Ahead of performing at The Star Gold Coast for their exclusive Christmas show.
Ahead of performing at The Star Gold Coast for their exclusive Christmas show.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and you know it truly is when Australia’s iconic vocal group Human Nature perform their annual exclusive Christmas Show at The Star Gold Coast. The four members Toby Allen, Phil Burton and brothers, Andrew and Mike Tierney have been performing relentessly since forming in 1989 in Sydney. Now returning home to Aussie shores after a successful 11 year residency in Las Vegas, we caught up with Phil Burton to chat about how he thinks the music industry will change and what’s next for Australia’s most beloved ARIA Hall of Famers..
You grew up in Sydney, how do you think the Australian culture has shaped your musical career?
I don’t necessarily think Australian culture has shaped things musically for us – we have always been big fans of many groups from outside Australia as well as the Aussie groups we grew up listening to through the 80s. I think where Australian culture has shaped us is more from a business sense – so often in Australia the work ethic differs from other cultures – it is very much “we’re all in this together” right from the boss at the top to the lowest rungs. We have always had that approach to the work we do, where nobody is too important to get their hands dirty, and nobody is too small to care about. I think it’s a particularly good attitude to have.
After an extremely successful recording career and a huge Aussie following, you decided to traverse the Pacific Ocean to Las Vegas. Living in Vegas for over 11 years and performing over 2,000 shows, your residency at the Sands was sadly cut short this year due to the pandemic. What were your thoughts when this happened?
We had the feeling in the couple of weeks leading up to the closure that things were coming to a head and to be honest we weren’t comfortable putting ourselves, our workmates or our audience in an unsafe environment, so we felt comfortable with the temporary closure that happened initially. Unfortunately from that point America has gone rapidly downhill and “temporary” became “permanent”, which robbed us of any chance of a proper farewell to the show and all the people we enjoyed working with. That part was particularly tough, but apart from the way it ended we will always be able to look back on what was such an amazing experience performing at the Venetian.
How do you see the pandemic changing the entertainment industry as a whole?
One experience I think people perhaps took a little for granted, but we have now all come to remember again is how important the shared experience of live concerts and events is to our wellbeing. Watching a livestream is all well and good but it’s so hard to become emotionally invested when you are watching on a screen. We all miss the excitement of the house lights dropping, the noise, the sweat, the crowd singing, the bass thump in your chest – it all adds up to an experience that I think we will put so much more value on when it comes back.
So what’s next in the story of Human Nature?
Now that Australia is beginning to open up again, we are doing our best to get out there and help lift people’s spirits by putting on a few shows around the country – especially leading up to Christmas – what is Christmas without a bit of Human Nature after all??? We can’t wait to help people find their joy again – just as we can’t wait for our fans to help us do the same. We’re all in this together!
What can fans expect on the Good Good Life Tour next year?
The Good Good Life Tour is going to bring out sides of Human Nature that people haven’t seen on stage in a long time – it’s our first opportunity to perform new original songs in years. Because of the pandemic the wait has been longer than expected, so it makes us even more excited to get out there. I’m sure the show will end up being a gigantic celebration of our freedom to get back to normal and party together. Bring it on!
First though, you’ve got your Christmas at The Star show on Saturday 19th December where you cover both Christmas classics and your own top hits, be honest… are there any songs that you get sick of performing?
Some people may not believe me here, but there really are very few songs that we ever get sick of performing. We chop and change things around in our shows but never for reasons of boredom. Particularly when it comes to Christmas songs – we only get a small window of opportunity to perform them so we really relish the chance. Christmas music has a way of putting smiles on people’s faces (incredibly important after the year everyone has had) – and the 4 of us on stage aren’t immune to that either. It’s just as much fun for us.
You’re back for a little longer than just Christmas this year, but what’s the first thing that you normally do when you return home to Australia?
Well the absolute first thing I do is overdose on good coffee and probably indulge in a little too much of the amazing fresh food that you can find so easily here. We all love catching up with family and friends as well, so doing that while simultaneously overdoing it with the food is always on the cards.
