Live Review: Nelly in Perth 2025 – Where the Party At
20 March 2025, At the RAC Arena, Perth Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
The writer has attended two Nelly concerts in as many years, yet his clubbing spirit was drenched in a torrent of nostalgia pouring down from the roof of the HPC Stadium (formerly known as HBF Stadium).
The early 2000s was the golden era for R&B, hip hop and rap, characterised by the fusion of the genres and sparking subgenres, where Nelly played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of this integration. The music of the triple Grammy winner appeals to mainstream listeners, propelling the smooth sonic concoction of hooks and sing-alongs from the dawn of the millennium. So once again, Perth are about to board the 9pm express to St. Louis, taking fans 25 years into the super groove era.
The night commenced with fellow St. Louis resident Chingy, sparking the heavy drizzles of the 2000s with hits like “Balla Baby” and “One Call Away.” It was also the second time this writer had witnessed Chingy in as many years, but the excitement of seeing this Southern hip hop artist performed hits like “Holidae In” was still palpable, as he bridged hip hop and pop music in an era of genre fusion. For most of the fans, “Right Thurr” was still the club banger, and tonight the fans danced and sang to one of the biggest hip hop anthems of the “Dirty South.” The infectious beat is timeless, with the heavy groove and bass propagating across the arena felt cathartic.
At nine, Nelly graced the stage with special guest St. Lunatics, a hip hop group formed in St. Louis in 1993, where Nelly was a key member. The namesake tour song “Where the Party At” – a Jagged Edge cover – sparked the set with as much stage fanfare as the tour name itself. With the signature moan “oh oh” from Nelly, the crowd went into 2000s-style party mode. “If the party’s where you’re at, just let me know.” – Indeed, the party was at Mount Claremont, launching a revelry for the bloomers of the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00’s.
“E.I.,” one of the biggest hits, came early in the setlist, personifying the depth of Nelly’s world wide bangers. Again, the signature “uh oh” sent 4,000 fans back 25 years. The swagger was saturated as Nelly zigzagged the stage, outpouring the spirit of RnB and hip hop fusion that Nelly is famous for. The on-stage bravado was undeniable, pouncing and bouncing in front of the LED screen that screamed “Nelly,” as he performed a track that personifies success and the hedonistic lifestyle. By now, we were charmed by Nelly’s Midwest hip hop roots – and it was only ten past the hour.
With the likes of “Air Force Ones,” tonight’s performance was also a stage collaboration with St. Lunatics; after all, much of Nelly’s success is attributed to the group. And so we have it – the first three songs set the benchmark for the rest of the night: explosive, non-stop energy filled with club bangers.
Tonight wasn’t just about Nelly and the St. Lunatics. J-Kwon, the nephew of Nelly, was in the house, singing the quintessential 2004 hit “Tipsy.” The marching beat propelled fans chanting to the chorus, “Everybody in the club gettin’ tipsy.” It’s a lifestyle song of clubbing shenanigans, with fans embracing the advice tonight with arms punching through the canopy of heads. But the night’s biggest surprise was the dedication to ACDC, as fans let loose to “Thunderstruck” and “You Shook Me All Night Long” with the Aussie band’s stylistic logo displaying in the background, sparking a ballistic reaction of patriotism. They were part of a medley that included “All I Do Is Win” (DJ Khaled), “I Like That” (Houston, Chingy, Nate Dogg, and I-20), “Low” (Flo Rida, T-Pain), and “Party Up” (DMX) before diving back into his discography, “Hot in Herre.” Indeed, the night so far was hotter than a summer’s midday at Marble Bar – metaphorically.
There were no breaks in between songs. The hits kept coming, including “Ride Wit Me,” which saw Nelly perform a standout rap. The track summarises his 25 years as a solo artist, one of success, “Hey, must be the money!” His distinctive melodic and conversational style rap in his live performance was addictive, propagating the energy in a rhythmic style, inviting the rest of the crowd to join along. Even the ballad “Dilemma” was a concoction of revelrous outpour, as fans self appointed themselves as the role of Kelly Rowland.
The night ended with “Just A Dream,” as the fans on VIP packages were invited to the stage. One of them was 24-year-old dancer Shania Samuels, who shared her experience with Sheldon Ang Media.
“Watching Nelly perform live from the stage was like a dream come true. My childhood self is screaming right now as I finally got to witness the GOAT himself perform. Meeting Nelly was epic; he was so cool. I’ve always wanted to meet Nelly, and the experience was a dream come true. Dancing on stage in front of him was the ultimate dream.”
Krystal Galloway, a veteran of four Nelly shows and a Writer on Sheldon Ang Media said, “I’ve seen Nelly four times now at different festivals…but this? This was different. This was better. He went deep into the classics, giving OG fans like me moments we never thought we’d get! Hearing ‘Pimp Juice’ live for the first time was everything! And when ‘Air Force Ones’ hit? You better believe I was stomping in my own pair like it was 2002 all over again!!! And I have to mention Chingy! Hearing ‘Dem Jeans’ live again! It’s a song that still lives on my repeat list and still every single time it’s next-level thrilling! All artists brought their A-game! Nelly will forever be part of the soundtrack of my life!”
Nelly is a master at switching pace, keeping his listeners physically and emotionally charged. His music is accessible thanks to the fusion of melody, rap, wit and charm. Most importantly, the three time Grammy winner translated the studio version of his music into an unforgettable stellar performance
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Revolutions Per Minute, Live Nations Australia, Nelly and Chingy 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 170 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and of course The Script 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.
