As earlier as 10am, Cooper Alan fans lined up at Brisbane's The Fortitude Music Hall (1 November), keen to get up close and personal with the mashup master of country music.
Melanie Dyer took the stage with a warm smile and infectious energy, opening her set with a genuine greeting: "It is so good to see you tonight." She immediately connected with her audience, acknowledging the brief time they had together. "We only have 30 short minutes, and I'm not going to waste it."Before her first song, she playfully asked: "Does anybody out there have a loser ex-boyfriend?" A sentiment met with cheers and laughter from the crowd. "Like any good country singer, I wrote a song about mine."
Melanie played her song 'Dumb Decisions', a 2022 track she co-released with Caitlyn Shadbolt that captures the feelings of impulsive choices and the inevitable regrets that follow. She also played her hit 'Deep End', which she released with Dylan Wright earlier this year. Each song seemed to resonate deeply with the audience, who sang along feeling every lyric as if it were their own story.
Melanie Dyer - image © KealiJoan Studios
As the set continued, Melanie shifted gears surprising the crowd with a mashup of popular hits, blending her own style with well-loved anthems. Her mashup included Katy Perry's 'Last Friday Night', Taylor Swift's '22', Kesha's 'TikTok', and Calum Scott's 'Dancing On My Own'. Each song was met with enthusiastic cheers as the audience danced and sang along, transported back to carefree memories. This seamless fusion of familiar hits with her own song '20s' created a vibrant atmosphere, making the night unforgettable.
Throughout her performance, Melanie reminded everyone of her mission: 'It's our job here tonight to make one of those moments, the ones you have to explain to someone who wasn't here. You know, when you say, 'you had to be there'." Her words resonated with everyone in the room, creating a shared experience that went beyond the music.
Cooper Alan's performance was nothing short of electric. From the moment he stepped onstage, he radiated an energy that instantly captivated the audience.
"This is our favourite city in the world, and we are not just saying it because we are here," he declared, igniting cheers from the Brisbane crowd. His enthusiasm felt genuine, and his excitement was contagious, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
Cooper Alan - image © KealiJoan Studios
Cooper quickly jumped into fan favourites, such as 'Feel Like Hell Today' and 'Can't Dance'. Both songs struck a chord with the audience, who sang along to every word. Dedicating 'Can't Dance' to the women of Brisbane, Cooper wasted no time making his fans feel special.
The song's high-energy beat and catchy lyrics had everyone on their feet, and it was clear the crowd was ready to match his energy. The connection between Cooper and the audience was palpable, making it feel like a true celebration of music and community.
Midway through his set, Cooper took the party to a new level with an Aussie tradition, the shoey. He paused, held up a shoe, filled it, and took a drink, to the roaring approval of the audience.
With the crowd still buzzing, Cooper shared a personal moment that added a layer of intimacy to the show. "This is the best night of my life," he said with a beaming smile. "I got married a year ago, ladies and gentlemen, and my wife is in the building."
Cooper Alan - image © KealiJoan Studios
His pride and joy was evident as he encouraged the crowd to start a chant of his wife's name, which they eagerly joined. It was clear how much she meant to him, and the entire room was wrapped up in the sweetness of the moment.
He then performed 'Take Forever', a song he wrote for his wife and originally performed at their wedding. The lyrics were heartfelt and deeply personal, and as he sang, you could see him pouring his soul into every note. The song resonated with everyone in the audience, making them feel like they were part of this special moment in his life. When the song ended, Cooper ran offstage to kiss his wife, bringing the crowd to an emotional high as they cheered for the romantic gesture.
Towards the end of his set, Cooper invited his wife onstage, and they shared a light-hearted, fun moment by doing a shoey together. The crowd erupted in applause, delighted by their playful connection and how comfortable Cooper was in sharing these personal moments.
In true Cooper Alan style, he kept the energy high with a mashup of popular hits getting the audience even more involved by inviting them to shout out artists names. With impressive speed, he created a freestyle mashup based on their suggestions, showcasing his creativity and spontaneity. It was a testament to his musical talent and quick wit, and it had the crowd roaring in appreciation.
Cooper Alan - image © KealiJoan Studios
As the night drew to a close, Cooper took a moment to capture the memory, gathering the crowd for a photo to commemorate what he called "the best crowd we've ever played for".
He closed with a promise that resonated with everyone there: "We'll be back in Brisbane; we'll be back in Australia." With those words, he left the stage, leaving the audience with an unforgettable experience and the hope of another wild night with Cooper Alan in the near future.
More photos from the concert.
