Tag: Cyndi Lauper

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cyndi Lauper @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 7 April 2025

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cyndi Lauper @ State Theatre, Sydney – 31 March 2011

This review’s coming a little late by my standards, but I figured this is one of those articles best written once the high’s faded a little. If I’d sat down on Friday I’m not sure I could have written more than “I love Cyndi Lauper so much!” Even now I’m not really convinced I’ve got the necessary objectivity, but I’m going to try.

On Thursday night I made a pilgrimage to Sydney’s State Theatre to see one of my idols, Cyndi Lauper. Like many women of a certain age, I’ve been dazzled by Cyndi for as long as I can remember. In a musical landscape that is so often beige and homogenised, she’s always been a rainbow of color, fierce and fabulous. My expectations for her live show were sky high, but I’m thrilled to say she met every one.

But before she graced us with her presence it was Casey Donovan’s turn to charm us. I’ve been a fan of Casey’s since her Australian Idol days, and I was thrilled to see she’s only gotten better. Accompanied by a single acoustic guitar she delivered a stunning stripped back mix of covers and original material. Casey’s always been a master at delivering a song, but I’m thrilled to see her stage presence now matching her delivery. She’s come a long way from the quiet teen that wowed us in Idol. She bantered easily with the crowd between songs, charming us even more with her confidence. I was desperate to see Cyndi, but also disappointed to see her all too short set end.


I couldn’t be upset for too long though, because I was finally going to see Cyndi. The years certainly have not wearied this 80s icon. She bounced around the stage, dancing with wild abandon, a compelling figure with a shock of peroxide hair clad in black leather. From the first few songs we realised this show would be packed with songs from her Memphis Blues CD. I’m often put out when it seems an artist only wants to spruik their new material, but here it made perfect sense. I’ve never seen a supporting band as good as Cyndi’s. These guys are blues masters every one of them, and I wanted to hear the tunes that would show off that talent. Special mention must go to Charlie Musselwhite who blew my mind on harmonica.

Cyndi still played those songs we were desperate to hear though. It couldn’t be a Cyndi Lauper concert without a cheeky singalong in “She Bop,” a raucous extended version of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” or poignant moments with “All Through the Night,” “Time After Time” and “True Colors.”

The mix of classic blues and retro pop was unusual, but that’s just what Cyndi’s always been. She’s a true musical artist who’s always rebelliously marched to the beat of her own drum. And in Sydney she performed her pants off, dancing about and jumping off the stage several times to be a bit closer to her adoring fans. How she could sing so flawlessly while delivering such an energetic show I’ll never know, but she did that too. She might be an 80s icon, but with this Memphis Blues album Cyndi’s shown her star certainly isn’t fading. It was incredible to bask in a little of that light for a while. Thank you Cyndi Lauper for one of the most enjoyable concerts I’ve ever witnessed.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cyndi Lauper Brings Blues Album to Oz

I’m just about jumping out of my skin with the news that Cyndi Lauper is heading back to our shores.

Cyndi’s one of those artists I’ve loved forever, but I’ve never managed to see her live. I’ve always dealt with the lacklustre reception of friends and family, but I’ve finally worn my husband down. He may be going under sufferance, but I know he’s going to have an incredible time.

Cyndi’s heading our way to promote her new album Memphis Blues, a collection of covers of songs from Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and other blues greats. It seems she just can’t wait to bring these bluesy classics to Oz.

“Australia is one of my favorite places and I am looking forward to visiting again in early 2011,” she said in a statement. “We always have a great time when we come to Australia.”

Tickets for the shows go on sale on November 25.

Singer Cyndi Lauper performs on ABC's Good Morning America in New York, June 23, 2010. REUTERS/Lily Bowers(UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)


28 & 29 March 2011 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane
31 March & 1 April 2011 – State Theatre, Sydney
2 April 2011 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
5 April 2011 – Burswood Theatre, Perth
8 April 2011 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
11 April 2011 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cyndi Lauper Does the 80s on Australian Idol!

I have not been more excited about an episode of Australian Idol in its history. Two words for you: Cyndi Lauper. To have one of my idols mentoring these talented youngsters and sitting in on the judging panel was a real treat. I’m also a massive fan of the 1980s, so I was pumped. But could the idols match my anticipation?

