Divinyls Live 1984 - Elsie

[@bitter69uk]

Christina Amphlett: what a woman! This clip is astonishing and shows Divinyls at what must be their peak. When she bangs her head and pogos she is genuinely eerie -- is more like performance art than a rock gig. And then after she scrawls all over herself with lipstick it's like she's channelling Linda Blair in the Excorcist!

[@crysisrock]

Hope one day soon we will watch this video in ultra HD,coz DIVINYLS are all quality.......

[@SeaBassVamp]

Legend & Light. 80s Music was CHRISSIE.A. and DIVINYLS.

[@lindadote]

After almost 40 years, this track just seems to improve with age. I think all of Divinyls work has held up incredibly well but (for me) Elsie was always and continues to be, a stand out number. The music so appropriately haunting and Chrissy delivering to perfection in her inimitable style. I find this particular performance simply riveting. Many thanks to all the good folk for posting these treasures.

[@stevie65able]

For sheer balls, she reminds me a lot of Patti Smith. Talented, with no fucks given!

[@lindadote]

stevie65able ......I dig Patti too (I’d love a “Fuck the clock” T-shirt 🤣), but she never impacted me the way Chrissy did. To be fair, I’ve never seen Patti live either but have always known and enjoyed her material and still have several of her original vinyls including one I’ve never seen before or since titled “Superbunny”. Chrissy though, would go from hiding (almost shyly) under her fringe, back to crowd, only to scare the be-Jesus out of the audience in a heartbeat, the lady was a mammoth talent.

[@johnking6550]

Linda Jones....Regarding your main comment: The first time I heard this piece I was immediately captivated. It's beautifully haunting nature seductively imprints and inhabits....and one can never quite break the spell. But why on earth would anyone want to? Regarding the other bit below that: Linda..nice shade of blue....Lord have mercy, child. Now where did I put that soap.....🤨

[@stevie65able]

@@lindadote Had a huge crush on her as a teenager, still do. The music scene in Melbourne back in the eighties was incredible.

[@lindadote]

john king .......as you know John, I love most everything Divinyls ever did but there was always something special about Elsie. I see the fabulous unedited version has found its way back but you’d be hard-pressed to fault this performance. Mark’s understated but crystal-clear guitar, the keys, bass, *everyone* just plays so well and then of course, there’s Chrissy’s mesmerising performance, it’s a beautiful piece of work imo. The fact that the song was based on a real person makes it even more profound imo.....Oh dear yes, busted haha! Patti wears a T-shirt with that on it and it nicely sums up how I feel about “time” and/or age. ☺️ Naturally, it’s the one site I didn’t check, ain’t that always the way? Be well....

[@deancaron988]

God I love her.

[@Gary-yo6pm]

when i hear this it sends CHILLS down my back !!! this rocks still in 2023

[@Aussie9er]

I have just seen this for the first time, wow!, what a performance. I now have another life regret, not seeing the Divinyls live.

[@MarkS1356]

I remember seeing her smearing the lipstick on her face on TV somewhere in the 80's and never forgot that. Chrissy was a one of a kind, spellbinding performer and she was such a class act off stage in later years on interviews and her book is fascinating. Just a great lady and one of the greatest rock stars ever.

[@465marko]

I think GG Allin saw it too and was like "hold my syringe"

[@WillowWishart1]

There was a time when I was 18, I used to see the Divinyls when they were touring Sydney, they played for quite a few years at Caringbah Inn, South of the city Centre, on a Thursday Night, it cost $2 at the door, this performance was always 110% this is what I stepped into every Thursday Night for around 2 years... Lucky am I to experience this Shamanic opening, the doorway that lead to a future of Amazingness, Thank You Chrissy, for being my teacher, my muse...

[@aaronquy1968]

I remember watching this exact performance on TV when I was a kid back in'84 it was on late for my bedtime, but i snuck into the TV room to watch it, I was about 12-13yrs old

[@Kimo91024]

This was recorded June 1983, Perkins Palace in Pasadena CA - a few days after the US Festival. I was there somewhere in the grainy shadows just off stage left...

