George Ezra Brisbane Review @ The Tivoli Theatre

Can we just call him 'Joyous George' because this man of the golden hair and the golden vocals, simply could not stop smiling during his show at The Tivoli Theatre (9 March).

Back with his follow-up album ‘Staying At Tamara’s’ [released later this month], George Ezra looks like he’s in a very happy place right now and it soulfully shines through his music.

Click here for more photos from the show.

Supported by the lilting sounds of Melbourne-based Ainslie Wills, The Tivoli was filled with an incredibly polite crowd that was as diverse as it was democratic who all waited patiently for the main man to come on.

Wills was captivating and a beautiful balance to George and his booming baritone, but it was clear who the crowd were there to see.


As soon as Ezra stepped on stage, there was a gleeful roar that rolled like a wave from the front of the crowd to the back and left him standing there simply grinning in delight.

In fact, Ezra looks like one of the happiest performers to ever go on tour; a smile never leaving his face and quick to chuckle at himself.

He was chatty, explaining how a song was created or the story behind a lyric and by doing so, invited us into his world to play along.

Opening with 'Cassy O’, Ezra and his band of merry performers got the crowd swaying, singing and snappily clicking along without any apparent effort. Wherever he went, the crowd eagerly followed.


His band filled the sparse stage, standing in moody, ambient, coloured lighting and gentle smokey haze.

Ezra himself took centre stage, wearing a preppy combo of black pants, a button-up, collared shirt and black dress shoes. Throw in a clean-cut hairstyle, a cheeky grin and those big, blue eyes and you can see why he’s hitting heartthrob status.

And that’s before he even opens his mouth. Once those honeyed vocals rolled off his tongue, it was clear that the crowd would do whatever he asked.

And with that he launched into ‘Paradise’, a song off his new album, and without even knowing the words somehow he got the crowd singing along.


His band comprised of guitars, drums, trumpet, trombone and keys and it was a heady combination that allowed an intoxicating mix of sounds, which was all led by Ezra’s distinctive voice. And that’s how the night progressed; one song after another, blending interesting storytelling lyrics with catchy hooks and heartfelt emotion.

So it’s easy to see why his first album, ‘Wanted On Voyage’, catapulted him to fame and garnered attention from all corners of the globe. His second looks like doing more of the same. Because he feels authentic. And genuine. And like a good guy.

Really he’s just so good. Good voice, good songs, good heart, good soul. And good here is an exceptional compliment.

His youthful hope shines through his music and his sweet enthusiasm for life hasn’t been sullied yet. And his gift is that he can give this to anyone who listens to him, even if only for a moment.

So maybe we can call him Joyous George: the giver of goodness. And an exceptional musician who’s only just beginning his journey. Let's see where he takes us next.