Josh Setterfield's performance at the Arcana's Empress Theatre was nothing short of a stadium-level spectacle, leaving the audience screaming for more.
The evening (13 January) commenced early for some with Josh Setterfield treating his VIPs to an intimate, pre-show performance.Armed with just his guitar, he captivated a small group of devoted fans, strumming a few acoustic tunes and engaging in light banter – he set the stage, building anticipation for the remarkable show that was about to unfold.
Before long, the doors swung open, and a wave of eager fans flooded into the room, anticipating the imminent start of the show. Kicking our night off was Zac Cross Band, showcasing undeniable talent that permeated the room.
Their repertoire included impressive covers like Morgan Wallen's 'Last Night' and The Black Keys' 'Lonely Boy', interspersed with original tracks like 'Too Far Gone'. This performance set a monumental tone for the rest of the night.
Zac Cross Band - image © KealiJoan Studios
As soon as Josh Setterfield and his band graced the stage, the room buzzed with electric energy, ignited by the resonating chords of 'Life Ain't So Bad'. Josh wore a contagious smile as he faced a sold-out crowd for his first Australian headline show.
The meticulous effects infused by Josh and his team elevated the excitement of the night and there's no doubt that a meticulous amount of thought went into every second of the set.
During the performance of 'Feelin' Love', a song originally about brunettes, Josh playfully altered the lyrics, prompting laughter as he invited the crowd to cheer for their respective hair colours.
Josh Setterfield - image © KealiJoan Studios
Transitioning into an acoustic section, emotions ran high when Josh introduced 'The Way God Made Me'. Addressing the crowd, he shared the personal struggle behind the song, acknowledging the challenges he faced and expressing gratitude for the audience's support in pulling him through.
"Something that's really hard for me as a musician is that you want people to relate to your music, right? But this is the one song that I wish people couldn't relate to.
"But we are going to play it for you guys tonight because I know it means a lot to a lot of people and I guess it means a lot to me as well because it explains a dark time that I went through, and I came out the other side. Thank you, because it was you guys that made me get out of that.
"It's alright to be upset about stuff, no matter what it is, no problem is too small, if it's your problem, is what I'm trying to say."
Josh Setterfield - image © KealiJoan Studios
A standout moment came with a captivating band introduction, as fans were drawn to a video game-style presentation on the big screen, reflecting Setterfield's love for gaming.
Yet another standout moment emerged with a cover mashup that highlighted the diverse musical influences of Josh's band members. The journey began with a rendition of 'Jump' by Van Halen, paying homage to the stylistic flair of guitarist Mick Atholwood.
Transitioning seamlessly, they delved into 'Sk8er Boi' by Avril Lavigne, a nod to the roots of bassist India Raine. The mashup then moved into a spirited cover of 'All The Small Things' by Blink-182, a fitting tribute to the drumming prowess of Ian Collins.
To cap off the grand finale, Josh invited opener Zac Cross to join in, adding an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to this musical celebration.
Josh Setterfield - image © KealiJoan Studios
Wrapping up the performance with crowd-pleasers 'Stay' and 'Right About Now', Josh sustained an unyielding energy that resonated with the audience until the final moments of the show.
In a post-show reflection on his social media story, he succinctly captured the essence of the night, declaring, 'tonight's headline show was incredible'.
This performance transcended the typical concert experience, undeniably transforming a small venue into a stadium-level spectacle. Josh Setterfield's connection with his fans, aptly named Team Setterfield, reached a profound emotional and intimate level.
While this marked the conclusion of the Kinda World Tour, for Josh it signifies the commencement of something greater.
More photos from the show.
