After more than four decades touring the world, Cyndi Lauper’s made the decision to step away from the stage. Thankfully not before bidding fans around the world a fond farewell. It’s been 14 years since I saw this icon live. I resisted a few double bills and had a few clashes, so I was thrilled that the stars aligned for me to see her one last time.
The Veronicas didn’t just warm up the stage; they made it red hot. They delivered a smart set made up of their many bangers and some choice covers. “Edge of Seventeen” was an electric opening number that played perfectly to the crowd of ‘80s music fans. “Love is a Battlefield” and an incredible cover of “Simply the Best” also made their way into the set. These songs sat easily amongst the Veronicas originals. I’m not sure I realised how many chart toppers they’d released, but I knew and loved everything they performed. Some of those songs are heavily produced on the record, so it’s easy to forget just how good their voices are. Whether singing independently or harmonising in the way only siblings can, they sounded sublime. They also had such energy; I couldn’t look away. Note to self: make a point to see more Veronicas shows.
This was a very different Cyndi show than the last one I attended; I feel so blessed that I got to see both. Last time she was promoting her Memphis Blues album, and with a crack team of blues musicians around her focusing on that album felt right. The biggest hits came out near the end, giving fans an opportunity to sing along before the end of the night. This time around the hits came out early after a rainbow explosion of confetti. Talk about starting the night with a bang! I sang along heartily with tracks like “She Bop,” “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,” and her iconic cover of Prince’s “When You Were Mine.” I marvelled at the sight of this ‘80s icon with her bold outfits and colourful wigs bopping around the stage.
This show wasn’t just about the hits and Cyndi’s bubbly persona though. Without a new album to promote, Cyndi could use her time playing songs that moved her in the moment. I was thrilled to hear many of the softer, more personal songs that didn’t make the set list last time like “Sally’s Pigeons” and “Who Let in the Rain.” One of my very favourite moments was watching Cyndi standing in place, without a trademark wig in place, wearing all black, delivering the most incredible version of Frankie Laine’s “I’m Gonna Be Strong.”
This show wasn’t just about the songs either. Cyndi told us several times she didn’t just want to sing at us. She shared stories freely, about her working-class upbringing, her career, and her beliefs. I hung on her every word. She’s such an incredible storyteller and I loved getting to know her heart a little more.
For the encore, Cyndi moved to a smaller stage in the centre of the floor. Watching the fans circling her, gazing on adoringly as she performed the powerful “Shine,” I thought this is probably as close as I come to church. It was that powerful. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Cyndi delivered “True Colours.” I’ve heard this song so many times, but I’ve never been as moved as I was last night watching Cyndi deliver it as she waved a beautiful rainbow scarf. It was such a powerful symbol of allyship delivered at a time when the political war against the LGBTQIA+ community is raging. I don’t mind admitting that I was moved to tears. As I wiped them away, Cyndi lifted us up one more time with her girl power anthem, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” She told us she wanted us to sing loudly and joyfully, and we all did. I experienced pure, unfettered happiness. How special is that?
It must be a difficult decision for artists to step away from the stage. Cut it too short and you miss that connection with fans that Cyndi clearly enjoys. But overstay your welcome and you might tarnish your legacy. It’s very rare that you see an artist time it as beautifully as Cyndi. While she wasn’t quite as energetic as the last time I saw her, she still had plenty in the tank and she gave me everything that mattered. Her vocals were incredible. Her artistic vision was still so fresh. And she still had a few moves up her sleeve. Saying goodbye is so bittersweet, but if we had to do it, I’m so glad we did it this way.
Cyndi has just a few shows left on the Australian leg of her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour. If you are on the fence, trust me, buy the tickets. You will not regret it.
8 April 2025 – Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney
10 April 2025 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tarntanya/Adelaide
12 April 2025 – RAC Arena, Boorloo/Perth
Photos: Stephen Katulka