[@johnking6550]

Kimo91024...Thanks for the timeline reference. You're the envy of many of us who consider this a genuinely epic performance. To help eliminate any possible confusion, Divinyls also played 'The Palace' in Los Angeles... 10 August 1983. Book source: Pleasure and Pain by Chrissy Amphlett.

[@johnking6550]

Warren552011....That would certainly catch my eye in a crowded room...but it seems as though there are no crowded rooms these days. Wings of Pegasus ''British guitarist analyzes'' regularly asks for suggestions of performances that might be of interest for analysis so in his latest posting I suggested one. Probably wasting my time but I'd love to see him take a close look at this one and allow more people to see that there was a hell of a lot more to Divinyls than ''I Touch Myself''.

[@georgecav]

A perfect performance from Chrissie, mesmerising ❤😮😊

[@jackiewallace6475]

In your face vocals and stage presence, definitely set the bar for all frontmen of any band from then onto now, this is entertainment folks, a class act!

[@lunsmann]

My favourite Divinyls track on Desperate. Never had the opportunity to see them live.

[@spaceboy54]

TOTALLY agree! DO NOT mention Courtney Love in the same sentence as Christina Amphlett! Chrissy was sexy, unique, frightening, charismatic, had an amazing voice and was extremely talented-none of which any of these adjectives describe Courtney Love whatsoever!

[@SuperRoosters65]

I never fully appreciated this when it first came out. I always knew when they played it live, it meant "show's over folks" and the crowd slowly, begrudgingly & unwillingingly headed for the doors. Your adrenaline high for the night ebbed as the song reached its inevitable conclusion. But many times I stayed behind until the very last note was played, not wanting yet another brilliant performance to end. Watching this clip sends a chill up my spine as I re-live the brilliant band, The Divinyls.

[@mikesabota2570]

No doubt about it,that group was a powerhouse in the early days!!👍👍

[@preciousbodilyfluid1]

Such a unique voice, such passion, such talent. What a loss to the world of music, we'll miss you Chrissy. xxx

[@annesash4510]

This is how I remember the Divinyls In Melbourne. About 6 times I saw them from memory, best live gigs ever. Thankfully this performance of Elsie isn't ruined by mindless out of time audience clapping throughout. (yeah, that was at "Ritchies" in Preston, Melbourne)

[@jodiethomas1840]

Fuck that was beyond words. Never ever seen it before n I'm glad I took the time to watch it. R.I.P u beautiful creature.

[@kayleighallen3451]

like

[@thancrow]

+jodie thomas I got to see them in concert. They were amazing. R.I.P Chrissie, you are missed, but your music lives on.

[@wilfredjones6392]

The Melbourne " Pub circuit" in the '80's was a dreamland for me and many others. Divinyls,Oz Crawl,INXS,Church, Men at Work,Hoodoo Gurus,Oils,Goanna, etc,etc. It was magic! A total eclipse of the mind.

[@stevie65able]

Hard to believe now looking back. Took it for granted then.

[@anthonyarmstrong14]

What a time,but Chrissie reigned supreme.RIP 💔💔

[@catebridson9699]

Sydney too. Selina's was my hang out

[@gamelord5798]

Rose Tattoo, also. We were blessed to be alive then.

[@digigarb]

She had energy and passion in bucket loads!

[@halag]

This is unbelievable! I dont know why I'd never seen this b4. What an amazing performer. Imagine someone rocking up to The Voice or one of those shows & doing this ROFLMAO

[@priscilabarbosa6519]

This album (and song) made me a fan for life. Divinyls Forever. RIP Chrissy adore Chrissie, why did she have to go?

[@LarryEColeman]

Look, mom! No dancers or ropes. But I got me a band, energy and a whole lot of grit. Celebrating the late, great, Chrissy Amphlett of the Divinyls.

[@johnkerr1957]

Was so fortunate to see The Divinyls several times in Adelaide in the 80s. Most memorable was a gig at Thebarton Town Hall (support for Jimmy Barnes?) & she was unbelievable that night - just such a powerful voice, persona & stage presence.

[@brucejacquesStick]

Thanks, from the glory days of Aussie Rock when we were churning some awesome bands. But Chrissy was something else.

