REVIEW: Fred again.. Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne.
“Yo! It's a Tuesday at 10 pm and this is one of the best days of my life” at Rod Laver Arena for Fred again..
Starting with introspective tracks like "Kyle” & “Carlos” he gradually drew the audience into his sonic world. However, the tone shifted swiftly as he urged the crowd to part, not so easily making his way to the centre of the arena. It was a setup reminiscent of Kanye West's Saint Pablo Tour, minus the erratic rants. Here, amidst the crowd, Fred unleashed his biggest hits – the pulsating beats of "Jungle," the electrifying vibes of "Turn on the Lights," and the seismic energy of "Rumble."
The visuals accompanying the performance added another layer to the experience. A vertical screen displayed raw iPhone moments from Fred's day-to-day life, offering a glimpse into the artist's world. Interspersed with these personal captures were clips like Frank Ocean performing "Chanel" live, creating a visually dynamic backdrop that perfectly complemented the eclectic sounds resonating through the arena.
But it didn't stop there. The visuals evolved into a mix of live moments, capturing the energy shared between Fred and the crowd, creating an immersive atmosphere. The visual journey reached its peak with glimpses from Fred's recent Melbourne warehouse party at the Timber Yard, blending the intimate and the grandiose into a multimedia spectacle. This fusion of personal moments, curated visuals, and live captures not only elevated the concert into a multi-sensory journey but also showcased the diverse facets of Fred again..'s artistic expression.
The lighting design was a journey in itself, a visual symphony of red, yellow, and blue, perfectly complementing the sonic landscape of each of his albums.
In a moment of genuine connection, Fred made it clear that the crowd was more than just spectators; they were an integral part of the experience. He emphasised how crucial each person was to the show, acknowledging that without the audience, there would be no spectacle – a sentiment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, there was an unsung hero of the night – Tony. His energy was infectious, a constant force that fuelled the crowd's enthusiasm. The unspoken sentiment echoed throughout, "We fucking love Tony." With each beat, each note, and every surge of energy, Tony became an integral part of the narrative, adding an extra layer to the collective experience. His presence was a testament to the collaborative spirit that Fred again.. and his team brought to the stage, solidifying the night as not just a musical performance but a shared celebration of music, energy, and the love for Tony's contagious vibe.
The echoes of the night reverberated through the biggest sing-alongs – a collective voice singing in unison to "Adore You," "Danielle," and a clear fan favourite, "Delilah."
The pinnacle of the evening arrived with the surprise appearances of Angie McMahon, lending her vocals to "I’ve Been Lost," and Clara, creating a perfect conclusion to an already incredible night.
However, not everyone was on the same wavelength. An unknown Fred "fan" audibly questioned, "Ew, why is he singing and playing piano?" Perhaps a dissenting voice in the crowd, but for the majority, it seemed everyone was there for the right reasons, immersed in the magic Fred again.. had created throughout the night.
Fred again.. Aus Tour Dates
Presented by Handsome Tours, Laneway Presents, TEG Live and Astral People
Mon 4 Mar - Rod Laver Arena - Melbourne
Tue 5 Mar - Rod Laver Arena - Melbourne
Wed 6 Mar - Rod Laver Arena - Melbourne
Tue 12 Mar - Qudos Bank Arena - Sydney
Wed 13 Mar - Qudos Bank Arena - Sydney
Thu 14 Mar - Qudos Bank Arena - Sydney
Sat 9 Mar - Pop up - Location TBC - Gold Coast
More info HERE.