"Welcome to the very first night of 'Found Heaven' on tour!"
Last night (11 July) saw over 10,000 eager Conan Gray fans awaiting the opening night of his brand new 'Found Heaven' world tour at Melbourne's John Cain Arena.Beginning by writing songs in his bedroom and posting covers to YouTube, Conan has quickly become a crucial voice for fans new and old, with hits such as 'Heather' (now nearing two billion Spotify streams) becoming Gen Z anthems.
Fans all over the country have been awaiting Gray's triumphant return since his previous 'Superache' tour in 2022, where he performed locally to a sold-out Margaret Court Arena supported by Charlie Collins.
As fans filed into Melbourne Olympic Park covered in bows, sequins and 'Found Heaven' themed colours, the atmosphere was like nothing I had previously felt at Olympic Park. The suspense to see what Gray had planned for his brand new tour was overwhelming.
As fans entered John Cain Arena, Kat Edwards played a half-hour set to open the night. Containing original songs such as unreleased track 'Damaged Goods' and covers like Chappell Roan's 'Casual', new fans gained a taste of this up and coming artist's style and music with parts of the audience evidently falling in love, filling the arena with lit-up phone torches and swaying arms.
Conan's set opened with the title track from recent album, 'Found Heaven'. The stage lights flashing dramatically before the curtain falls Conan stepping out to begin the first track.
Of course, Conan was dressed in a stunning outfit to suit the essence and overall vibe of the tour; a matching silver and black set comprised of pants and a crop top, of course featuring a star on the chest.
The overall production of this show was a step up from anything we have seen from Conan yet. From the elaborate curtain display that frams the band, to a platform that extends out of the stage, allowing for Conan to be elevated above the stage, Conan's overall stage presence has skyrocketed the last few years.
The set list featured mostly tracks from the 'Found Heaven' album, though some old favourites were also performed: 'Wish You Were Sober', 'Memories', 'Heather' and 'Maniac'.
This concert truly incorporated something for everybody, Conan fans both young and old, as it touches across all three albums ('Kid Krow', 'Superache' and 'Found Heaven', yet excluded songs from his debut EP, and fan favourite, 'Sunset Season'.
If you've previously found yourself on the fence over attending a Conan Gray concert, I truly cannot recommend this experience enough to 'find heaven' with Conan Gray.
- written by Grace Gordon