[@BoysInTown]

I just love this, you can see by the look on some of the audiences faces that they are scared when Chrissy starts roaring towards the end - Fantastic and thanks again!

[@JP80s]

This was such an amazing show and performance... RIP Chrissy, you are sorely missed!

[@heatherann64]

I fell in love with Chrissy and this band from the moment I heard this song played live, which was probably 1980/81 on Night Moves...... Remember that music program..?? This woman is so AWESOME....... Bonus Factor, she grew up in my home town, so I'm really proud of that......

[@bjl2343]

Rest in peace Chrissy. You shaped my youth. I loved you a lot and the great role model you were for young women.

[@benwinter2420]

The Divinyls performances have been the single greatest I,v seen , bar none

[@ERDFERKEL]

Incredible!!!! This is one the best PERFORMANCES I've ever seen .. more than that ... totally UNDERRATED!!!!

[@stevegordon8474]

Brilliant performance proving that Chrissy Amphlett was one of the greatest rock singers ever. I saw them perform this song many times in Melbourne and it was always a highlight in a show filled with highlights. The band was always loud and tight and Chrissy put her soul into every song. She lived each song before our eyes. Her voice was always perfect and her performance was art. No one was like her. She was mesmerising. ELSIE was one of their heaviest numbers but they tackled difficult subject matter with the same commitment as lighter songs. With Mark McEntee's excellent guitar playing and arrangements, Divinyls were one of the best live bands ever. They were consistently good even with numerous member changes in latter years. They were better and more challenging than more famous bands, definitely one of the best live outfits ever.

[@jeffreyjack1644]

I absolutely love this song and she performs it with all the emotion and intensity it deserves. I love this band. If they aren't in the rock n roll hall of fame then they ought to damn well be!!

[@gregkoe60]

High energy orig rock! Makes you proud to be Aussie! Only now are they truely regarded for what they were. AWESOME!

[@lindadote]

Greg K .......I’d wouldn’t say Divinyls weren’t recognised as the massive talent they were, I *never* saw a gig that wasn’t sold out. If you mean abroad, thanks to the internet I’m sure there *are* more viewers now (sadly a little too late for Chrissy) but the band was always held in very high regard here and that was back when we were spoilt for choice.

[@johnking6550]

Transcendent.....Ethereal......Spellbinding!!!...all apply and then some. The first time I heard this piece (about a month ago) it instantly crotch grabbed my attention and I was hooked by the time the drums cut in.... (50 sec)....and by the end I was a dedicated Divinyls fan for life, HUNGRY AS HELL for more and fully understanding why so many Australians love this band. Thanks for carefully nurturing this amazing creative rock phenomenon....the only place it could have happened......DOWNUNDER! cheers from Canada

[@westozrocker7698]

john king I saw Divinyls perform this in 2007 and it was captivating and harrowing in person. This are few musical performances as gripping as this one

[@johnking6550]

West Oz Rocker....This particular posting of ''Elsie'' has become something of a mecca for me, as I'm sure it has for many Divinyls fans. There is an aspect of power and essence that transcends all other performances from any band that I would have previously considered singular. It has the ability to transport the receptive listener to another place almost immediately. Holy cow, I love this piece and this band. I'd like to add that I've enjoyed your commenting style on another posting.....''this stunning piece of ragged beauty''.....says it all. It is quite understandable considering the song and that extraordinarily remarkable album that inspired it. come down to earth - underworld

[@petewhittaker7888]

JUST AS MARK P. SAYS. I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH CHRISSY - SHE STILL GETS ME OUT OF MY 'COMFORT ZONE' - TO SEEK BEYOND THIS FLESH.

[@13thdog]

I remember seeing this on late night tv back in 84 and was blown away by Christine. I bought their album the next day.

[@oberon358]

been watching this over and over the last couple of days. just gutted right now. what an amazing performance, just stunning. rock goddess.

[@tracewilliams65]

Dear sweet Chrissie, she set the benchmark. May she Rest In peace. A true goddess that grew wings and became an Angel......

[@StephenGrayce]

I keep coming back to this video. Everything good about rock and roll is here. And much, much more.

