There are no casual Tori Amos fans. She is one of those rare performers who inspires passion, whether it’s negative or positive. Love her or loathe her, there’s no ignoring this flame-haired goddess. Her Sinful Attraction tour winged its way to Sydney’s Opera House last night, and I was thrilled to go along for the ride.
The night opened up with the soulful sounds of Ray Mann. This young man with the old-school soul sensibility and his electric guitar was a strange choice for supporting Tori. She’s so unique that it’s always hard to find the right fit. The restless crowd told me though that he probably wasn’t it. It’s a shame because his songs were gorgeous, and his personality just as sweet. He told us that tonight, playing for his home audience at the iconic Opera House, was the best night of his life. Clearly he didn’t mind the chatty crowd and was just happy to play for those, like myself, who were happy to listen. I think he’s going to be embraced by the crowd on the Al Green tour he’s supporting next year. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more from Ray, which is a very good thing.
A roar of applause, a standing ovation, and then a hush as the previously talkative crowd gave itself over to the magic of Tori Amos. She appeared strong yet feminine in her black military jacket-style dress. It was slit at the sides, allowing Tori to sexily peek out her shapely legs clad in sparkly gold tights. She writhed on her piano seat with abandon, giving herself over to the power of her music. Put simply, she is a vision. I wish I’d known the Opera House wasn’t enforcing their no camera policy! As it is, you’ll just have to look at another one from the tour.
This was my third Tori show, and probably my favourite. A Tori set list is always surprising. She’s one of those artists who rarely plays the same song back-to-back. There are no guaranteed singles ready to make their appearance, no guarantees at all really. That may unnerve or even disappoint other music fans, but not Tori’s. Remember, she’s the artist who either love or loathe. And the people that love her, love everything she does. The favourite songs you hear are like gifts, beautiful unexpected gifts, and the ones you didn’t warm to on the recordings become so much richer for seeing them live.
This set list was more surprising than most though. Tori was here to promote her new album Abnormally Attracted to Sin, but you wouldn’t know it. “Lady in Blue” made an early appearance as an opener, and “Curtain Call” popped up near the end, but for the most part the new album was forgotten. For me, who’s often wished for more older material in her sets, this was a joyful blessing. Instead we were treated to more tracks from Scarlet’s Walk than any other, and the surprising addition of favourite B-sides like Here. In My Head and Take To The Sky. The latter was made more special with a little “I Feel the Earth Move” in the middle. I’d just bought Carole King tickets that same morning, so I gave an extra loud cheer.
There were so many highlights. “Silent All These Years” was one of those really important songs as I was growing up, and I gasped when I heard its familiar piano introduction. “Leather” was so deliciously sinful. Her cover of “Over The Rainbow” was one of the most moving live performances I’ve ever witnessed. “Merman” and “Putting The Damage On” were the perfect pair to end the perfect performance.
Tori told us that while every place you play as a performer is magical, there’s a little extra magic in taking to the stage at the Opera House. Clearly she loves to play here, and that showed in an amazing night of music. I feel truly honoured to have witnessed it.
Image source: ZUMA Press