You’ve also performed on the Gold Coast several times, what do you love most about returning here?
Whenever we perform on the Gold Coast there is a slightly laid-back vibe to our show. I think life here is a little bit more relaxed than a lot of places and that seeps into the atmosphere on stage. It lends itself to a bit less intensity and a bit more going with the flow. We always have such a great time on stage here.
We have to ask for your favourite Gold Coast locations…
Restaurant for dinner: Since our last visit to The Star there are some amazing new restaurants on the Gold Coast, but I’m a big fan of Japanese food so Kiyomi’s always a favourite.
Coffee spot: Metro Coffee on Surf Parade in Broadbeach – delicious.
Café for breakfast: Tower 28 Cafe in Kurrawa Surf Club – the food is yummy, the vibe is relaxed, the view is unbeatable.
Beach: The southern beaches are my favourite – anywhere between Currumbin and Greenmount.
What does your time off on the Gold Coast look like: The Gold Coast has such an amazing outdoor lifestyle that is great to experience. I particularly love strolling to the beach for a swim or a good walk on the sand, or sitting out the front of a cafe or bar and watching the world go by. It’s all very easy to take in and enjoy – sometimes it takes being away for a while to really understand how lucky we are.
Interview by Carly Snodgrass
The clock is a-ticking folks with roughly 6.5 weeks till Christmas, and we are NOT okay. Still so much to do and plan for our favourite day of the year and as we mentally scroll through our never-ending to do list, we feel panicky. Plus, it’s our turn to host Chrissie lunch this year and srsly, we’re kinda done with that ‘ole chestnut. If we’re being honest (we are), we just want someone else to do the heavy lifting so we can kick back with a mimosa and soak up all the festive feels. Well, The Star Gold Coast is giving us the greatest gift of all; some tree-mendous Christmas day dining options – sans the hard yakka – and bloody (Mary) oath, let’s dance this dance shall we.
Now we would tell you about the cracking festivities planned at Cucina Vivo, the Event Centre Ballroom, and Garden Kitchen & Bar, however they’ve already sold out and once again, we are NOT okay!! But crisis averted because there are still Christmas shenanigans to be had at Harvest Buffet, and at everyone’s fave Uncle’s, Uncle Su. Plus, there’s an elfin awesome option to suit those of you who have committed to hosting (us), but can’t actually be stuffed. Cue the anticipation…and keep reading….
Harvest Buffet
I mean, it’s a Christmas themed buffet and is there anything better in life? Whether you’re celebrating with a lunch time nosh up or a dinner feast, Harvest has you covered with an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet and a three-hour beverage package. Think Sydney Rock Oysters and Garlic Butter Bug Tails, along with Beef Bourgeon from the grill. Pop by the carvery for classics like Roast Turkey and Stuffing, nom Mediterranean faves like pizza and pasta, and tuck into a selection of delicious salads. To finish, sweet tooths rejoice with a vast selection of desserts including the signature Crème Brulee. Sip on beverages like Talking Point Shiraz Cabernet, 821 Sauvignon Blanc, Hahn Lite and a variety of soft drinks. There’s even a Christmas Eve option for those who like to celebrate the night before! Christmas Day buffets start at $220 per adult.
Uncle Su
Focusing on highlighting traditional flavours, ingredients and cooking styles from different regions of China, internationally trained Executive Chef of Asian Cuisine, Chef Song Yao Su, has developed a super spesh festive banquet…and we’re drooling. Starting with an appetizer of Chicken and Water Chestnut San Choy Bao to set the tone, you’ll then be treated to a Dim Sum Platter with the likes of Baby Spinach Crabmeat Dumpling. Slurp on a Minced Beef Egg White and Coriander Soup and devour delectable mains like Filet Mignon with King Mushrooms in Shao Zhi Sauce. For the clincher, there’s a Coconut and Mango Mousse with Egg Custard Tart and did we mention we were drooling?! $169 per adult.