[@jaynedough405]

Amazíng performance. I have so much love for the lady. X

[@ausheila]

Elsie.....descending into madness - sad and fantastic - what a performance!

[@pedrodepaca57]

Still give me goosebumps. It's a great song, Chrissy. may you forever Rest In Peace.

[@elsandoval]

same here! i had heard boys in town on the radio, but hearing elsie on the radio broadcast of their US Festival performance had me hooked!

[@porterhouse56]

favorite Friday afternoon song right here. I envy anyone who had the chance to see this awesome band back in the day when they were up and coming.

[@MisterPerfikt]

This album (and song) made me a fan for life. Divinyls Forever. RIP Chrissy

[@N0Charlie]

What an incredible performance! She's so fucking raw & beautiful! So glad we have this on film ❤ Easily my favorite Divinyls number... Reminds me of a mate that gassed himself in his car "OPEN THE DOOR WALLY"

[@nightfall91]

lost count the amount of times i've watched this now

[@joshdance9959]

Wow. Amazing.

[@draculascoffin]

I remember watching this live, it change me forever. Thats when I started getting into punk

[@ClayOgre]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have been looking for this song for forever! I used to have this album, then, like an idiot, I sold it. This was the song that first turned me on to this fantastic vocalist back in the day.

[@cybervisionstar]

Ditto you said exactly what I was thinking. Gotta love her. I like it. alot

[@lindsaywilmoth3747]

They were a very,very tight band! Just fantastic!

[@jestme9]

I missed out on Chrissy in the 80's...glad I discovered EARLY DiVinyls. Chrissy says it all the way I hear it in my head. THANK YOU, CHRISSY!

[@Stillmeuntiltheend]

I was fortunate to see them live, I recall The Cult, and/or Billy Idol on the same bill...Beekman theater, NYC...

[@myself23455]

Awesome saw chrissy live a few times this really takes me back

[@moneymama6314]

Saw them a lot in the early days when they came down - pubs, clubs, the Music Bowl. Always absolutely mesmerising. Melbourne was an awesome place to be a young adult in that era! Chrissy was a one of a kind trailblazer for so many young women like myself.

[@dahclark]

Loved her. Miss her.

[@flintstonesteve]

Thank you - This is still tops..

[@annesash]

My absolute favorite band of my 20's.. Thanks so much for this, thought it was all lost forever :)

[@theparalexview785]

Gawd, what an amazing woman Chrissy Amphlett was! Fierce, freaky, roaring, uncompromising and unafraid to explore the boundaries of performance art in the rock 'n' roll context. Whenever I find someone who only knows Divinyls for "I Touch Myself", I give 'em a link to this video.

[@MasKistershi]

So well said. Such a powerful performance. Amazing.

[@HorrorMetalMaestroRedrusty66]

I agree, though I love their later stuff too, I was right there when no one knew who they were here in the states and I had the Desperate album and was entranced, never had seen/heard such punk power. I too always tell anyone who does the Touch Myself thing that "you don't know the half of it". Her death broke my heart like few others have.

[@HorrorMetalMaestroRedrusty66]

Oh I agree, and yeah, they were big amongst the underground post-punk scene, then when they started being shown on MTV with the temperamental album (Sleeping beauty and Pleasure and pain) a lot of us felt both vindicated and a bit stuck-up since we had been there since Boys In Town. Even Courtney Love stated her entire persona was Chrissy and Stevie Nicks mashed up together.(One of the first big rockers who named her as a total base influence she mimicked, and I knew where that school girl dress came from the second I saw Hole's Pretty on the Inside album in the store) I don't think the majority of people in the US and Euro have any clue just how much of an influence Chrissy had on groups and singers they DO know. She was the first, the Genesis of it all. Elsie can still make me tingle all over and have some kind of "fit" that's a cross between Ecstasy and Crying.

[@dipstickonee]

I saw this on TV back in 84, its etched in my memory banks, RIP Chrissy

[@bhickman6]

Will miss you Chrissy. A true, underrated talent.

[@djskum]

This was my favorite track too. I have known lots of Elsie's in my life time.

