[Cabaret, Music]

David Campbell – Good Lovin’ and More
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Fri 21 June, 2025

David Campbell’s connections with Adelaide are strong – born and raised here by his grandmother; a former cabaret festival director, and a famous son of one of Adelaide (and Australia’s) most famous musical sons. He seemed a little nervous initially as he greeted people back here in his old hometown, but any nervousness evaporated when the music started: Keep on Running from the Spencer Davis Group, Baby Now That I’ve Found You – an old showstopper from the Foundations, and we were into power rock/soul  territory. Then we move into the world of swing with Georgie Fame’s Yeh Yeh, complete with bluesy sax solo and wonderful backing vocals from Vienna.

In one of his many chatty introductions to songs Campbell talked about his admiration for the late great Bobby Darin, and shared his amazement at the many parallels in their lives’ trajectories. Campbell previously starred as Bobby Darin in the musical Dreamlover, and effortlessly cruised into the title track, followed by Splish Splash, and Things – all of which took me back to childhood huddled around my transistor radio listening to top 40 hits.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes has Campbell in crooner territory, followed by one of the all time great power ballads – You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling. Again, some lovely tandem vocal work with Vienna.

Campbell describes himself as a musical magpie that takes bit and pieces of music that he likes from wherever he finds them, from whatever genre, and incorporates them into his act. He’s clearly an extraordinary talent, and has carved out a unique pathway to success. He’s very difficult to categorise, but I came away from this performance thinking of him as a great rock singer who wears a suit!

But then there’s a beautiful quieter song that Campbell described as like a poem – with a moving delicate ending with just double bass and drums, and the Caribbean influenced Begin the Beguine featuring just Campbell on vocals and his long time drummer, Joe Accaria, on percussion. Quite remarkable.

So not just a rock singer, but a singer who feels at home in multiple genres, and is confident enough to mix things up. But he is so good at the power rock anthems! For me, the classic With a Little Help From My Friends was the pinnacle – a great lead vocal but lots of help from his friends with superb backing vocals from several of the band, plus pulsating saxophones.

Campbell gives his all. He also clearly values the contributions of his band and enjoys sharing the stage with them. A great singer and showman who shares his life story in words, and in the dazzling array of songs and styles he has mastered.

5 stars

Michael Coghlan

This was the only performance of David Campbell’s Good Lovin’ and More at the 2025 Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

#The Clothesline

[Cabaret, Music] David Campbell - Good Lovin' and More Her Majesty's Theatre Fri 21 June, 2025 David Campbell’s connections with Adelaide are strong – born and raised here by his grandmother; a former cabaret festival director, and a famous son of one of Adelaide (and Australia’s) most famous musical sons. He seemed a little nervous initially as he greeted people back here in his old hometown, but any nervousness evaporated when the music started: Keep on Running from the Spencer Davis Group, Baby Now That I’ve Found You – an old showstopper from the Foundations, and we were into power rock/soul  territory. Then we move into the world of swing with Georgie Fame’s Yeh Yeh, complete with bluesy sax solo and wonderful backing vocals from Vienna. In one of his many chatty introductions to songs Campbell talked about his admiration for the late great Bobby Darin, and shared his amazement at the many parallels in their lives’ trajectories. Campbell previously starred as Bobby Darin in the musical Dreamlover, and effortlessly cruised into the title track, followed by Splish Splash, and Things – all of which took me back to childhood huddled around my transistor radio listening to top 40 hits. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes has Campbell in crooner territory, followed by one of the all time great power ballads – You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling. Again, some lovely tandem vocal work with Vienna. Campbell describes himself as a musical magpie that takes bit and pieces of music that he likes from wherever he finds them, from whatever genre, and incorporates them into his act. He’s clearly an extraordinary talent, and has carved out a unique pathway to success. He’s very difficult to categorise, but I came away from this performance thinking of him as a great rock singer who wears a suit! But then there’s a beautiful quieter song that Campbell described as like a poem – with a moving delicate ending with just double bass and drums, and the Caribbean influenced Begin the Beguine featuring just Campbell on vocals and his long time drummer, Joe Accaria, on percussion. Quite remarkable. So not just a rock singer, but a singer who feels at home in multiple genres, and is confident enough to mix things up. But he is so good at the power rock anthems! For me, the classic With a Little Help From My Friends was the pinnacle - a great lead vocal but lots of help from his friends with superb backing vocals from several of the band, plus pulsating saxophones. Campbell gives his all. He also clearly values the contributions of his band and enjoys sharing the stage with them. A great singer and showman who shares his life story in words, and in the dazzling array of songs and styles he has mastered. 5 stars Michael Coghlan This was the only performance of David Campbell's Good Lovin' and More at the 2025 Adelaide Cabaret Festival. #The Clothesline

The Clothesline Rating

Michael Coghlan

A great singer and showman who shares his life story in words and a dazzling array of songs and styles.

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