Christmas Hampers
Okay we LOVE this for us, and no one needs to know we didn’t make it all ourselves, right? Pick yourself up a delish takeaway hamper on Christmas Eve, complete with festive favourites like smoked ham, roasted turkey breast, Tasmanian salmon and more. Plus, you can make this Christmas extra special with optional seafood and salad upgrades as well as some exclusive beverage add-ons. Umm, yes to all of the above! Hampers can be purchased for either two people or six and can be ordered until Friday 16th December at 2pm. Oh and heads up – the prep of some hamper items requires basic cooking facilities and equipment (ie. stove, oven, pot) and yeah, I think we can manage this. Prices start from $260 per hamper.
Whichever option lights up your Christmas tree, you better book yesterday before they sell out too and LBR, Christmas FOMO invites total resting grinch face.
The Star Gift Cards
Now this is a Christmas present we can get behind! The Star Gift Card can be used across the board. We’re talking hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and premium retail partners. One of these babies is guaranteed to have you topping the list as best gift giver. Order online and choose to receive a physical card or receive a digital card instantly #lastminutegift. Let me hear that Christmas cheer!
To purchase a Star Gift Card go here.
For more information or to purchase tickets for any of The Star’s Christmas activations, go here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th December, 2022
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.
Exceptional seafood is something we in Australia are very lucky to be able to indulge in any time we wish. Across the country there are many regions specialising in different varieties of seafood, all of which are unique to their environment.
As lovers of edible ocean creatures, something perhaps you didn’t know is that certain types of seafood grow and taste different depending on the climate in which they are cultivated. We certainly weren’t aware.
Until we visited the very knowledgeable and talented crew at Nineteen at The Star that is. Led by Executive Chef Uday Huja, who hails from the US originally, the team at the sky-high rooftop restaurant have put together a stunning offer so we can all sample an array of oysters from across Australia and learn about how and why they’re unique depending on the region they’re from. Like you would a wine sampling, but with oysters.
It’s called the Oyster Journey and it’s a delightful experience you can and should try for yourself at the next available opportunity, all while sipping something sparkling overlooking the Gold Coast skyline.
For $32, you (and your lucky plus one) will taste three oysters each from various locations (dependent on the season) and find out exactly how different each regions’ oysters taste.
Wallis Lake in NSW for example, produces an oyster that has what is called a ‘umami’ flavour, meaning it’s neither salty or sweet but perfectly balanced, while Pambula in southern NSW offers a sweet, briney oyster and Shoalhaven, also in NSW is producing a sweet, creamy oyster and let us tell you, the difference is obvious once you taste them all in succession.
The oysters are dressed with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne Mignonette and it is one of the absolute most beautiful tastes we’ve ever sampled.
Of course, all of this will be explained to you upon delivery of your dish and you’ll be given cards with more information so you can share everything you know with your friends. We’re big fans of learning about where our food comes from, particularly when it’s of this calibre so we were very excited when Nineteen at The Star launched the Oyster Journey.
If fresh oysters aren’t your jam, delight in one of the two Roasted Oyster options straight from the charcoal oven. Never tried roasted oysters before? Neither had we, but if there’s bacon on it (which there is), we’re in.
Once you’re done with oysters, you’ll probably want to continue indulging in five star dishes and staring out at the ocean, so we highly recommend going for the Fruits De Mer, which is a chilled selection of the season’s finest seafood. And fine it is Gold Coasters.
You can choose from the Petite or Grande options with everything presented on the exquisite platter (think Moreton Bay Bugs, oysters, scallops, prawns and more) is such a flavour sensation, you’ll wonder where it’s been hiding all your life.
The next time you’re in the market for fresh Australian seafood of the highest possible quality, look no further than Nineteen at The Star. You’ll be more than satisfied and you’ll learn a thing or two while you’re at it.
Win, win.
LOCATION: Nineteen at The Star, The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
HOURS: Dinner from 5.30pm Wednesday to Sunday and Lunch from 12pm to 3.15pm Friday to Sunday
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