Luke Dickens certainly did. When I heard he was taking on John Cougar’s “Jack and Diane” it seemed only natural. It’s a storyteller’s song, and that’s exactly what he is. This man just improves in leaps and bounds every week. He seemed more comfortable than I’ve ever seen him, engaging the audience and still remembering to enjoy himself. He’s definitely stepping up where it counts. It was a joy to watch, and it even made Cyndi cry!

Brooke Addamo revealed a whole new sexed-up side with one of my favourites, “Bette Davis Eyes.” Initially I was a little concerned that the band was getting the better of her, but she really took up the challenge and came home strong. I loved seeing this edgier side to her. Every week she brings something new and she continues to show us she’s more than just a pretty face. Cyndi’s also proving to be worth her weight in gold – she’s bringing such great performances out of our Idols!

Madam Parker took on Diana Ross’ “Upside Down.” I’m not sure whether it was her illness that brought this performance down, but it just felt very lacklustre. Even if you’re sick I sort of feel like you need to give it more than this when you’re choosing a high energy song.

It’s funny, my husband I were discussing the possibility of Mark Spano singing some Foreigner just this morning. We were hoping for something rocky like “Jukebox Hero” or “Cold as Ice,” but he opted for “I Want to Know What Love Is.” I love a good power ballad, but I’m not sure he brought the right degree of light and shade to this. It finished strong, but I don’t think it was anywhere near his best performance. I just can’t put my finger on exactly why. I’m still a massive fan.

Tom Williams mutilated “Uptown Girl.” He turned one of the most wonderful pop songs of the 80s into a sugary-sweet piece of garbage. It lost all its bounce, all of its fun, and just became something from High School Musical. This is the worst thing I’ve heard him do, and I haven’t liked his other performances. My husband actually said I do this song better on SingStar, and my own mother begged me not to sing anymore as a child. The cop-out of not knowing any song from the 80s was just the cherry on the sundae for me. Terrible on all accounts.

Chrislyn Hamilton took on another of my favourite songs, “True Colours.” If she was intimidated by Cyndi Lauper’s presence on the judging panel, she certainly didn’t show it. She delivered a performance that was mature beyond her years. I believed it. I think I really needed to see this other side to her, to feel there was more depth to her than just someone who could belt out some big notes. This was very impressive.

What an improvement Teale Jakubenko has made. You would never imagine this was the same guy who stumbled into the bottom three last week. His version of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” was masterful. He took command from the get go and floored us all. My only criticism is that he broke the spell when he stepped out from behind the microphone. Before that my macho husband had tears welling in his eyes! But if that’s the worse you can say … well I’m sure he won’t be in the bottom three this week.

It seems like this is the week that all our performers have decided to show a brand new side. This week Sophie Paterson stepped away from being our resident folkster to show a real strength. And they don’t come much stronger than Annie Lennox, do they? Her version of “Sweet Dreams” was incredibly powerful. She also looked sensational, although I really agree that she needed some more sensible shoes for that sexy strut!

It was yet another brilliant performance from Wes Carr with his rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark.” It makes me wonder though, where are everyone else’s instruments? I could have listened to this for a whole lot longer. There’s absolutely nothing to fault with a man so talented.

Roshani Priddis is one of those performers I could just watch forever. She has a way of drawing you in, and she did it again with “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” I felt every ounce of her anger. She did everything right, and again I was impressed. I have a feeling this girl might have been hurt before, and if she hasn’t she certainly made me believe she has!

Thanh Bui closed the show with The Police’s “Every Breath You Take.” I am so glad Cyndi set him straight on the meaning behind this song! The performance was a little patchy, but what was good was really, really good. He just needs to drop that act and really feel. When he did that it was urgent and sufficiently creepy. Just like all good stalker songs should be!

So who’s going home? Honestly if it’s not Tom there’s no justice in this world and all the parents need to confiscate their children’s mobile phones!

Image source: Jim Davidson @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cyndi Lauper Heads to Mardi Gras

Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is famous for delivering some of the most fabulous entertainment in Australia, and next year’s festivities will be no exception. 80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper will headline the 30th anniversary celebrations.

I’m really excited about this one. After all, with hits like “Girls Just Want to have Fun,” “True Colours,” “Time After Time,” what’s not to love? Now I just have to convince my husband to embrace his inner diva and come with me.

No official dates are available just yet, but expect Miss Lauper to grace our shores in February. This of course gives me plenty of time to twist my husband’s arm.

Image source: @bastique @ Flickr.com