Guy Sebastian's long awaited T.R.U.T.H. tour finally hit the stage at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre (14 May), and I'm not sure who was more excited to be there – us or Guy.
Superstar and multi ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter, Guy had been waiting for this moment since releasing his ninth studio album 'T.R.U.T.H' in October 2020. But thanks to the pandemic, the tour was delayed in line with COVID-19 restrictions.After yet another delay in November, Guy is finally carrying out his national T.R.U.T.H. tour all across Australia.
It's the tour that Guy Sebastian fans have all been waiting for, and with an elaborate stage presence, finely tuned backing singers and band, and a voice that had been impatiently waiting to return to the stage for too many years, it was well worth the wait.
Opening the night was Bella Taylor Smith, Guy's protege from 'The Voice' who warmed up the audience in the most wholesome way possible.
Bella Taylor Smith - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Singing covers and originals, her voice filled the Centre and built the anticipation for the night as people found their seats and settled in for an evening of quality music.
She joined Sebastian later in the night for two beautiful duets, truly showing the duo's deep connection and ability to harmonise in a way that sent goosebumps up the arms of the entire arena.
Guy's entrance for the night was nothing short of exactly what we'd expected: big, bold, strong. Despite having had COVID only a week earlier (delaying his Northern Queensland shows), there was no part of his performance that showed it.
Opening with 'Before I Go', and incorporating his entire entourage to introduce the show, it was the perfect start to the night filled with ballads, choruses, and solos.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
Although the tour was for his most recent 'T.R.U.T.H.' album, Sebastian pulled on the heartstrings, and brought back long forgotten memories as he reminisced and performed renditions of some of his biggest hits over the years (almost 20 years of writing and performing makes for a solid song list for the night!).
Treating the audience to classics such as 2012's 'Gold' and 2010's 'Who's That Girl', we quickly realised Sebastian's music has played as the soundtrack for some monumental moments over the years.
When he realised the first time he played at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre was in 2004, for the 'Australian Idol' tour, he felt drawn to perform a rendition of his original hit, 'Angels Brought Me Here', which was a treat for those of us who remembered it!
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
Playing his wide range of songs really highlighted Sebastian's musical inspiration across the years – history's finest soul, funk, gospel and, say it proud, pop – and although he's grown tremendously since his Idol days, it was clear to see his soul and passion behind his music hasn't wavered over time.
Accompanied by an enormously talented band, which was complete with a trio of strings and always enthusiastic backing singers, Guy was surrounded with nothing but the best for the concert.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
Not only was his entourage all wildly talented, his humility shone through his introductions for each of the individuals, highlighting their expertise, encouraging a variety of solos throughout the show, and sharing his genuine appreciation for their involvement in the show.
It's hard not to feel good while watching him! His bold, eclectic, and vibrant choreography treated the audience to an all inclusive show, and ensured that even the drummer and guitarists were involved in the performance.
If the music didn't get you tapping your feet, the infectious joy that was oozing from the stage was sure to get you bopping, clapping, and vibing along throughout the whole show.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
Sebastian's show was the most wholesome, family friendly, joyful show the Brisbane Entertainment Centre has seen since COVID.
With big songs, big ballads, amazing musicianship, heartfelt stories and of course, lots of dancing, joy and charismatic charm that is Guy Sebastian, this was his best show yet.
More photos from the show.
