Short on airs and graces, Tommy Emmanuel strolled onto the stage at Adelaide's Her Majesty's Theatre at the weekend to celebrate his 70th birthday.
Waving and beaming his trademark grin, he announced "hello Adelaide," with the warmth of an old friend. What followed was an exhilarating, rollicking journey through a formidable catalogue, played with breathtaking virtuosity and an unmistakable sense of fun (31 May).Noting that Perth "got the younger, fresher guy," he teased "tonight you get the old hell raiser!" – a sentiment that only added to the delight of the crowd of 2,000.
From the very first hand-struck chord, Tommy's well-worn Maton guitar became a conduit for articulate musical poetry – delicate fingerpicked melodies, intricate arpeggios, and thunderous percussive thumps echoing through the historic theatre like the sounds of a one-man orchestra.
Image © Mike Lockheart
A performance of 'Endless Road' was an early standout moment. Hips swaying and shoulders loose, Tommy led us down meandering sonic paths that shifted with each phrase, each note blooming with orchestral richness. It was a reminder of his uncanny ability to transform a single acoustic guitar into something altogether more expansive and symphonic.
"I have no list tonight, so I have no plan," he said with a grin, and the unplanned nature of the set only added to the magic. Freewheeling and joyful, Tommy's playing felt both spontaneous and meticulously precise – each song a chance to explore new musical ground.
Personal stories peppered the evening, adding a sense of intimacy. He introduced 'Song For A Rainy Morning', telling how it came to him in a dream during a storm in Italy. While 'Little Georgia' – dedicated to his granddaughter – sparked laughter when he admitted: "I can't wait to hear it myself."
Image © Mike Lockheart
Such anecdotes gave glimpses into the heart of an artist who plays not just for the crowd, but very much for his own delight and enduring love of the instrument.
Before launching into his legendary Beatles medley, Tommy treated the audience to a virtuosic interpretation of Oasis' 'Wonderwall', a number he was prompted to perform recently during an appearance on 'The Project'.
There, he spoke candidly too about how, despite his immense talent, he can't sight read – a revelation that only underscored the instinctive, deeply personal connection he has with his instrument.
His version of 'Wonderwall' was nothing short of revelatory, weaving the familiar anthem into a new tapestry of sound and setting the stage perfectly for the exhilarating medley that followed.
Image © Mike Lockheart
Tommy's aforementioned and now legendary Beatles medley was again a highlight, played with merciless precision and a sense of discovery that made it feel like a jam session in a friend's living room.
It was exhilarating to hear familiar melodies twist and evolve into new shapes, each note landing with the same joyful confidence as a birthday toast among friends, with the joyous familiarity of 'Classical Gas' working its way in as a grand finale.
He closed the night with a wink and a laugh: "I've gotta get this shirt back to Woolworths," a final nod to his humility, trademark funkadelic shirt collection and the humour that underscores his awe-inspiring musical gifts.
Onstage, Tommy Emmanuel proved once more that he speaks volumes through his guitar – emotions and stories resonating in every shimmering note. A truly sublime performance.
More photos from the concert.
