Charismatic, breathtakingly fit, and with magic fingers creating surreal sounds, Keith Urban is a surprising package who straddles the space between country, rock and pop star.
Finally back in Australia after two tour postponements in 2020 and 2021, his Brisbane concert (2 December) was a tightly controlled lesson in how to deliver a seamless show.After Birds Of Tokyo finished their support slot, the anticipation for Keith grew. The stands were full, people sitting on the edge of their seats avidly watching the stage for signs of movement.
Looking around, the stadium was filled with a diverse range of people; from the very young to folks in their 80s, from mums in tight jeans with a line of kids trailing behind them to young couples wearing matching RM Williams and Akubras.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
When the arena went dark, the crowd went wild, hollering and yelling as Urban appeared on giant screens in silhouette before the spotlight lit him up in centre stage.
After decades performing, Urban can effortlessly hold the attention of a big crowd, his body relaxed and his grin huge. He clearly loves performing and feeds off the energy of the crowd, bantering between songs and cracking jokes.
All of that is charming, and you can see why he has hit heartthrob status in the music industry. But the magic really happens when he plays.
His guitar seems as though it's an extension of his body; fast fingers, precise playing, and years and years of dedicated practice allow him to create transcendent moments of glorious sound.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
He had a camera attached to the neck of his guitar, so there was often up close visuals of his finger work. Not only an unusual angle, but one that truly showcased his talents.
Playing his way through crowd favourites including 'Tumbleweed', 'Days Go By', 'Wild Hearts' and 'Brown Eyes Baby', the crowd were with him every step of the way. He also included duets with P!nk and Carrie Underwood who both virtually appeared on the giant screens next to him, singing their parts in real time.
Throughout the performance, Urban also added in mash-ups from well known hits and invited members of his five-piece band to play improvised solos.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
Halfway through the show, he headed to the back of the arena to a second small stage setup and suddenly the people holding the worst seats had front-row views. A kind and inclusive gesture that shows how Urban constantly thinks of his fans.
Urban is truly the consummate performer, flawless in his delivery yet bringing this intangible element of warmth and authenticity. He still feels like a country boy from Caboolture, grounded, humble and cheeky.
Yet with that indefinable quality that global superstars seem to have – with an impossibly-ripped physique, an unshakeable confidence and a slightly untouchable energy.
His show was a rollicking good time, filled with laugh-out-loud jokes, superb showmanship and that special something that only Urban can bring to the stage – himself.
More photos from the show.
