Testimonials
After a shocking 2020 year for the entertainment industry all bands were put on hold until further notice. Some bands were falling out never to return. No one knew what was to be expected or when things would change. Then restrictions eased and then there was hope for the concert vibe of sound, lights, crowds cheering and dancing were to be heard once more. Being the first major concert back at Belmont 16 footers from lock down the anticipation as to what was expected from the Paul and the band, the crowd, how things were to operate and overall if the entertainment industry was alive.
Then the lights dimmed, band in position and the only thing left to do was rock down the highway. Very quickly the vibe was back and people up dancing and cheering. Even though it was 2 years since The Eagles- heart of the matter were at the venue they never missed a beat and I personally couldn’t ask for a better act to come in the let the people who attended the night that music isn’t dead and will never die.
Whilst throwing in some classic artists such as Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Bread, Glenn Campbell, The Cars etc… was a perfect fit to the title of rocking down the highway, the crowd was in full party mode. They said goodnight and when the encore was requested by the crowd Paul and the band couldn’t say no to just 1 song. Then even after the encores they crowd still requested more and didn’t want the night to end
Overall a perfect band for the perfect night of the first concert back from restrictions. The Eagles- heart of the matter tribute band can rock into Belmont 16 footers any time they like as the show is as good replication of the world famous The Eagles as you can get.
After leading Wickety Wak to become one of the most successful showbands ever in Australia, I understood the work ethic and to excellence required to take an act to its potential heights. A group is only ever as good as its weakest performer and for the first 12 months of Wickety Wak, we realised that even though it was a good product, it could and should be better. We replaced and brought 2 new members into the band and from day one, the magic happened.
Paul McGovern brings that same commitment to any band or project that he is involved with. Near enough is not good enough for Paul. He has performed in other groups and given unconditional loyally to them and the venues they performed in. But Paul chases and demands excellence with the understanding that the audiences he performs to are the most important judges of what they do. And that is the reason that I would recommend that all venues can only be better off by using anything Paul has to offer.
Simply outstanding.
I can personally state the show was of the highest standard.
The room was sold out to a very welcoming crowd. Further comments received on the evening were extremely gratifying.
The members of the cast and production were very professional and accommodating.
I would not hesitate to recommend this show to any interested party wishing to enhance their venue.
The band's professionalism on and off stage made the night a stand out night for the club in 2016.
I have had many locals approach me in the street saying how much they enjoyed the show and asking when they will return.
I would highly recommend this fabulous show, it is as close as you will get to the real thing, musically and vocally.
The band is made up of a group of extremely talented musicians and vocalists who present a fantastic tribute to the music of The Eagles.
This is a must see show.
The Eagles "The Heart of the Matter" Tribute Band are a truly wonderful band with a huge range of The Eagles' popular song lists, and what a treat to have a band that can all actually play their instruments, perform, sing, and are so professional.
Individually they are all talented guys - together they are a dynamic and entertaining band.
They light up any venue with their fabulous harmonies and effortless performance.
This band is really what live bands should sound like!
Paul was born to sing these songs, possessing a voice with an identical range and slight huskiness akin to Henley's, lending a feel of authenticity to his delivery.
We had nothing but positive comments from our patrons and staff. We have booked them for more gigs in 2017.
As a club venturing more into the live entertainment/cabaret styled theme shows etc, I specifically went out of my way to view the "Heart of the Matter” show staged by the group Jalapeno Deluxe and led by Mr Paul McGovern.
To state that I was impressed, would be a complete understatement.
The Eagles music would have to be one of the hardest to cover and these guys pulled it off. The musical arrangements offered superb Guitar riffs and musical harmony with fantastic keyboard and drum strokes and it all worked perfectly.
The combination of vocals offers really solid and enjoyable harmony’s much like the real Eagles and at times, you get lost in Paul McGovern's likeness to Don Henley.
The Eagles Show — "Heart of The Matter” is booked and ready to rock at our club and I am extremely delighted to have such a fine act join us on the 24th of June 2016.
The set list was tailored perfectly to the demographic and delivered with energy and humor. Our members loved the band and song choices, and I was particularly impressed with the fact that you stayed to have a chat with the punters – “after sales service” makes a big difference. The only negative was that one lady described you as a good sort, so I will be sending my staff on a responsible service of alcohol refresher course.
In all seriousness – you delivered what you promised and showed great support with social media and promotional displays. Look forward to doing it again soon.
Thanks again,
On Saturday 27th March our very first live gig for the year was The Heart of the Matter presents Rocking Down the Highway featuring Paul McGovern.
We were a little worried as being the first show of the year, we may not get a big crowd.
Wow! What a night!
We had a capacity crowd and the new show was amazing.
The patrons loved it as people still heard the Eagles big hits which will always be a massive part of the show, but also with songs from the Cars, Chris Isaak, Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and many more, there was a diversity that suited everyone.
I wanted to book this show again in November, but they were already booked so I have secured a 2022 date already.
