The Big Chillout: A Live Celebration of Motown's Cinematic Revival
The iconic 1980s film The Big Chill, with its unforgettable soundtrack and all-star cast, left an indelible mark on popular culture. Now, a dynamic live production titled The Big Chillout is bringing that musical magic to stages across Australia, including a highly anticipated stop in Newcastle. This show is far more than a simple tribute; it is a narrated journey through the era-defining music that not only defined a generation but also single-handedly rescued Motown Records from the brink of bankruptcy.
More Than a Movie: The Soundtrack That Saved an Era
Released in 1983, The Big Chill featured a stellar ensemble including Glenn Close, Tom Berenger, William Hurt, and Kevin Kline. Its opening scene, set to Marvin Gaye's I Heard It Through The Grapevine, instantly became cinematic legend. However, the film's most profound legacy was its revolutionary use of original Motown recordings. At a time when movies typically commissioned re-recordings, this soundtrack boldly featured the authentic hits from artists like The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
The Big Chillout masterfully weaves these deluxe-edition favourites into a powerful live experience. Producer Rebecca Muino explains that the show delves into the remarkable stories behind the songs and the artists. "Asabi does a little bit of narration: the history of some of the songs, the stories behind the songs, and some of the relationships between the songs and the artists and composers," Muino says. This format transforms the concert into an engaging historical narrative, celebrating a movement that united multiple generations through music.
Powerhouse Performers Front a Stellar Live Band
Leading the eight-piece live band are two exceptional vocalists: Judah Kelly and Asabi Goodman. Kelly, winner of The Voice Australia in 2017 and a Golden Guitar-nominated artist, is renowned for his soulful voice. His debut album, Count On Me, topped the ARIA Country Albums chart. Goodman brings remarkable versatility, with a background in classical, pop, jazz, blues, RnB, and musical theatre, having starred in productions of Chicago and Hairspray in both Australia and the United States.
Both artists share a deep personal connection to the music. "I remember when The Big Chill first came out in theatres," Goodman recalls. "I was too young to see it, but I remember my parents really loving the movie and singing the songs. Then the songs began to pop up on commercials and in other films and my friends and I started to sing and love them. The movie truly had an impact on our lives."
Kelly grew up listening to Motown before discovering country music. "When I was approached for the show, I hadn't seen the movie, but when they explained to me that this is the soundtrack that saved Motown Records, I loved that!" he says. "Even though the music already stood on its own, the movie elevated it for a whole new generation."
The Lasting Legacy: How a Soundtrack Changed an Industry
The impact of The Big Chill soundtrack cannot be overstated. Judah Kelly highlights its monumental success and industry-shifting influence. "We all know Motown today - and that's because of The Big Chill soundtrack. In '83 Motown Records was almost finished. They were on the verge of bankruptcy," he explains. "This soundtrack used the original records and sold six-times platinum. It was in the charts for 161 weeks. Advertisers saw that and changed their modus operandi from making jingles to licensing the original recordings by the original artists. It changed everything for Motown."
This revival story is at the heart of The Big Chillout. Asabi Goodman hopes the audience leaves feeling both joyful and informed. "I love the smoothness, the way it makes me feel, the nostalgia ... and the tunes are all fantastic to sing. I hope the audience leaves feeling joyful and maybe a bit more knowledgeable about the era and music," she says.
Experience the Magic Live in Newcastle
The The Big Chillout tour will make a special stop at Flamingos Live in Lambton, Newcastle, on Friday, February 27. This performance promises to deliver fresh energy to timeless classics, offering a night of powerful vocals, captivating storytelling, and infectious rhythms. Tickets for this unforgettable celebration of Motown's cinematic revival are now on sale, inviting audiences to relive the magic that saved a legendary record label and defined a musical era.
