Live Review: Cody Johnson in Perth Australia 2025
20 March 2025, At the RAC Arena, Perth Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
“I went to Nashville, and they said, ‘Hey man, the cowboy hat is not gonna work. Your type of country music is not gonna be allowed on the radio in Nashville.’ We now got four number-one hits at this point in time because of fans like you.” The crowd cheered with a seal of confirmation.
“The first time I ever came here, I wondered if they knew the words to these songs, and you guys know every word to every song.” Indeed, it was a night of kareoke and revelry, buzzing in a festival-like spectacle carved by a spectrum of country fans of Western Australia from Albany to Geraldton.
Over the past few months, Perth has welcomed numerous country music stars, with every show selling out and filling the city with the lively sounds of honky tonks and boot-scooting fanfares. As for tonight, the RAC Arena’s foyer transformed into a mini Nashville, as fans donned their akubras, jeans, and boots, radiating country authenticity in the world’s most isolated city.
The evening was sparked by Wade Foster (Queenland), Ashley Cooke (USA) and Cole Swindell (USA), paving the way for country FM. With three supporting acts, tonight’s show offerred great value for money.
At 9:20, the lights dimmed, and the electrifying chords of “Thunderstruck” of ACDC reverberated through the arena. The air buzzed with anticipation as the iconic Aussie anthem echoed while its powerful riffs and the thunderous one-word chorus created a sonic boom. The mosh pit, typically seen at rock and metal concerts added to the buzzing atmosphere that was about to unfold.
Cody Johnson then graced the stage with “That’s Texas,” a homage to his hometown. It was a celebration of culture, history, and pride, also backed by the steel guitar and country rock. The Texan’s charismatic baritone personified the authentic honky tonk country flavor, transporting fans into the heartland of country music USA. His allegiance was literally imprinted on him, with a map of Texas tattooed on his chest as he swiped his shirt, showcasing his patriotic stance to the 8,000 fans. On display on the big screen was his brand logo featuring a stylized COJO design, presenting his connection to the cowboy lifestyle. It screams “Superman” – perhaps serving as an inspiration to overcome life’s adversity.
The visual was majestic, with the spotlights sweeping across the arena, highlighting the canopy of cowboy hats worn by ladies and women of all ages. It may be country, but the fans were mainly young and restless (under 40), with many teenagers enjoying the dazzles of the country spirit. I asked several fans about their predilection for country music, particularly of Cody’s discography – and most mentioned the relatability factor; love and relationships, resilience and perseverance, self-reflection and growth.
There was plenty of love in “I’m Gonna Love You” in a virtual duet with Carrie Underwood, who was on display on the big screen. The piano-driven composition combined with the female country star emphasised the country sonic, with a poignant reminder of life’s inevitabilities. It may be a virtual performance with Carrie, but the root of the theme was beautifully captured. Couples embraced each other. Fans were waltzing on the aisle. “Dirt Cheap” was another story telling beauty, personifying the importance of family and roots ahead of materialism.
The resilience and perseverance of the outback were drilled in “Dear Rodeo,” which was one of the fan favorites. The poignant take resonated with the fans thanks to the rich baritone with an emotional infusion of Cody Johnson.
It was a night of mood swings, undulating between the highs and lows, and once again it weaved to a fast-paced rodeo spectacle with a solo display from the acoustic and electric guitar, scincillating like a lead guitarist of a heavy rock band. The steel guitar, which is a staple in country music, adding to the soulful sliding sounds, while the booming sounds of bass guitar popped. The drums was tremendous, and the fiddle bringing the emotional layer of the melodies and keyboard.
“If you got a chance, take it. Take it while you got a chance. If you got a dream, chase it, ’cause dreams won’t chase you. If you’re gonna love somebody, hold ’em as long and as strong and as close as you can.”
Such inspirational words from “Till You Can’f” embrace life’s fleeting moments, which launched Cody Johnson to country stardom, securing his debut number one on the country charts.
The last time Cody Johnson was in Perth, he was relatively unknown to mainstream radio. Since then his career has reached stratospheric heights. No longer is Cody Johnson known as the support of Luke Combs, rather he stands tall amongst the 8000 screaming fans, engraved as a genuine arena performer.
“We want to show the world country music is alive.”
With the youthful demographic invading the night’s performance, county music is here to stay in the world’s most isolated city thanks to the likes of Cody Johnson.
Cody Johnson will be performing in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. Tickets are available from Frontier Touring.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Frontier Touring and Cody Johnson for the media accreditation
About the Writer: Sheldon Ang, photographer, writer and the founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to over 150 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP and P!NK with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (pictured below), Ian Moss, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