Thanks to Paul and his band for not only being a pleasure to work with, but for their amazing show.
It was clear from the stage set-up and instruments (amazing drum kit) that these guys were serious about what they do.
From the moment that Paul McGovern open their set with ‘The Long Run’, we knew we were in for a treat.
Paul’s voice sounds uncannily like that of Don Henley’s yet they are far from the standard fare of corner pub impersonators. Every member of the band displayed superb musicianship across a range of instruments, with the lead guitarist stunning us all with his skill.
Through two solid hours these guys clearly enjoyed what they do delivering the full range of Eagles classics through to a raunchy rendition of Joe Walsh’s ‘Rocky Mountain Way’.
We had humour, harmonies, dancing and faithful renditions of Eagles classics to do the band and their fans proud.
As the lead singer said, “we’re not trying to impersonate anybody. We just want the music we love to speak for itself”.
I’d love to see them again.
It gives me great pleasure in writing this testimonial for The Eagles Show "The Heart of the Matter", who performed at our venue earlier this month.
I can't recommend the show highly enough, I have nothing but praise for Paul & his band, who are the ultimate professionals, they're extremely organised and well-rehearsed, and it showed in their performance, which was faultless.
This was a very popular show with our members and visitors, the show sold out in a matter of weeks. Our patrons are a tough crowd with high expectations, and we have received nothing but praise and positive feedback all round. So much so, we will be booking for the show for some time in the next 12-18 months.
Over the years, we've had other Eagles Tribute Shows play here, but this show is head & shoulders above any others we've seen before.
This is a high quality tribute show that I believe will do well at any venue throughout Australia.
Wow, what a great show!!! An absolute delight to deal with & so very professional.
We are already looking at dates for next year and have had amazing feedback from our patrons saying what a great sound and feel the show had.
Paul has been amazing to deal with, nothing is a problem for him and only too happy to help with the promotion of the venue.
I can honestly say I look forward to dealing with Paul & his company in the future & have no hesitation in recommending his show to other venues.
I'd like to say thank you & your band for bringing 'The Heart of the Matter', The music of The Eagles concert to our venue on Firday 22nd July 2016.
It was very professional and very well performed rendition of the world's most popular bands. The result of which was reflected in the faces of happy people leaving the room at the end of the night after having a great night out.
Firstly, I would like to thank you very much for your incredible performance at our sold out show on Friday 24th June.
The amount of positive feedback received from the evening thus far has been astounding and your group's professionalism and accuracy of portraying The Eagles was nothing short of spectacular.
We were so impressed that we look forward to you returning to the Warners Bay Sports Club in November 2017.
For anyone that has concerns or questions regarding your show, I am available for a verbal testimonial at their convenience.
On 2 February 1986, Nurse Anita Cobby was abducted, raped and murdered by five offenders at Prospect NSW. I was one of the Detectives who successfully investigated her case.
Anita’s late parents, Garry and Grace Lynch wished that “something good would come out of something so bad”. On the 30th Anniversary of her murder, the organising committee conducted the Anita Cobby Memorial Charity Dinner 2016.
The dinner raised $170,000 to establish Grace’s Place (after Anita’s mother Grace) a ‘WORLD FIRST’ Trauma Centre for those left behind after a homicide, especially children. The centre, administered by the Homicide Victim’s Support Group Inc. will provide a safe and secure facility with mental health professionals available to support and counsel families emotionally decimated by a homicide.
The event was held 6.30pm 2 February, 2016 in the Diamond Showroom, Blacktown Workers Club. 720 people attended. This event had high media interest. Simon Bouda, Crime Reporter, Channel 9 Sydney was our MC on the night.
Special guests were His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales & Mrs Hurley, The Hon. Mike Baird, MP. Premier of NSW and Minister for Western Sydney & Mrs Baird, Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas APM, New South Wales Police Force & Mrs Kaldas, The Hon. Mark Speakman MP Minister for the Environment, Minister for Heritage, and Assistant Minister for Planning & Mrs Speakman, Councillor Stephen Bali, Mayor of Blacktown City, Kathryn Szyszka (Anita’s sister) and Martha Jabour, Homicide Victim’s Support Group Inc., Executive Director.
The night consisted of a Memorial for Anita Cobby, speeches, fundraising and entertainment. A special feature and centre stage for the night was Paul McGovern’s band presenting the “Eagles Show”. What a magnificent professional show was performed by Paul and his band. The Eagle’s songs were varied and a good mix from their repertoire.
The band engaged with the audience who were singing along and tapping their feet to the Eagle’s songs. The show received rave reviews and a rowdy applause with shouts of “More”. The band donated their show at no cost. A marvellous gesture. We strongly recommend Paul’s band knowing they will bring any event alive and have the audience spellbound with memories from the Eagles and others.
For many years, Paul McGovern has personally kept alive the memory of Anita Cobby.
Yours Sincerely, on behalf of the committee,