Review: Bruno Major @ The Tivoli (Brisbane)

Bruno Major played The Tivoli (Brisbane) on 19 January, 2024 - image © KealiJoan Studios
I'm Keali and I live in Brisbane. I love anything cats, country or metal, and I love a good moshpit. When I'm not behind the camera or writing, I am probably at band practice or reading with my cat and a cup of tea.

Anticipation was building as Bruno Major enthusiasts assembled for a delightful evening at Brisbane's The Tivoli.

The atmosphere was electric, with excitement reaching a fever pitch as fans of all ages skipped around the venue (19 January), creating an appeal that transcended generational boundaries.

From the moment he stepped into the spotlight, Kevin Garrett's presence commanded attention. The atmosphere in the venue shifted as he began to weave a tapestry of emotions through his soulful voice and mesmerising lyrics.

The raw authenticity in his performance resonated with the crowd especially when he told the crowd: "We are going to get along just fine."

Finishing off his set with single 'Hard Work', which was released at the end of last year, the interaction between Garrett and the crowd was heartwarming. He engaged with the audience between songs, sharing anecdotes and creating an intimate atmosphere.

The genuine appreciation for his fans was evident, making the concert feel like a shared experience rather than a mere performance.

Kevin Garrett
Kevin Garrett - image © KealiJoan Studios

From the moment he entered the stage with a flourish of energy, it was clear Bruno Major is not just a performer; he is a storyteller whose melodies weave intricate tales of love, heartbreak, and the human experience.

He started off his set with much loved songs like 'Fair-Weather Friend' and 'Wouldn't Mean A Thing', the artist and crowd becoming intertwined.

Major enthusiastically announced: "Welcome to the tour of Planet Earth! We've been all over the shop; we went to North America, Asia, Europe, the UK, and now, here we are in Australia."

Reflecting on his previous Australian experience, Bruno shared: "Last time I played here, it was in a bar." With a touch of humour, he added: "Since then, the world ended, and then it un-ended itself, and I released two albums."

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Bruno Major - image © KealiJoan Studios

Major's voice, a velvety instrument that resonated throughout the venue, conveyed a range of emotions with precision and soulful authenticity. The audience was immediately drawn into the rich and immersive world he created, and each song felt like a journey into the depths of his artistic expression.

The connection between Major and his audience was palpable. His lively stage presence, accompanied by witty and sincere banter, such as jokingly telling his fans "I'm wearing two shirts because I'm just a fashion-leading industry person," created an intimate atmosphere. This transformed the expansive venue into an exclusive gathering of friends.

Bruno's genuine appreciation for his fans was evident, as he effortlessly interacted with them, turning the entire performance into a shared and unforgettable experience.

Noticing a fan holding a sign that read 'I want to grow old to your music', Bruno playfully addressed the crowd, saying to the fan: "When you get a girlfriend, she's going to be a really lucky lady. You're going to smash the proposal; I can see it. All you've got to do is cross out 'music' and write 'you'."

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Bruno Major - image © KealiJoan Studios

The arrangement of Major's live band complemented his vocals flawlessly. The synergy between the musicians added layers of complexity to the performance, enhancing the overall sonic experience.

Seamless transitions and expertly executed solos showcased the tight-knit collaboration between Major and his band, creating a cohesive and immersive musical journey.

Major's set list was a carefully curated selection of fan favourites and hidden gems, demonstrating a keen understanding of his audience's preferences, even getting them to choose between 'Nothing' and 'Old Fashioned' – each song was met with enthusiastic applause, but 'Nothing' came out on top, prompting Major to say: "This song is the reason we get to go on tour."

One of the standout moments of the night was Major's ability to create intimate and introspective moments within the larger-than-life venue. Stripping down some songs to their acoustic core with just him in the spotlight, he showcased the raw beauty of his songwriting, allowing the vulnerability of his lyrics to shine through.

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Bruno Major - image © KealiJoan Studios

Embracing opportunities like taking selfies onstage with a fan's film camera, and engaging in playful banter with both his band and the audience, Bruno Major's live performance undoubtedly stood out as a masterclass in musical artistry.

The well-crafted 'thank you' segment at the conclusion of the set, combined with dancing among the crowd and showcasing the talents of his band, left no doubt that everyone present departed the venue enchanted by the experience.

More photos from the concert.

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