LIVE REVIEW: ROACHFORD – Then and Now Greatest Hits Tour
By Krystal Galloway
On a beautiful, cool autumn evening, the kind that makes you feel like the weekend is finally within reach, Freo came alive. Fremantle is always special, a mix of history and creative energy that gives it a charm you don’t find anywhere else. As the sun set and the lights of the old town glowed, fans made their way to Freo.Social, right across from the historic Fremantle Prison, for a sold-out night with UK soul icon, Roachford.
It’s been more than 20 years since Roachford last performed in Australia. This show marked the first stop on his Then and Now Greatest Hits Tour. The tour opener carried the weight of nostalgia, excitement, and soul. The venue’s band room, with its warm, low-lit intimacy and community spirit, was filled with smiling fans. Whether they’d danced to his tracks in the ’90s or grown up hearing them on family road trips, this was a crowd ready to reconnect with a classic sound. I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrew Roachford before the show, and I knew it was going to be special. The night ended up exceeding all my expectations.
By 8:00 PM, the energy was quietly building. Conversations flowed, drinks clinked, and memories were happily shared. Around 9:45 PM, the band took the stage. Jackie Barnes was an unstoppable force on drums, joined by longtime guitarist Chris Taylor and bassist David Levey, whose steady groove added depth to every track.
Then came Andrew Roachford, charismatic in an unbuttoned white suit jacket, matching pants, and a sharp black shirt, complete with his signature thick-rimmed glasses. He looked effortlessly stylish as he stepped into the spotlight. Grinning at the crowd, he called out, “Perth, are you feeling good?” The cheer that came back said it all.
The show opened strong, with “High on Love” lifting the crowd instantly. “The Way I Feel” and “Love Remedy” had everyone swaying. A powerful cover of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” added a surprise emotional punch, made even more special by the passion in his delivery.
Then came a moment of pure fun, one the crowd had been eagerly awaiting. “Lay Your Love on Me” was sung as loud as the crowd could manage. Roachford’s energy soared as the audience clapped and moved in time. Later in the set, he brought it home with “This Generation”, a track that still hits just as hard live as it did when first released.
Throughout the night, Roachford’s warmth and humour were on full display. Between nearly every song, he spoke to the audience, sharing stories about touring Australia, his love for our beer, and his appreciation for how Aussie fans always sing back. The crowd loudly cheered in agreement. At one point, when the audience nailed a sing-along, he laughed and said we could just do the show without him.
One of the most memorable interactions came when a woman on a man’s shoulders made her way to the front and handed Andrew a pint of beer, just after he mentioned how much he loves it. He accepted it mid-song, and once the track ended, he smiled, thanked them, and took a sip to loud applause. It was a simple, genuine moment that captured the crowd’s love and appreciation for him.
A special moment came with a soulful twist on Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine”, during which Andrew altered the lyrics. “Perth… Fremantle… I want to say I am grateful to be here, ’cause where I come from ain’t no sunshine for too long…” That line had the whole venue cheering.
The encore featured a clever medley of songs that nodded to his musical roots and influences, from soul and Motown to more modern classics. His performance of “Over My Shoulder” stood out, with many fans recognising it as a nod to his time with Mike + the Mechanics. The penultimate track, “Cuddly Toy”, had the whole room moving, dancing with strangers and singing in unison. Finally, “Only to Be With You” closed the night, its emotional weight leaving a quiet stillness before the final round of applause.
For those attending, expect more than just a show. It is a reminder of how music, memories, and meaningful performance still matter.
This Fremantle show marked the beginning of Roachford’s Australian tour:
- Adelaide – May 17 (The Gov)
- Melbourne – May 18 (Northcote Theatre)
- Sydney – May 22 (Factory Theatre)
- Brisbane – May 23 (Princess Theatre)
Limited tickets are still available via Metropolis Touring.
For a first-time Roachford experience, the night more than exceeded expectations. It was smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying, like a glass of red wine you didn’t realise you’d been craving.
A heartfelt thank you to John at Metropolis Touring and Sheldon Ang Media for the opportunity to attend, review, and interview an artist I have admired for years. Nights like this remind me why live music matters so much.
About the Writer: Krystal Galloway lives and breathes music, finding her happy place in the sea of fans who come together to experience the magic of live performances. After attending her first concert—Justin Timberlake—her enthusiasm turned into a lifelong hobby. She has since seen over 100 of her favorite acts, including global superstars like KISS, Eminem, Foo Fighters, Blink 182, Usher, Nelly, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown, along with Australian favorites like The Screaming Jets, The Angels, Birds of Tokyo, Cold Chisel, and Bliss & Eso—just to name a few—all in her home city of Western Australia. With this extensive concert experience, Krystal has developed a deep appreciation for the artistry behind live performances, gaining a unique perspective on the dedication and energy that goes into every show.
