Last night I watched Shannon Noll doing his thing in Las Vegas courtesy of Deep Rock Drive. This cool new website allows people anywhere in the world to experience live music from the comfort of their own homes.
I must admit, I was a little nervous about how my poor Broadband 1 connection would cope with the show but the technology was flawless. It’s like being at your local venue, with a few added extras. I was offered four different camera angles, allowing me to perve on the sexy scarf-wearing guitarist or watch the sort of dynamic footage seen on concert DVDs. The show is also completely interactive, allowing fans to vote for the songs they want to hear from the setlist provided.
I loved this feature, although it frustrated me for the first few songs. I was keen to hear “Shine,” but the tracks from Turn It Up proved popular with fans. He kicked off with the rocking “Everybody Needs a Little Help” before slowing things down a little with “Walls.”
I was so impressed by Shannon’s energy. It was 1 am in the US when the concert began, but if he was fatigued he didn’t let it show. This was the second of Shannon’s Deep Rock Drive gigs, but he seemed determined to give everything to the largely Australian crowd. He happily answered questions about everything the internet viewers wanted to know, from the success of his American shows to the fate of his flavour saver.
A stripped-down version of “What about Me?” was a highlight, followed by my song “Shine.” From there I seemed to be in tune with the rest of the viewing audience, as the set followed my own requests. The vitality of “Shine” was matched by the raw emotion of the ballads “In Pieces,” and “Now I Run.”
I couldn’t help laughing as Shannon played the final song from the set list, “Loud,” and another check box appeared on the screen with one word: Encore. Of course I’d have to click it. It seems like the rest of the virtual crowd did too, because we were then treated to “Lonely” and “Lift.”
Watching Shannon Noll there in America as I sat in Australia, I felt a great sense of pride. He’s come a long way since I first saw him as a slightly nervous rocker on Australian Idol. He’s become such a natural and powerful performer, and an accomplished songwriter. It’s only a matter of time before the United States and the rest of the world realises how talented he is.