Live Review: Tyler Childers – The Mule Pull Tour 2025 in Perth
28 February 2025 at Kings Park, Perth Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
“Everyone said Perth is far away…but everyone said we should come to Perth…”
Based on the commercial success and celebratory outpour, the four-hour flight across the Nullarbor and Great Australian Bight was worth the trip. Perth was sold out shortly after the world’s most isolated city was added as the last Australian leg of the Mule Pull Tour. Subsequently it was a night of revelry under the stars at Kings Park, sitting high above the Perth skyline. The hip and trendy, the young and restless, and the bold and beautiful showcased their country spirit through their attire and voices as six thousand fans, mostly in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, caroled to the nostalgic lyrics, which seemed incongruous with the message behind some of the music. The night even culminated in a heartwarming marriage proposal by a young gentleman to his beloved!
Tyler Childers is a storyteller, taking us on a journey of hardship and poignancy through his vivid lyrics. For the mainstream listeners, think of Ed Sheeran with his ability to elevate the audience on a narrative journey. The Kentucky resident is a master of vocal personification that’s infused with sincerity through his southern twang. With the backing of seven musicians of eclectic repertoires including the double bass, violin, and piano, a wall of sound in two symmetrical rows contributed to a best seller as Tyler Childers navigated through the chapters of his life.
The night commenced with “Percheron Mules,” “Tulsa,” and “In Your Love.” The spark of the evening was a celebrity tune dedicated to the people, land, and animals that defined the outback, blending the city life of Perth with the heartland of Kentucky. Already, the fans were drenched in a sense of authenticity and vulnerability that screamed old school country and honky tonk.
The stage was packed and busy, with a table and eight glasses of water (or whatever it was) next to the singer, with the entire set reminiscent of a rustic shop infused with incense and jawsticks. Positioned high at the back was a piano draped in a cloth with an imprint of the Goddess Durga, the powerful and protective mother of Hinduism.
Tyler spent most of his time on center stage and under the limelight, which was understandable given the busy set up glittered with old-school country charm. He soared through an eclectic set of country ballads and indie rock, including “I Swear to God,” “Rustin in the Rain,” and “Purgatory.” The occasional indie rock vibe added a sprinkle of energy to the crowd, energised by the double bass player and guitarist, hyping the crowd by head nodding and hair weaving like the lead of a rock band.
The set took a break for a solo performance comprising four consecutive songs. From eight musicians down to one, all focus was on Tyler Childers, starting with “Shake the Frost,” a poignant blend of poetry and soulful propagation. He lyrically told a story through a heartfelt ballad, capturing the essence of love, regret, and longing on a drive through his home state of Kentucky. The nostalgic imagery was vivid, presenting a duality of beauty, love and regret as fans were immersed in his journey without the bells and whistles of a million-dollar production. We also heard fan favourites “Lady May,” “Nose on the Grindstone,” and “Follow You to Virgie” in a solitude surrounding.
The band returned with “Old Country Church,” and the self-appointed backup singers of 6000 joined the vocalist. As the night progressed, the fans became more animated and rambunctious. Hands were punching through the canopy of heads. Those on the grass at the rear marched towards the front, only to be politely ushered back to their sections by security. The night continued with more country flings, including “Honky Tonk Flame,” “Two Coats,” and “House Fire,” before ending with “Heart You’ve Been Tendin’,” which had a dash of hypnotic trance that surely left the Perth crowd in a spiritual daze of a country kind for the long weekend.
“The next time I hope to see you, and if I don’t, have a nice life man…and thank you so much.”
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Revolutions Per Minute, Live Nations Australia, Mellen Events and Tyler Childers for the invitation.
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.
