Nineteen years after winning ‘Idol’, Guy Sebastian is in the prime of his career; boasting a No.1 album with ‘T.R.U.T.H.’
He nabbed ARIA Song Of The Year in 2021 with ‘Choir’ and is in the midst of sold out tour, which includes multiple arena shows in Sydney and Melbourne.
As an OG fan attending every tour with my mum before it was cool, it is SO satisfying to see him finally get the recognition he deserves.
After touring almost every year pre-COVID and branching out regionally all over the country, Guy is a testament that in time, hard work pays off. And this really is his best tour yet.
Opening with sleeper hit ‘Before I Go’, Guy looked every inch the superstar as he fights for his place at the top singing ‘I’m stronger up against the ropes … I say when I am done’.
Next up was the radio hit ‘Love On Display’ which, like the song, is encouraging PDA with a love cam roaming through the crowd (sadly there were no kisses).
The dancing continued on one of his six No.1 singles ‘Who’s That Girl’ with much loved support from backing singer Carmen Smith filling in on Eve’s rap.
Guy impressed with his an epic guitar intro on album track ‘Who I Love’ (tips from Keith Urban perhaps?) which was beautifully incorporated with pictures plastered over the screen of Guy at home with the family.
The love for his family continued when he sang ‘In A World’, Guy’s personal favourite from the album, which he wrote specifically for his son Archie. We were actually lucky to be seated behind Guy’s wife Jules, her kids and their bestie Samantha Jade. The support from his young kids and their friends before and during the show was so infectious and wholesome.
What I love about Guy’s songwriting throughout all his albums is that he wears his heart on his sleeve; which was showcased on much loved singles ‘Set In Stone’, ‘Standing With You’ and ‘Believer’.
One of his most popular singles, ‘Battle Scars’, which spent six weeks at No.1 and sold a million in the US, received an updated arrangement like much of his set list – but it didn’t land the way I would have liked. Whilst the crowd lapped it up, I personally would have liked a more traditional set up to encourage more of a singalong.
Special guest and ‘The Voice’ 2021 winner Bella Taylor Smith truly stole the show with an outstanding support slot and then performed two duets with her coach Guy.
First they recreated the ‘The Prayer’ (which brought Guy to tears) and then we were treated to the throwback of his 2009 hit ‘Art Of Love’, originally recorded with Jordin Sparks.
Speaking of special guests, no Guy Sebastian tour would be complete without the supreme backing vocals of Gary Pinto. After years in the background, Guy honoured Gary with his own moment singing a Sam Cooke song within the show which was a testament to their friendship and mutual respect for someone who is so adored by the OG fans.
An injection of hits soon followed in order to end his set on a high.
His career changing ‘Like It Like That’ got everyone on their feet before the celebratory ‘Gold’ and then my favourite track of the night – his ‘Avicii’ moment on ‘Like A Drum’.
Coming as no surprise, the final song undoubtedly had to be ‘Choir’. It is the most important single he has ever released and has completely rejuvenated his career. The special track is an upbeat tribute to his friend and bandmate who tragically passed.
Guy beautifully wrote that when he sees his friend again that hes going to have a million voices singing along and this energy was felt as Guy created a real life choir by dividing the crowd and singing different harmonies.
All in all, the tour is an outstanding success. Guy has continually shown that he is able to remain relevant and current on radio which makes me so excited to see where his career will go next.
He is making a difference in youth mental health with the Sebastian Foundation and branched out to organising his own outdoor festival ‘Higher Sounds’ later this year.
His critics may say that he has sold out to reality TV after being a judge on ‘The X Factor’ and ‘The Voice’ over the last 12 years.
But as a lover of Australian music who has seen the industry struggle with the challenges of streaming, COVID and a lack of mass promo opportunities, I am so impressed by Guys tenacity to still have hits and be ahead in the game nearly 20 years into his career.
Guy was forced to postpone two shows on the tour due to contracting COVID-19 last week.
Cairns and Townsville fans should hold onto their tickets for rescheduled dates, to be announced soon.
The tour will resume later this week;
May 13 : Gold Coast (Convention & Exhibition Centre)
May 14 : Brisbane (Entertainment Centre)
May 18 : Hobart (Derwent Entertainment Centre)
May 20 : Melbourne (Margaret Court Arena)
May 21 : Melbourne (Margaret Court Arena)
May 22 : Melbourne (Margaret Court Arena)
May 24 : Melbourne (Margaret Court Arena)
May 25 : Melbourne (Margaret Court Arena)
May 27 : Perth (RAC Arena)
May 29 : Adelaide (Adelaide Entertainment Centre)
June 02 : Bendigo (Bendigo Stadium)
June 04 : Sydney (Aware Super Theatre)
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