[@normturner4849]

The insanity of the facial expressions, drawing on herself with lipstick: classic Chrissie‼️👍🏼❤️😎

[@darcyjones101]

Pure magic - such a great band - thank-you for posting this.

[@lynmccartney6280]

the most amazing voice....RIP Chrissy

[@PRIVATEAYEIEYE]

Thanks for bringing back the memories of seeing them in '83. A spine tingling show.

[@bstmitchell]

spine tingling, awsome, what can you say. As a live act you cant or wont go past the DIVINYLS

[@OujiDarkmatter]

Awesome performance,came to this vid tonight because it's so powerful RIP dear

[@truespyfan]

What a voice.. awesome.. powerful... clean and clear.... RIP... :(

[@rodtoovey]

I'm dumbfounded to think that Chrissie's book has sat unread in my bedside drawer for a year. Now I will read it with many a tear. So glad I found this clip, Elsie was the ultimate Divinyls song live. I remember seeing the band live at the Orange RSL in NSW. Spellbinding. The clanging eery notes of the guitar, the driving bass, and my god that one and only voice. RIP Chrissy you are a true legend.

[@russellmilkins]

vale Chrissie love this song and have played it many times always evokes a response powerful and reaching

[@KnEpH131]

Definitely a defining performance by the Divinyls. RIP Christine, you were unique and real, and as I've said before on another post, You ranked right up there with the greatest female rock singers of all time.

[@Wilde-Runner]

KnEpH131 Agreed!!!

[@johnking6550]

In a world where good taste and appreciation for innovation and craft prevail, this defining performance would enjoy 145,000,000 rather than145,000 views.

[@lindadote]

john king .......yes, the views are criminal on *all* Divinyls sites (except I Touch Myself) people don’t know what they’re missing.

[@michaelsteven1090]

A masterpiece performance..RIP Chrissy..

[@ultraroadmap]

No one else like her...absolutely mesmerising.

[@bdwatson814]

Love her raw energy..great perfomance

[@TheCosimodo]

Amazing performance.so emotionally heavy, that guttural cry goes right through me,love you forever Chrissy.

[@tomjr839]

I met Chrissy once working for Tower Records..and it's all a stage act. She said was trying to be like a female version of Bon Scott, after his death.

[@blechtman]

how utterly hypnotic

[@thancrow]

I was lucky to be able see them in my city (USA, I am not going to say my state.) It was an amazing concert.

[@lydiapearson1084]

Elsie mercy beaucoup...your voice is magnificent wish God could bless me like he did you! I have the voice of a long lost horn in the middle of the night.

[@nontheistcapitalist]

Outrageous! Not many female vocalists like her. Missing Chrissy Amphlett who left us almost a year ago.

[@gravit8]

one way conversation, strong, powerful, emotional, moving, sad, a beautiful voice elevated to the sky, goodbye goodbye RIP :_(

[@jdez10]

Loved this show and this performance. Thx for the upload.

[@dav1237]

Her falsetto here is so emotional it cuts right to the bone.

[@noshadowsnoreflections]

So amazing voice, i love this live so much

[@AussieRoadshow]

RIP Chrissy :( We will miss you and will never forget you

[@lukaas0073]

@taipan185 i was there too.... mark was rocking the white steinberger guitar, ill never forget it, my first rock n roll gig....

[@lizardears4861]

The album Desperate really set such a high benchmark. It was all down hill from there as far as I’m concerned.

[@BoysInTown]

Thanks once again, I am sure Chrissy scares the crap out of some of the audience when she roars - LOL

[@elijahfranklin6074]

She had a gorgeous voice.

[@Babaziba]

Masterpiece.

[@MiamiMase]

Thank you Mich for posting this... I have wanted to see this live forever! Brilliant!!

[@Shady.Lady.]

Great Aussie talent! Johnny & Molly wld b so proud!

[@pantsmr9]

RIP to a rock goddess an Aussie icon.

[@Sparky1002]

Death is only a gateway. Keep rocking girl!

[@annisha68]

RIP Chrissie. This is the first song i looked for on KZbin when i heard about her death! Man she was awesome!! best rock chick in aus!