The Big Chill Out Review: A Joyful Tribute to Motown

Music
Reviews
Jun 12
4 min read
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Audiences at St Kilda’s Memo Music Hall were treated to a nostalgic journey through some of the most iconic songs of the 1960s and 70s when The Big Chill Out arrived in Melbourne as part of its 2026 Australian tour.

Inspired by the 1983 cult film The Big Chill, the live stage production celebrates the legendary soundtrack that helped define a generation. While the film explored themes of friendship, adulthood and the passing of time, it was the music that left the most lasting cultural impact. Blending Motown classics with rock and soul favourites, the soundtrack spent an extraordinary 161 weeks on the charts and played a major role in reigniting global interest in Motown.

Before the show even began, the atmosphere inside Memo Music Hall was already set. Classic tracks from artists such as The Jackson 5 and Stevie Wonder played through the venue, instantly creating a warm, nostalgic energy as the crowd settled in.

On stage, The Big Chill Out is brought to life by The Voice 2017 winner Judah Kelly, acclaimed performer Asabi Goodman and a powerful 10-piece band. Across two energetic acts, the audience is guided through highlights from the original soundtrack alongside a broader celebration of Motown and soul classics.

The setlist spans some of the most influential names in music history, including Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder. Between songs, the performers share light storytelling moments about the film, the soundtrack and the cultural significance of the music, adding depth without taking away from the momentum of the performance.

What stands out most is the energy on stage. Judah Kelly, Asabi Goodman and the band perform with clear joy and genuine respect for the material. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and the musicianship is tight and confident while still feeling alive and spontaneous.

I’ll admit, I don’t remember the 1983 film The Big Chill myself (although it’s now firmly on my watchlist), but the soundtrack is widely regarded as one of the greatest movie soundtracks ever released. Spending more than three years on the charts, its enduring popularity is easy to understand once you hear these songs performed live.

Highlights of the night included classics from The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, The Foundations, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross. Even for younger audience members who may not recognise every name, the songs themselves are instantly familiar, many still receive regular airplay more than 50 years after their release, which is a testament to their lasting quality.

As the show progressed into its second half, the energy in the room lifted even further. It became almost impossible not to move along, with audiences clapping, singing and eventually dancing in their seats. It was one of those rare performances where the music completely takes over the space and draws everyone into the moment.

By the end of the night, The Big Chill Out had done exactly what it set out to do. It delivered a joyful, uplifting celebration of Motown and the soundtrack that helped define a generation. Leaving Memo Music Hall, the audience carried that unmistakable post-show feeling, uplifted, energised, and reminded of just how powerful great music can be in bringing people together.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There are two more shows in Victoria.

Geelong: Friday 12 June, 7.30pm
Geelong Performing Arts Centre
TICKETS

Traralgon: Saturday 13 June, 7.30pm
Gippsland Performing Arts Centre
TICKETS

The Big Chill Out Review: A Joyful Tribute to Motown

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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