GalleryDitch This MagazineSeptember 11, 2019gallery, live, melbourne, Thornbury Theatre, Devin Twonsend, Odin Imaging, Nathan Goldsworthy

Devin Townsend @ Thornbury Theatre 08-09-19

GalleryDitch This MagazineSeptember 11, 2019gallery, live, melbourne, Thornbury Theatre, Devin Twonsend, Odin Imaging, Nathan Goldsworthy

words & photos: Nathan Goldsworthy @odin.imaging

Review

“…A Journey into a mind of a waffling genius…”

Devin Townsend has a large group of die-hard fans, I think I may be up there with the most committed. Tonight made it my 29th time seeing Devin, and you know I'll be back next weekend.

Walking out casually to the cheers of the near 700 fans filling the Thornbury Theatre to the brim, a venue I hadn't visited prior to this evening. Witnessing the raw, stripped back Townsend was the plan for this tour. We learn throughout the three-and-a-half hours; it's as much an exercise for him to step away from the huge production of the Empath tour he has just completed in Europe as it is a treat for us.

Armed with his effects rig, new signature prestige acoustic guitar and a microphone Townsend bounces through his backcataloge. Rearranging, recomposing and reinventing songs from Ocean Machine, Devin Townsend Band, DTP and even a Strapping Young Lad track no one expected.

Aside from the roaring applause after each song, and a few celebratory cheers when someone hears the start of their favourite track... everyone is silent, in awe.

After a small 20min intermission we entered the Q&A section of the evening. With a handful of papers from questions submitted in the lobby of the theatre Townsend moves microphone stand out of the way and takes a seat.

Curious why anyone would want to stay and listen to him waffle on he started on the questions. Townsend approaches every question with his trademark compassion, personal insight and most importantly his self deprecating humor. Sharing his personal stories and philosophies on music, business, life, marriage, parenthood and… Masturbation.