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James Blunt
Rod Laver Arena
It’s been only a year since James Blunt graced Australian shores, and this time he’s back for a very special occasion.
Marking the milestone celebration of twenty years since his break out album ‘ Back to Bedlam’ fans will be treated to the album in its entirety.
Opening with High, Blunt is high energy and captivating to watch. He works through the first four songs- the album’s most successful singles before taking a breath to greet the audience.
Blunt asks the audience “ And my first question is I need to know. genuinely, honestly, who here bought the album in 2005 and has been with me for twenty years?
Thank you so much. Thank you guys, for what you have given to me, you can never fully understand, because of you, I have a really fucking amazing house in Ibiza.Thank you.”
Blunt has a way of having the audience eating out the palm of his hand- he runs the length of the stage, encouraging the audience to cheer – and the whole room obliges.
Working his way through the album, the audience are treated to songs that are rarely played live. Songs such as Billy- a rather funny tune about his friend that was couch surfing in his apartment. It’s a real treat for fans to hear these – probably for the first time.
He wraps the album with No Bravery telling the audience it is a song
“I wrote it in 1999 when I was serving in Kosovo with NATO, with the Australian Army as well. And the images that the song conjures up. from A genocidal war are the same images that we succeed today in Ukraine and in Gaza. It is really real.”
Images of the war in Serbia flash on the screen as the piano accompanies him.
For the second part of the show he gives us a choice-
“ I’m gonna give you a chance to choose the direction this concert goes in now. And it can go anyway, almost. So here here’s what I’m thinking, team. There’s something for you to decide. I could now play to you, you know, songs old songs from the second album of the night I know, like 1973, songs played, and shit like that. Or hear me out. Or I could play my new album, It’s not out yet. It’s two hours long, it’s fucking epic. And. And you’d be the first to hear it. .. That excitement is palpable. So come on, then, let’s put it into a vote. Who wants two hours of the new album? Whoo, yes! And who wants all the music? That’s the right answer. That’s always the right answer. You never choose the fucking new music, can you man? I don’t have a new album. I don’t need one.”
He goes onto play Carry You Home followed by Postcards, finishing with Same Mistake.
James Blunt is really a dark horse when it comes to be an exceptionally good performer. For a man that sings love songs, he certainly knows how to entertain and engage an audience. He is funny, charismatic and extremely talented. He’s an absolute joy to watch, and his love for performing is absolutely contagious.
Words by Amanda Lee Starkey
Behind the lens Monique Pizzica
