12 November 2025 at The Palms at Crown, Southbank, Melbourne, Australia
Review by Jeana Thomas
Photography by Jeana Thomas Photography
I walked into The Palms at Crown a bit curious, feeling nostalgic and ready for something new. The show was by The Animals, a famous British band from the 60s, on their “Final Curtain” tour in Australia. I thought I’d take a journey back in time, but what I got was a lively, energetic concert that made me smile like I was a teenager again and clap like I’d discovered live music for the first time.
When John Steel, the original drummer and founder, took the stage, it felt like history was coming back to life. Steel isn’t just a musician- he’s a living connection to the start of British R&B. He still plays with precision and has that little smile that says, “I’ve been doing this for 60 years and still love it”.
The Animals in Melbourne. Photo by Jeana Thomas Photography
The night began with “Baby, Let Me Take You Home,” a great opener. The rough riff felt like a warm, friendly hug – gritty and straight to the point. People started nodding their heads and tapping their feet. Then came “It’s My Life,” a song that still sounds rebellious and powerful today. Danny Handley, the lead singer and guitarist, owned the stage with a voice like Eric Burdon’s, but without trying to copy it. Handley’s style is like a blues singer who walked into a rock band and stayed – full of soul, humour and edge.
By the time they played “Bright Lights, Big City,” the groove was deep and strong. Barney “Boogie” Williams, the keyboardist with personality, was clearly having a great time. His fingers moved across the Hammond with joy and ease – it wasn’t faked, it was real feeling. Norman Helm on bass kept everything solid and calm, making the music feel grounded and confident. He doesn’t need attention – he just makes everything sound better.
The Animals in Melbourne. Photo by Jeana Thomas Photography
Before “I’m Crying,” Handley took a moment to introduce the band, like a friendly greeting to old friends. On keys and vocals, the charming Barney Williams; on guitar and vocals, Danny Handley, who had natural stage presence; on bass, the dependable Norman Helm; and on drums, the ever-present John Steel, who had been with The Animals since 1957. When his name was announced, the crowd cheered with respect.
Then came “I’m Crying,” a 1965 hit that made it to number five, written by the original members: Chas Chandler, Hilton Valentine, Alan Price, Eric Burdon and John Steel. You could almost see those early days in his eyes – the smoky bars, the drive, the joy of creating something new. The song still hits with the same intensity – tight, real, powerful.
At one point, Steel came to the front of the stage and shared a story that felt like stepping back in time. He talked about the American Folk Blues Festival, which toured Europe in 1962 and stopped in Manchester, a night that became a legend. “We were just starting out,” he said, “and to see those guys up close – it was magic.” He listed the names like a blues hall of fame: Willie Dixon, Memphis Slim, T-Bone Walker (the one who inspired Hendrix), Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, and Shakey Jake. You could feel the respect in his voice. That night, he said, the crowd had faces who would change music forever – Mick Jagger, Paul Jones, John Mayall, Alexis Korner, Brian Jones, Jimmy Page and his friend Eric Burdon, who had travelled with him. “After that, we kept running into each other,” Steel chuckled “and everyone would ask, Were you there that night?” His eyes lit up – a memory that never faded.
The Animals in Melbourne. Photo by Jeana Thomas Photography
As a tribute to those blues legends, the band played a few songs “in the style of the time,” as Steel put it- stripped down, acoustic, raw. It was pure magic – a love letter to the roots of British rhythm and blues.
The second set included “Hoochie Coochie Man,” all swagger and dance, before moving into “I’m Gonna Change The World,” a lesser-known song with quiet strength. When “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” roared to life, everyone raised their voices, waved their arms and felt full of joy. That chorus still feels like a promise.
The Animals in Melbourne. Photo by Jeana Thomas Photography
Then came the encore – the one everyone was waiting for. “The House of the Rising Sun.” That first chord filled the room and made everyone quiet. It’s one of those songs that belongs to everyone, but at that moment, it felt like it belonged to them. Steel’s rhythm was steady like a heartbeat, Williams’ organ rose like a ghostly wave and Handley’s voice carried all the pain and grandeur it deserved. It was unforgettable.
I would say, The Animals at The Palms weren’t just remembering the past – they were showing that it still has power. It wasn’t a goodbye so much as a toast. To the music that shaped a generation, to a band that always meant it and to nights like these – when you walk in expecting memories and walk out feeling completely, joyfully present.
The Animals continue their Final Curtain Tour across Australia. Tickets are available from Metropolis Touring
The Animals in Melbourne. Photo by Jeana Thomas Photography
The Animals in Melbourne. Photo by Jeana Thomas Photography
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank John Howarth, Metropolis Touring and the Animals for the Press Accreditation.
About the Writer: Originally hailing from Western Australia, Jeana Thomas now thrives in the vibrant city of Melbourne. Amidst the hustle of her role in a prominent teaching hospital, she also navigates the dynamic world of entrepreneurship as the owner of a medical transcription company. Beyond her professional endeavours, Jeana finds solace and joy in the rhythm of music, the allure of travel and the artistry of photography, with a particular passion for wildlife photography.
About SAM: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to over 200 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth Melbourne), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP and P!NK with reviews shared by the likes of Suzi Quatro, Belinda Carlisle, Roxette, Tina Arena, UB40, Delta Goodrem, Leo Sayer and Tina Arena on social media. The founder has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N’ Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS), and over 70 other artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
