Live Review: James Blunt Who We Used To Be Tour in Perth 2024
28th of November 2024 at Red Hill in Perth Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
It could have been a night of broken hearts, melancholy, and infinite sadness and it’s probably not a night for the broken-hearted, yet the former soldier had lifted our spirits with his energetic presence, on a night that was supposed to be soaked in a thunderous emotional downpour.
“I never wanted to be this guy…I never wanted to be this lonely guy on guitar with a tear coming down my face; no I wanted to be a rockstar. I wanted to play rock songs and the electric guitar in a band. Then a remarkable thing happened – I wrote these weak songs and you guys enjoyed them, and I’ve been 20 years on the road. And because you guys enjoyed the music I started to write happy songs – I am going to play both of them in the concerts.
Thankfully, it was also a night of celebration and revelry.
The night commenced with “Beside You” from the latest album “Who We Used to Be” With the acoustic guitar, the flannelette, and blue jeans, he was a world away from being that rockstar, but he commanded the presence that sparked the crowd to rise to their feet thanks to the faster beat and lyrics, I hope there is a song that god only knows and it is keeping me dancing. Blunt’s unique vocals remain intact after 20 years on the road, reaching that falsetto that effectively projected him to a global status, before transitioning seamlessly into the poignant “Saving a Life”. The sound of familiarity in “Wisemen” drew the 5,000 to the next level to highlight the eclectic nature of the track.
It was a night of dedication, starting with his wife. “All the Love That I Ever Needed”, before heading to “Dark Thought,” a song dedicated to the late Carrie Fisher of Star Wars. Blunt’s haunting vocals and the melancholic melody paid a fitting tribute to the two ladies, capturing the joy, sadness, and reflection.
From guitar, Blunt took to the piano for a few songs, including the emotionally charged “Goodbye My Lover.” The performance was a masterclass in conveying raw emotion and sincerity. Blunt’s heartbroken with painful desperation, certainly hit the spot for so many including this writer. The piano’s soft, mournful notes underscored the heart-wrenching lyrics, creating a powerful and poignant experience.
As the night progressed, Blunt promised that the more melancholic section of the concert was nearly over, but not before performing “High.” Blunt’s declaration that he could “sing higher than Mariah Carey” meant that those who had been singing constantly shall remain quiet for this moment.
“Postcards” drew Blunt to the banjo. The lively tune and Blunt’s skilful playing added a delightful twist to the evening, demonstrating his range as a musician. The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable, and the song was met with enthusiastic applause.
Then came “You’re Beautiful.” Perhaps Blunt’s seminal track took on a new level of poignancy. The audience, illuminated by the red light of this Red Hill venue, was in a celebratory mood as Blunt delivered the timeless lyrics as he walked across the stage and, and giving the audience the “f*cking high” moment.
“We started the night with miserable songs, we shall finish with another miserable song.”
“Monster,” was another raw performance and heartfelt performance, a powerful tribute to a man who has clearly had a profound impact on Blunt’s life and music. While he sang, photos of his younger self and his father was displayed on the big screen, highlighting another poignant set.
Blunt concluded the night with “Bonfire” and “1973,” two songs that brought the evening to a rousing and joyful close. The upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies had the audience dancing and singing along, a perfect ending to a night filled with highs and lows, laughter and tears.
James Blunt’ may not be the rockstar that he had yearned for, but his ability to personify raw emotion is one of the best in the business.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thanks Estella, Destroy All lines and James Blunt for the Press Accreditation
About the Writer/Photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 130 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and Robbie Williams 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.
