George Ezra – Spark Arena: October 25, 2022

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George Ezra and his band took the stage in the half-format Spark Arena to the tune of “It’s Not Unusual”. It proved appropriate because like Sir Tom Jones, George Ezra proved himself to be a consummate performer with a flawless, slick set including many of his catalogue of recognisable hits.
Georgia Lines

Georgia LinesBefore George came Georgia Lines, gorgeous in a bodycon dress and backed by an accomplished trio. She had an easy style, chatting to the audience and doing a great job as the warm-up act by successfully warming up the audience by getting them to sing along to the refrains of her songs. “Never Had Love”, with its distinctive funky bass line, went down particularly well. Georgia took to the keyboards for a heartfelt cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s massive hit “Driver’s Licence” before rocking out to her own composition “Faith” which got the crowd dancing. Finishing with “My Love”, she impressively demonstrated soaring vocals. Having posted to her Facebook page about her excitement in anticipation of this support gig, Georgia definitely delivered to a receptive audience.

Unlike most Australasian tours with Aotearoa featuring as the add-on or curtain call after the big gigs have already taken place over the ditch, Spark Arena was the venue for the start of Ezra’s current trip down under. As with pretty much every artiste at every post-Covid concert, he commented that “it’s been too long” and the audience – with ages from 6 to 70+ – were keen to enjoy themselves on a midweek night. Immediate enthusiasm was shown by both the 7 piece band and the crowd as Ezra opened with “Anyone For You”.

George Ezra

George Ezra is very personable and singing along to his easy, familiar and catchy tunes was encouraged early on, continuing throughout the night. The trademark brass section George Ezrawas heavily featured, particularly in “Get Away” and in “All My Love”, providing the opportunity for individual band members on trombone, bass saxophone and keyboard to each indulge in freeform jazz pieces, before a massive drum solo and light show.

“Gold Rush Kid”, the title track from the new album, was followed by the feelgood clap-along hit “Pretty Shining People”, before Ezra moved into a more sombre, contemplative section of his playlist with “Barcelona” and “Saviour”. The pace was revved up for the rock format of “Did You Hear The Rain?” before the band (with the exception of the keyboard player) left the stage to allow “Hold My Girl” to be performed by George on guitar, showcasing both his powerful voice and his heartfelt lyrics. The romance of “Hold My Girl” had a poignant and wistful air, which continued with the new song “In The Morning” which demonstrated a more reflective, adult style than many of his previous early favourites. Whilst a touch sombre, Ezra’s lyrics remain relaxed and positive.

“Manila” upped the tempo and we could almost imagine ourselves at a summer festival rather than Spark Arena, with several members of the audience sitting on others’ shoulders. The atmosphere was easy-going and there was a relaxed vibe, with the free-flow format allowing people to select their own seats and to move down to the floor to dance at will. “Green Green Grass” was introduced as a “celebration of life” with an anecdote explaining the event which influenced the song; there was certainly nothing funereal about smiling people singing en masse “You better throw a party on the day that I die”.

The energy and enthusiasm was further ramped up with “Blame It On Me”, with seemingly everyone in the Arena joining in to ask repeatedly “What you waiting for?” (presumably the answer being “Shotgun”, Ezra’s biggest worldwide hit, for which they’d actually have to wait until the end of the encore). An extended samba-style session, complete with bells and whistles, maintained the energy through to exuberant performances of familiar crowd favourites “Paradise” and “Budapest”.

The encore consisted of just two numbers, latest single “Dance All Over Me” and, rather obviously, an extended version “Shotgun”, getting most people to their feet.

George Ezra’s “Green Green Grass” may not be “Of Home” – and he may be English rather than Welsh – but like Sir Tom, he’s a great singer with a powerful voice, many great songs and loyal fans. “The Gold Rush Kid” will surely be around for many years to come.

Review by Carin Newbould

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Chris Zwaagdyk

George Ezra:

Georgia Lines:

 

George Ezra Setlist:

  • Anyone For You (Tiger Lily)
  • Cassy O’
  • Get Away
  • Gold Rush Kid
  • Pretty Shining People
  • Barcelona
  • Saviour
  • Did You Hear The Rain?
  • Hold My Girl
  • Sweetest Human Being Alive
  • In The Morning
  • Manila
  • All My Love
  • Green Green Grass
  • Blame It On Me
  • Paradise
  • Budapest

 

ENCORE

 

  • Dance All Over Me
  • Shotgun

 

 

Carin Newbould
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