Sydney hasn't stopped drowning in rain for days, but there's one place in town dry as a Tennessee tumbleweed.
Keith Urban pulls into town for his High And Alive tour, and a packed Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney (22 August) has pulled up as well.
Chase Matthew kicks the night into gear with 'Drives My Truck'. His guitarist shreds effortlessly through a tasteful solo. "Are there any girls who like driving a truck?" Matthew asks with a smile.
'No Way Around It' rolls the party in, before mini covers of 'Back In Black', 'Give It Away' and 'Killing In The Name Of' show a surprising rock flavour for a country outfit.
'All Night Long' is used to introduce the band, as Matthew pits the arena against each other singing. 'County Line' showcases Matthew's deep vocals, warm as whiskey.
He shares a heartwarming story about overcoming negativity and sticking at what you know you are born for. It touches hearts around the room. "Trust God you're where you're supposed to be," he says, leaving the crowd with 'Love You Again'.
Keith Urban commences behind a grey sheet displaying his enlarged silhouette. He plays his golden guitar, singing "hit the gas", and the bass thumping in your chest has you off and running.
Light screens lower over the stage creating a cool visual effect. Urban's first solo hits you like a freight train of emotion, indescribably beautiful tone and melodies that move something deep within.
'Where The Blacktop Ends' features a driven pace, the fiddle jigging along until the band hit double time and Urban freaks out at metal speed. He takes time to say hello, asking who has come the furthest to see him. "Parramatta Road, wow," he jokes.
Keith Urban - image © Cassidy Morris
"For the next two hours, I promise not one of you is gonna think about your life outside of Qudos," he swears. "Just be yourself Sydney."
He performs what can only be described as an experimental solo during 'Long Hot Summer', before the song ends with a characteristic bang. 'Parallel Line' takes a sentimental turn, the screen turning orange and purple.
'You Look Good In My Shirt' draws cheers from the many women present. "Sing it a little bit louder," Urban urges. 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again' lifts the crowd into Friday night at the bar mode, red pixels flashing over the screens.
Keith Urban - image © Cassidy Morris
'Somewhere In My Car' has rain falling onto the screens, as the band rock out, clearly enjoying each other's presence. 'Days Go By' brings up memories for some patrons, while others swing and dance, smiles beaming on their faces.
'Til Summer Comes Around' showcases stunning lasers of light, bright colours merging into pastel. Urban is shrouded in purple clouds for the solo, which feels very stadium rock. It's magnificent.
He recounts the story of his mother letting him leave school at 15 to play in his band full-time in a touching tribute to his roots. The surprisingly small number of cowboy hats bob up and down in the packed dance floor for 'Kiss A Girl', and the arena is jumping.
'The Fighter' has Katie Ohh taking the female role and the song is delicious, her held vocal notes are stunning. 'Somebody Like You' is CD perfect, Urban taking time to allow the various sections to sing the chorus line.
Keith Urban - image © Cassidy Morris
He then heads to a stage at the back of the arena to play some acoustic numbers. 'You'll Think Of Me' is brilliant songwriting. 'Wasted Time' closes the regular set, and features a nice interplay between Urban and his guitarist. White streamers shoot out, and Urban standing among them is a memory searing picture.
'Jeans On' has the crowd interacting during the encore, before 'Tonight I Wanna Cry' is soul wrenching. "You tell us these songs get you through hard times, but when I'm on tour, I need you more than you need me," Urban speaks honestly, "and I needed this tonight."
New Radicals 'You Get What You Give' closes the encore, a beautiful song that encapsulates well the bountiful joy present in the room. 'Urban is a once in a lifetime guitar master.', and if you ever have the chance to see those golden hands, you better take it with both of your own.
More photos from the concert.
