Review by Markus Hamence & Jeff Smith – Performance date: Monday 25 November 2024, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, South Australia
The Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena was the stage for James Blunt’s much-anticipated return to Australia, marking his first tour in over six years – we were starting to think he had said to Australia, ‘Goodbye My Lover’! Fortunately, he hadn’t.
But, let’s start at the beginning. The balmy and humid night in Adelaide kicked off with a dynamic performance by Melbourne’s own the Pierce Brothers, setting an highly energetic vibe for the night, so let’s chat on these guys first!…
Pierce Brothers: A Riveting Opening Act
The Pierce Brothers, known for their high-energy indie-folk performances, did not disappoint and brought a fricken wild, kick-butt set. Their half hour performance was a blend of spirited melodies and heartfelt lyrics, engaging the audience from the outset. The duo’s synergy and stage presence were evident, as they seamlessly transitioned between instruments and harmonies. Their performance not only showcased their musical prowess but also served as a perfect prelude to the main act.
Worth mentioning is their physical energy too. They bounce around the stage AND theatre aisles ensuring that every audience member is entranced in their story. Their interaction & chemistry with each other on stage is real and they present as a unified duo. They work hard, yet, with a natural ease and they KNOW their craft well.
Jack and Patrick Pierce are wickedly good and very powerful with stage presence. I can’t think of another support that I’ve seen in recent years that made you forget they were the support. These lads are headliners and going onto big things. This is the Australian band we need to represent us musically right now. Lyrically, engagement with the audience AND musicianship they are untouchable. Their brotherly bond goes ways further… what they give us in musicianship is exceptional and the finest of art.
Sounds like that there could be a headline Australian tour in 2025, sooooo, eyes and ears peeled for that announcement my music appreciating friends!
James Blunt: A Masterful Return
Taking the stage amidst enthusiastic applause, James Blunt delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and fresh. Drawing from his extensive discography, he performed classics like ‘You’re Beautiful’ and ‘Goodbye My Lover’, which struck deeply with the audience. In addition to his timeless hits, Blunt introduced tracks from his latest album, ‘Who We Used To Be’, including the upbeat single ‘Beside You’. The new material was well-received, indicating Blunt’s continued relevance in the contemporary music scene.
The strong musicianship on stage was powerful and executed the songs with dynamic talent. The sound acoustically was excellent. A special nod also to the lighting (and the visual screen backdrop) – actually freaking brilliant. Each song had it’s own vibe (lighting wise) and created a character and mood for each performance.
Audience Engagement and Atmosphere
James also is a great story-teller and VERY hilarious – Blunt’s rapport with the audience was a highlight of the evening. His candid anecdotes and witty banter between songs added a personal touch to the performance, making the large arena feel intimate. The crowd’s enthusiastic participation, singing along to familiar tunes and responding warmly to new ones, created a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Highlights
When James asks us to turn on our mobile torches for a ballad and all other stage and venue lighting was turned off the room became a unison of the artist and the crowd creating an ethereal and magic scene to behold.
James is great at drawing the best from us and encouraging us to interact in the show. For the encore ‘1927’ Blunt gave all the energy and climbed upon the upright piano and created our crowd frenzy. He’s bloody fit and we followed suit.
There was the Mexican Wave for ‘High’ which was fun to experience again. EVERYBODY got involved.
His self deprecating nature is funny and endearing as he constantly poked fun at himself. This artist is a showman in his own format.
Collaborative Review
But don’t just take my word on this exceptional show. I asked my good friend and also avid music appreciator, Jeff Smith, to give me his thoughts on the performance too. Read on…
“James Blunt’s Who We Used To Be Adelaide performance affirmed the British musician as every inch the consummate songwriter and showman. Blunt has been touring the world for 20-years and it’s this experience that shines during an-all commanding Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena concert.
As a world-class artist he delivers exactly what the fans want and more, complete with self-depreciating humour, unrelenting energy and most importantly a back catalogue of classic songs that are universally known and perhaps reluctantly loved. Fans of all ages, young and old, men and women know every word and sing these proudly tonight. Iconic songs such as High, Goodbye My Lover and of course, You’re Beautiful blend effortlessly with newer material.
Blunt knows that while the audience is partial to sad and ‘miserable’ songs he also wants to make them feel good delivering a range of up-tempo tracks including Bonfire Heart, 1973 and the dance fuelled Ok. This was a show that had all engaged from the get-go and swooning for more Blunt, and the best news is that he announced he will be back on our shores in 2025″.
Conclusion
The show is testament to James Blunt’s undying talent and career endurance and the Pierce Brothers’ very worthy rising prominence in the music industry. The seamless blend of belter ballads and energetic performances made for a memorable evening, leaving fans eagerly anticipating future tours. AND, I’ll be there, again.
Stars? The night was EXCELLENT, so…
Check out our official Photo Galleries from the night here!
James Blunt
Pierce Brothers
