Cold Chisel, Guns and Roses, ACDC, the rowdy, noisy fare of the average karaoke, backed by a fairly ordinary recording of the music, is what we’re used to enduring, but following a trial of a live karaoke in February, Percy’s Bar and Kitchen is bringing the classy version back.

“It’s like having your own band behind you rather than a recording,” said the bar’s co-owner Chris Cornforth. 

“We have Em and Beno playing the backing music and adding vocals as well, so it’s not like your usual pub screaming match.”

Seasoned solo performer Ben McGarity says  although it takes a while, people do eventually get up and sing. 

“It’s great fun. They’re a bit timid at first, but after Em and I played a few tunes and a little ‘courage’ set in, they were up and at it,” he said.

Violinist Emily Killen will bring her enviable flair with the violin to add an even greater touch of quality to the evening.

If you’re worried that the choices of a duo are limited, don’t be, Mr McGarity says they have hundreds of tunes ready to play this Saturday night, including songs from the perennial favourite, Cold Chisel.

“Bloody oath! We’ve got a full range of tunes from 50s through to now including Gloria Gaynor, Frankie Valli, INXS, Lionel Ritchie to name a few,” he said.