It takes a lot to get me to a midweek gig. And I’m not just talking about the two trains that I need to catch to get to venues like the Enmore. I always know I’m going to be sluggish the next morning, so it’d better be worth my while. Having seen Allen Stone play The Metro back in 2019, I knew he would be. So last night I put on my best dress, dragged myself out of the house on a Tuesday (!), and prepared myself for the party.
Since we couldn’t leave Darkinjung Country/Central Coast until after my husband had finished work, I had to make the choice between getting a decent dinner or seeing the support act. Sorry WILSN, but my stomach won. We arrived with just enough time to settle ourselves in for Allen and admire the theatre. It was my first trip to the Enmore since its renovations. Gee the old girl scrubs up beautifully.
“Uncle Al” always brings the party. He’s such a natural on stage, dancing up a storm and playing off his band. His voice is so rich, warm and textured, perhaps even better in person than on the albums. He had us in raptures with upbeat singles like “Brown Eyed Lover” and “Taste of You.” I’m not sure if everyone was across the new single “5 Minutes”, but they were certainly happy to take Allen’s lead and engage in a little call-and-response. While we love grooving along with him, we’re also happy to swoon at his romantic ballads. Al knows how to write a real love song, ballads that speak from the heart and avoid the cliches. I found myself squeezing my husband’s hand tightly listening to “Consider Me” and “Bring You Blue”. Choice covers like Stevie Wonder’s “A Place in the Sun” and an epic version of Farnsy’s “Two Strong Hearts” had us in raptures.
I’ve got to take a moment to shout out to the audience. There’s often something really special about the crowds who go to see shows from artists who haven’t made an impact on the Australian charts. There are no casual fans, like when you see the latest big thing or an artist who’s been a radio mainstay for decades. They go because they really go. They also tend to be pretty passionate about great music, because they’ve sought this artist out rather than just waiting for radio to deliver them. I love being part of crowds like this. They cheered rapturously, but you could hear a pin drop in those quiet moments. Everyone was in the moment, lapping up every second. Allen praised the audience several times, and even declared we were the best crowd of the tour. Sure, he might say that in every city, but I’ll take it.
When crowds are that good, you can’t leave without an encore. I’m sure I read once that the Enmore’s residential neighbourhood restricts shows from going on too long, but Al insisted he wanted to play two more. I finally got my chance to see the support act WILSN when she joined Al on stage for “Naturally”. She was brilliant. I promise I’ll try to see her next time. Most artists would prefer to end with their own material, but on a night when there were such good vibes in the room, a singalong cover of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” was the perfect closer.
I didn’t get home until close to 1:30 a.m. Since there are fewer trains and everyone needs to get home, they stop at all stations on the way back home. We can also count on a long wait between connections. I’m very sluggish today, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Uncle Al is just that good.
Allen Stone’s The New Normal tour continues tonight in Naarm/Melbourne. I know midweek gigs are tough, but if you’re ever going to do it, make it for one of these shows:
16 November 2022 – Northcote Theatre/Naarm/Melbourne
19 November 2022 – Harvest Rock Festival, Tartanya/Adelaide
20 November 2022 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 November 2022 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
Image source: own photos