Article on the final Hunters gig in Darwin.

Author: Michelle Walkden, Sunday Territorian.

Date: 8 February 1998 (gig: 6 February 1998).

Original URL: N/A.

Article Text

Hunters and Collectors singer Mark Seymour made little mention of the band’s imminent departure from the Australian music scene during the band’s final concert on Friday night.

But he did make special mention of Maranboy policeman Constable John Bowen. Const Bowen bought one of Seymour’s guitars for $9000, which he donated to the Katherine Flood Appeal.

The band, an integral part of Australian music for the last 17 years, was obviously energised, giving one of the best performances seen in the Territory.

After just 90 minutes on stage Seymour announced the band’s final song, Searching For The Holy Grail.

Their biggest hit of recent years, the song attracted wolf whistles and plenty of applause, and new and old fans alike sang along.

But older members of the crowd knew there had to be more to come, after all, there were plenty of classics yet to be played.

The first encore kicked off with You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down, nor some of the crowd for that matter, as a couple of daring fans tried their hand at crowd surfing.

But fans would not be placated with just one re-appearance.

After all, this was the last time the band would play together.

The audience yelled, screamed and clapped the group back on for three encores.

But the biggest cheers were saved for Throw Your Arms Around Me.

With the stage dimmed, and spot lights picking out the lead singer, Seymour claimed “I’d be shot if I didn’t play this one” and with no further sentiment, delivered what is undoubtedly the theme song of the entire tour.

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