As a long-time listener, first-time attendee to a Guy Sebastian concert, there was something uniquely and refreshingly family-oriented about his concert at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Monday (20 April).
The kind of dads and daughters, big sister and little brother, safe event. Apart from that observation, it had all the characteristics of any internationally run tour and none of the marketing slickness that usually attaches itself.
So it should be. Guy Sebastian is an experienced and successful performer, producer and songwriter. His music and perpetually maintained clean reputation is its own attractive drawcard – no matter how long it took, it has paid off serendipitously.
His generosity showed in the performance time given to his audience, too – over two hours.
Guy is anxiously conscious of talking too much, and while yes, there's a bit of convo, it's either engaging on a close level or trying desperately to understand what the audience is yelling out.
Image © Michelle Cop
It's difficult as he has an IEM in one ear (inner-ear listening device), leaving the stage clean and free of fold-back speakers, however it made for some pretty funny moments.
'Get It Done' and '100 Times Around The Sun', both from the 2025 album of the latter title, was followed by 'Who's That Girl' from 'Twenty Ten', a double disc greatest hits compilation album released in, not surprisingly 2010, to mark his achievements following his 2003 'Australian Idol' win. They were three upbeat openers, and understandably attracted rapid applause.
The onstage personnel support was significant – four in the band and five in the choir, which was grouped in a semi-circle, members visually impressively dressed in black and vocally astounding.
If anyone had even the remotest of thoughts it was somehow voice tracked, Guy randomly turned and said "let's do that again, it sounded so good". They did, with passion on demand.
Image © Michelle Cop
At times, the concert had a slightly southern gospel/ soul feel to it, with punters enjoying the variety.
Again, Sebastian's Memphis recording experience with Steve Cropper would been at one strong reason, tagged with Guy's personal gospel roots in his Adelaide church's music when he was growing up.
The concert covering many years and albums; no one didn't leave without hearing one of their favourites. Classics like 'Battle Scars', 'Gold', 'Love On Display', a special medley of 'Don’t Worry Be Happy/ Like It Like That/ Like A Drum/ Come Home With Me' and, of course, 'Angels Brought Me Here'.
Support act Sam Fischer sang one number with Guy, but the biggie – the really notable moment – was when his 12-year-old son Archie performed 'I Have Nothing' with his Dad. Emotionally moving to say the least, a crowd of thousands going very quiet.
Image © Michelle Cop
'100 Times Around The Sun' is Guy's tenth studio album and a showcase of his incredibly consistent talent.
Profits from this tour goes to help Open Parachute, a school-based mental health programme. Guy himself donates heavily to this project that has helped over 100,000 participants. That's big numbers. However, Guy remains humble, quietly amazed the extent of reach to help kids.
The lighting and graphic projection backdrop were awesome, the sound was crystal clear, and the volume matched the comprehensive age group attending.
Sebastian's permanent smile left an impression that we'll get through this, whatever it is we are going through. Top night.
