This recording documents the second of out two consecutive nights Fugazi performed in the city of Melbourne in 1993.

Footage of the entire show is available through YouTube (search Fugazi/Melbourne/1993), but both audio and visuals are very poor.

Fortunately, the recording presented here sounds far better. Brendan’s snare drum comes out a bit off in the beginning, but the audio levels balance out soon after and overall provide for a most pleasurable and engaging listen.

It is 20 songs total, taken off of In on the Kill Taker (8), Steady Diet of Nothing (3), Repeater (5), 3 Songs seven-inch (1) and 7 Songs debut (3).

Note that the set list features the only live rendering of the incredible song Burning on this Japan / Australia / New Zealand leg of the 1993 tour, as well as one out of just two live performances of Glueman on this leg of the tour (the other one having been performed and recorded in Sydney on November 20, see below, FLS #0613) and it is a memorable one since it not only beautifully and ominously contrasts the preceding instrumental Sweet and Low but also, and exceptionally, offers not one but two breakdowns as everything comes crashing down, spending it all. Add to this a rare live performance of 23 Beats Off which gels flawlessly into Exit Only and the overall result most definitely qualifies as a highlight gig and recording of this tour in my opinion.

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It has been mentioned that “the band [were] tired and fucked off at this show”, but I am not sure about this, at least it does not appear from this recording. Granted, the band does seem less garrulous, with banter few and far between, but the performance still comes out on top.

Note that Guy introduces Latin Roots, “for a long time I owned the bed I was conceived on and this song is about fucking on your parents’ bed” and that Ian has praise for the venue, and apparently rightfully so. According to the Yarra City Council,

“First opened in 1887, the Collingwood Town Hall boasts impressive 19th century gold rush style classical design. The foyer entry and interior of the ballroom were refurbished in Art Deco style in 1938.

The centrepiece of this grand building is its ballroom which is ideal for theatre performances, musical productions, and warehouse sales.”

I remember the band being tired and fucked off at this show and they brought all their anger to the stage. Me and my friends rolled up early for the sound check and guy was really narky. My friend had met them all in geelong in 91,and she introduced me to Brendan on this night at Collingwood. He was cool to talk to. Ben Lee's band noise addict had just played on the floor of the hall to start the night. It's nauseating thinking he sent a tape to fugazi of all people and got a gig considering where he went in his 'career' lol! Steve albini and shellac played a really intense set. The show was sold out. I didn't have a ticket. I parked my car outside the front door really early in the arvo, and extra tickets were released from the office (?). The hall was jam packed. Fugazi, particularly Ian and guy were just so fucked off and released it all in the performance. I clearly remember yelling all the words of 'shut the door' in front of Ian who looked directly into my eyes as he sang before going berzerk 'have you ever been cruel?' and he and guy attacking their guitars. Great show. Great memories.