammy winning engineer for Dream Theater, and recorded his first EP, “Silver Lining”. The album was released in late 2021 and produced the infectious single, “The Circle”.  Shortly thereafter, he teamed up with Kyle Berry, the original guitar player for Luke Bryan. The two recorded 3 singles that were released in April 2022 including the anthemic ballad, “The Road I Know”.  Since releasing music, Derek and his band have played constantly throughout the NYC area and have even garnered local radio support. Although new on the scene, Derek is quickly leaving a mark with his guitar prowess and high energy live shows.

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• April 17, 2024 Setlist

Chris Isaak Setlist at Palais Theatre, Melbourne, Australia

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Doors are at 7:00 PM*. The scheduled start of Chris Isaak is at 9:00 PM *.

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2 activities (last edit by Rockharder , 17 Apr 2024, 02:10 Etc/UTC )

Chris Isaak

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Chris Isaak Gig Timeline

• Apr 14 2024 A Day on the Green Bowral 2024 #2 Bowral, Australia Add time Add time
• Apr 16 2024 Palais Theatre Melbourne, Australia Add time Add time
• Apr 17 2024 Palais Theatre This Setlist Melbourne, Australia  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time
• Apr 20 2024 A Day on the Green Brisbane 2024 #1 Mount Cotton, Australia  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time
• Jul 24 2024 Palacio de la Ópera de A Coruña A Coruña, Spain Add time Add time

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