The pair, backed by a full house band - including a trio of male back-up singers - kicked off with their latest single Dear Jane, followed up by 60s-surfer-sounding Brixton.
Benji rocked out on the guitar and sung harmonies, as Joel took the lead. Both were wearing black head to toe, sporting sleeveless vests to show off the numerous tattoos covering their arms.
The Madden Brothers' band was tight. Although they had visual aspects on show, it was clear that the music came first. Each harmony and each guitar solo had been thought out, to create, as Joel put it, "a live incantation of the album".
That being said, their show wasn't rigged. Joel and Benji spent a lot of time sharing brotherly banter, mocking each other and getting the crowd giggling.
Midway through the show The Madden Brothers pulled out several Good Charlotte hits, including Girls & Boys, I Just Wanna Live and Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous. With each song the brothers revealed stories of where the songs came from, glimpses of their life, leading up to where they are now. It also delighted every Good Charlotte fan in the crowd, and there were more than a few.
The Madden Bros also threw in a few covers, nostalgic songs that reminded them of California: Tom Petty's Free Falling and Hotel California by the Eagles. They also played Amnesia, a song they worked on for current pop-punk rockers Five Seconds of Summer. Joel mentioned that he felt like they were passing their torch onto the 5SOS guys.
The night ended with more songs from the Greetings From California album. Rock heavy Brother featured some amazing, raw vocal harmonies, while California Rain quickly transformed into an instrumental spectacle.
Anthem-worthy We Are Done had fans on their feet singing along as The Madden Brothers show came to a close.
The Madden Brothers
Where: ASB Theatre, Auckland
When: Tuesday, November 4
- nzherald.co.nz
