JIMMY BARNES ★★★★
Aware Super Theatre, June 24

With an extensive catalogue of surefire classics of his own, Jimmy Barnes could have skipped joining the rank of artists revisiting projects through anniversary tours. But from his electrifying belting of opener Hold on, I’m Coming onwards, it was clear it would have been remiss of the rocker not to bask in the glory of his highest-selling album 30 years on.

As the expanded anniversary edition of Soul Deep skyrocketed him to a historic 14th No. 1 album on the ARIA charts just before hitting the stage, Barnes seemed to channel the grief that has stricken his loved ones in recent months into the blistering set, finding solace and celebration in its ’60s R&B, jazz and Motown classics.

In such an expansive arena, there was a lack of intimacy that these genres often demand. The mammoth, 28-track set list veered slightly into cruise control towards the middle, too. But none of that seemed to faze the sold-out audience, who vigorously enjoyed the nostalgia and spectacle of this family-and-friends affair.

The three support acts included a compellingly groovy Mahalia Barnes and the sultry blues sound of the Teskey Brothers, and they managed to command the space.

Barnes, meanwhile, with that gravel voice finely balanced between gritty and polished, feels powerful enough to fill any void. It remained consistent, even alongside a boisterous 12-piece band, as did the conviction in his near-faultless delivery and edgy showmanship, despite some distracting pacing.

The strongest moments came via collaborations with those around him, including I Put a Spell on You, with the razor-sharp craftsmanship of guitarist Diesel, and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, with the other opening act, Karen Lee Andrews. Both helped to keep the pace flowing and bolster the set’s second half, which also featured a roof-raising River Deep, Mountain High, harmonious ballads To Love Somebody and Many Rivers to Cross, and glorious closer Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).

After nearly four hours of music across the evening, the crowd ended up dancing in the aisles. And while Barnes’s focus did not waver and his energy seemed unmatchable, there would have been some lost voices and ringing ears among the audience the following morning – signs of a triumphant celebration of this “labour of love”, as he puts it, indeed.