Winter attempts to break around Sydney's Hordern Pavilion where Tones And I's long awaited Australian tour commences.
Coterie kick off the night (23 August) with high vibes that send everyone swinging, before the stage sits empty, shrouded in a red curtain. A black grand piano stands guard, waiting for its muse.The crowd ranges from old to very young, all waiting excitedly with big smiles. They won't have to wait too long. A dramatic introduction commences with what sounds like Middle Eastern singing, as the band enter.
A spoken word plays: "Is it better to see the world through the eyes of a child or to be cautious?" Tones asks, among other ponderings. Suddenly, the music cuts to a sentimental piano. "I ain't tryna be nothing but me," Tones sings tenderly with an edge of anger, "but they keep pushing, pushing me up that hill." Her white jacket shines with a million stars.
Orange lights pulse at Tones hits power notes effortlessly, before revealing the choir at back of stage. They are shrouded in red gowns like a Kanye Sunday service. The song is a moving introduction to Tones' iconic voice.
Dancers enter and the choir robes come off, as the scene transforms to a Sesame Street-esque New York background, where dancers and singers play and frolic. 'Cloudy Day' follows, as the dancers have mini dance-offs. The good vibes are here as the stage explodes in colour and sound, children dancing on shoulders around the arena.
The good vibes seem to fade as the screen turns to grey clouds and umbrellas slowly walk across the stage. Not to worry though, 'I Get High' explodes in the chorus, as the choir join. "We are a family," Tones emotes at the song's conclusion. "This is a special night for me. As soon as I looked at the choir, I had to turn back around, because I was going to cry."
'Never Seen The Rain' is a perfect sing-along, before Tones opens up about a discussion with a friend. "I said, you are worthy to be in this world. You are wonderful." The song is a glorious celebration as Tones hits her notes with the passion and power of a freight train. She certainly holds nothing back.
A cover of 'Forever Young' keeps the warm fuzzes going, as lamps light up the screen. The choir bring a gospel vibe to the classic song, as the crowd claps along. You could stay here forever.
"I got a message from someone asking me to do this song, because she's going through a tough time," Tones shares before 'I Made It'; "and she massaged me. . . a lot." The crowd laugh. Tones locates her fan, playing the song they didn't even have time to soundcheck. It's a touching moment.
'We'll See Stars' flows, as picture frames fly across the screen. The dancers are energetic and well choreographed, as are the psychedelic cacti dancing onscreen for 'You Don't Know Me Like That'. It's all very fun, as Tones tells her begging male dancer: "You don't know me like that!"
Energy lines unroll across the desert background for 'Dreaming' as Tones dons a cowgirl hat. The female section of the choir end the song with a passionate mood, before the screen blocks red. One male dancer moves aggressively in an impactful visual.
'Won't Sleep' follows, and no one is sleeping here, as the lights flash psychotically while the song takes a dark turn. "Don't tell ya mama, 'cause she won't sleep," Tones warns.
A guitar solo introduces 'Bad Child' as flames shoot out heating the thick air. "You're so f...ing cool," Tones laments social disconnect in the song of the same name, with a background of hands and dancers in hoodies and caps. The song ends the darker section of the show.
Tones teleports to the back of the arena now donned in a red sparkly suit. She shares that "Sir" Chris Hemsworth said 'Sorrento' was his favourite song, which is a touching ode to Tones' Papa's life story. The song follows as the acoustic guitar rings out.
Young girls leap into the air, waving frantically to give Tones their full love and adoration. She gently waves back to everyone individually as 'Lose Someone Like Me' plays, phone flashlights coming out to create a sentimental memory. She clearly connects deeply.
The choir take 'Lonely' on their own, as Tones begins her return journey to the stage for 'I'm Free'. "This is the longest show I've ever done in my life," Tones shares, taking a break to recount her love of "her people", which includes her band, dancers, and choir.
'Johnny Run Away' follows, the screen showing Tones in black and white. A cover of ' 'Fix You' begins, featuring a smooth guitar solo as fireworks rain down upon him. It is visually stunning.
'Dance Monkey' starts with a Kate Bush '80s style sad intro, which melts into slow toms, before the beginning is repeated in original style. "Ever since I did this busking, I've always make everyone get down," Tones says in the bridge. "One, two, three, go!" she yells, as the massive crowd erupt.
Sentimental, fun and endearingly honest, Tones is as good of a quality export as the Australian pop scene has ever produced.
