Kim Wilde returned to Australian shores last week, and for the first time in eight years she played South East Queensland. This time it's Brisbane, folks!
The line of punters extending from the grand doors of The Tivoli down the length of the block gives away the show is sold out (17 October). Once inside, I find out some fans had been lining up at least an hour before doors opened – that's a long time for an audience of devoted Boomers and Gen X fans.Many are eager to relive their '80s glory days with their pop idol and while it may not have been my glory days, my pre-teen and teenage selves had a girl crush on the electric Ms Wilde! One young lass even made a mad dash from the front door to claim a prized place at the barrier, so it's not all oldies!
Supporting Wilde is a DJ spinning the hottest hits of the '80s taking us down memory lane. The vibe is hyped by all the sing-alongs happening; I feel like I am at an '80s reunion of sorts. The Tivoli's art deco features add to the atmosphere of nostalgia as we hear the likes of The Bangles, Devo, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Soft Cell and Psychedelic Furs over the speakers.
Cheers erupt at the sight of Wilde strutting onto the stage with her rockstar swagger, sporting her signature blonde Marilyn Munro-esque tousled bob, red lipstick, dark glasses, black jeans, heeled boots, leather sleeved bolero with bling and black longline torsolette – she is oozing the cool factor!
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
As the first beats of 'Rage To Love' bounce about the venue fans are dancing to the punchy track and its Stray Cats vibe. I smell the mood and know this is going to be a celebration of all things Wilde, loud, energetic and fun.
'Never Trust A Stranger' follows and the crowd is right there with her, singing every word. Wilde's vocal delivery is pitch-perfect, commanding and crystal clear. By the time she launches into her song about tinnitus, 'Water On Glass', I get the sense Wilde is joyfully basking in the adoration of her fans. She moves with ease and is interacting with her band, who are tight and perfectly polished.
'Can't Get Enough (Of Your Love)' keeps the momentum going as the audience continue to groove. You can see fans letting loose, dancing in their spots, reliving their youth, and Wilde encourages it all with a playful energy that feels like she's in on the fun.
Wilde stops for a chat to confirm they only landed yesterday and invites us to sing-along some more if we know the words, or if she forgets the word. Ha! Jet-lag is real.
'Words Fell Down' is next. It may not be well-known to casual listeners, but holds a special place for true fans. Wilde's performance feels intimate and heartfelt, like she is singing just for you. Following this is 'The Second Time' that comes with a snippet of M's 'Pop Muzik' adding a vibrant splash of vintage joy to the song.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
However, the ambience shifts again as the eerie tone of the haunting classic 'Cambodia' hits our ears. Fans are embracing the dark and intense vibe that is descending as the live rendition felt even more powerful. The band nails the eerie, synth-driven atmosphere. Wilde's vocals are full of the sinister emotion that set this song apart from her other hits.
Wilde stops to reminisce about how she first came to Australia at the age of 13 and saw the Sydney Opera House. Keeping us up to date, she tells us they're working on a new album 'Closer', and how it is the sister album to 1988's 'Close', and that we will understand when we hear the first single coming up next.
Oh, hello! 'Trail Of Destruction' – yeah, she's nowhere near done yet folks. This one brings the '80s full throttle into the 2020s and it is "a protest for a new generation".
As the set continues, Wilde sidesteps for an introspective tune 'Love Is Holy', which was one of her final hits in the early '90s. It is gorgeously melodic and reminiscent of Belinda Carlisle. A clap fest breaks out during 'Stone' where the band get their glow on with impressive instrumentation.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
The Bee Gees' cover 'If I Can't Have You' thrills the shower singers and lounge-room boogie people no end. There's a party going on in the Tiv tonight, alright! Both songs are beautifully delivered.
Wilde makes her next song, 'Yours 'Til The End' feel especially tender, like she is acknowledging the passage of time that has solidified her deep connection with us. '1969' has the band in alien masks and two alien visitors appearing onstage to hammer home the story of an encounter Wilde hinted at.
Wilde then introduces her band, including her brother Ricky, who broke his toe racing to get a photo of a wallaby, and her niece Scarlett, who has brought her baby to Australia to meet her Aussie family for the first time. Kim also chats to us about '80s pop being relevant now, drawing from Taylor Swift's new song with the influence clear and loud.
Next are deep cuts 'View From A Bridge' and 'Chequered Love'. They come at us back-to-back and raise us to a heightened state of glee. We are like kids opening birthday presents. These tracks are pure Wilde, full of energy, catchy hooks, and that irresistible dance-pop sound that made her a star in the first place.
'Chequered Love' and its raw guitar sounds has thrilled my inner pre-teen self that played air guitar to this before the term even existed in my world. The Tivoli is pumping and fans are dancing and singing from the marrow in their bones.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
Of course, no Kim Wilde concert is complete without 'You Keep Me Hangin' On', and when those familiar opening chords ring out, the crowd goes nuts. Wilde's cover of The Supremes classic has become an anthem in its own right and performed live, it's an absolute cracker.
The encore is sorcery. With a change of wardrobe that includes a glittery red cape and sparkling captain's hat, the band hurls us into the sonic throes of 'You Came'. Fans unite with one, big sing-along; arms waving and smiles everywhere.
To top it all off and ensure we will leave satiated, Wilde and her band close out our night with the song that her brother Ricky gave birth to and the one when finally polished, brought her rocketing into our lives and our music loving hearts – 'Kids In America'.
The Tivoli walls shook with the sold-out crowd singing "we're the kids in America. Whoa. We're the kids in America. Whoa. Everybody live for the music-go-round!" The energy in the room was through the roof.
Wilde stays onstage to take her bows with her band and the crowd erupts into cheers. This wasn't just a trip down memory lane, it was a reminder that Kim Wilde is still every bit the pop icon. Her voice, stage presence, and connection with the fans felt as strong as ever. It was a night that had fans sharing the sense of joy and nostalgia that filled The Tivoli.
More photos from the concert.
