These days John Mayer is more famous for making headlines than playing guitar. It’s a sad state of affairs, but one he seems to be taking on the chin these days. On Saturday night he reminded us of the skills that made him famous when he played the Sydney Entertainment Centre.
I considered writing that Orianthi warmed up the stage, but then I realised that didn’t really tell the story of her opening set. There’s no denying this young Aussie’s talent. She’s impressing all the right people with her incredible skills with an axe. But as a front woman, I’m just not sure she cuts it. There was something very rehearsed and polished about her set, almost like rock and roll by numbers. Even her seemingly off the cuff remarks to the audience between songs sounded as if they were read from a script. Walking off stage at the end of her final number, without even giving the crowd a backwards glance, was the straw the broke the camel’s back for me. It might have been a rock and roll move, but she’s just not big enough to pull such a stunt.
In contrast, John Mayer was warm and gracious as he took to the stage. He gave us a set with equal measures of hits and new material from his Battle Studies album. Both modes of songs seemed to go down a treat; this was an audience of fans who own everything that man does and lap it up accordingly. This showed when John pulled out “In Your Atmosphere” a live favourite that has never made an appearance on a studio album. You wouldn’t have known it though as the crowd sang along enthusiastically to every word.
After seeing Spandau Ballet play the same venue weeks ago, it struck me that this was a very low-key performance. There were no big screens, no costume changes save him taking off his shirt, and no light-show trickery. But that’s exactly what I loved; without all the distractions we focused on the heart of the music. Just as he was at last year’s showcase, John seemed so appreciative of this, thanking us repeatedly for making him feel so at home.
I’m thrilled John Mayer feels so comfortable playing for us in Sydney, as it means we can look forward to many nights of live music just like this. And as anyone who was there can attest, this is a very good thing.
Image source: Lauren Katulka
I loved him in Newcastle, was absolutely fantastic and he was so warm towards the crowd.
I think you hit the spot with Orianthi as she was the same up here. Every single one of her thank you’s sounded rehearsed and entirely insincere, her banter with the crowd was almost non-existent and apart from the MUSIC, I thought she was a little bland.
Thanks for stopping by Luke! Glad John gave you an awesome show. Any personal favourites in the set? I was thrilled to get “In Your Atmosphere,” and of course “Why Georgia” is always up there.
I LOVED Why Georgia and Slow Dancing in a Burning Room… and the live version of Assassin was faaaaantastic!
You got “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”?! I am so jealous!!
I was also stoked to hear “In Your Atmosphere”. Can’t say the same for “Your Body is a Wonderland” though. It was a great show, but I think the Metro show last year still sits on top of the list.
Also, not sure if you’ve seen this website http://www.setlist.fm/ . It’s got setlists from a load of shows. Good for a comparison.
Hi Jo – I think that Metro show will always be the one we struggle to top. It was just such an incredible night. I had seen setlist.fm – it’s a great site. Sadly no Newcastle set list on there though, which is why I was particularly interested in Luke’s comments. I live in between Newcastle and Sydney, so I was tossing up which show to see!
He did Slow Dancing in Wollongong, too, but I’m SO incredily jealous that Sydney got In Your Atmosphere – THAT would have been amazing!
His Metro gig last year (Free Fallin’ – ARGH!) and his SEC show in 2004 (Split Screen Sadness, Covered in Rain AND Man On the Side? Hello, heaven!) would have to be my fave JM shows to date…