The Vengaboys @ The Hi-Fi, Brisbane (11/01/2012)

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Question: What do The Gulf War, Princess Diana’s tragic death, the Oslo Accords, a sheep named Dolly and the World Wide Web all have in common? Answer: The 90s. It was the decade of OJ Simpson and The Simpsons, it saw widespread growth of new media, Tamagotchi’s everywhere, and several nations significantly improve their standard of living. Whilst the 90s may have had no shortage of innovations, one stands out among the rest: The Vengaboys.

Hailed as the original party starters and having sold over 20 million singles worldwide, the Dutch foursome are undoubtedly the Queens of Euro-dance. Their highly sexualised lyrics and innuendos, over-the-top flamboyant costumes and beautifully synchronized dance routines became the group’s trademark. So when the Vengaboys revived their live show for an Australian tour, immediately upon entering Brisbane’s The Hi-Fi, it was clear that this extraordinary trip down memory lane would also act to collect the tragic fashion of yesteryear.

On stage, The Vengaboys presented a visual assault of assless chaps, glitter coated tank tops, baggy jeans and braless dressing. Their ‘party genre’ style of music, with an energetic and uplifting beat and simple yet catchy lyrics, may be hilarious to look back on now, but it has paved the way for the future of music. With 2012 just starting and acts such as Aqua, The Backstreet Boys and Crazytown all set for tour soon, it seems as no one can let go of the past.

Kicking off their Australian summer tour with a bang, supporting a new album gloriously titled Rocket To Uranus, the Vengabus finally arrived to Brisbane after a 10-year wait. Packed to the rafters, the venue held perfect host of the sparkling party-centric group to do what they simply do best. And did they ever.

Singing and dancing their way through fist pumping party anthems such as We’re Going to Ibiza and Shalalalala early on, the highly energetic and enthusiastic Vengaboys encouraged the ‘Queenlanders’ to have as much fun as possible, even if embarrassing. Proudly announcing that they make “Euro, trashy, sleazy, cheesy, pop music”, the fun continued with dance floor filler Up and Down and parent-shocker Sex on the Beach. Sadly, no Vengabus was bought on stage during the original fist pumper We Like to Party, as the scaled back and raw setup showcased their true talent and iconic entertainment value – even if most of it is now outdated and seen as offensive.

However, ass slaps and air kissing aside, monster hit Boom Boom Boom Boom was met with the loudest applause I have ever heard. Surprised by the outstanding Venga-dedication, us ‘Brisboners’ were luckily treated to a special encore of this sexually provocative tune.

Leaving the stage after 45 minutes of erotic bliss, the 90s have tragically left us once again. Here’s to hoping someone will resurrect Ace of Bass, B*Witched and ‘N Sync for Australian tours. Sadly, the Spice Girls are a lost cause as they are pretty much the Daft Punk of pop.

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