Michael Buble Gives Australia Crazy Love

Canadian crooner Michael Buble is making things really easy for men hoping to ingratiate themselves next Valentine’s Day. He’s announced an Aussie tour for next February and March.

It seems fitting for Mickey to return to Oz, a country he clearly loves, for his Crazy Love tour, at a time when everyone’s thinking about love. Don’t you just adore the synchronicity?

There are nine dates announced so far, but with plenty of space in between I’m betting that this won’t be the final tour schedule. Tickets for the following shows go on sale from the regular outlets on February 28.

Canadian crooner Michael Buble performing live at the SECC in Glasgow


11 & 12 February 2011 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
14 & 15 February 2011 – Acer Arena, Sydney
22 & 23 February 2011 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
28 February 2011 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
4 March 2011 – Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley
6 March 2011 – Sandalford Wines, Margaret River

Michael Bublé @ Sydney Entertainment Centre – 31 May 2008

Last night Michael Bublé performed in Sydney as part of his Call Me Irresponsible tour. I never imagined how appropriate that name would be. But before I get into that nasty business, it’d be remiss of me not to talk about Michael’s brilliant support act, Naturally 7. I’d never heard of this seven-piece vocal act from New York, but they made such a massive impression on us all.

There were the angelic harmonies we’re accustomed to from bands of this ilk, but what set them apart was what they termed “vocal play.” Rather than simply using their voices to sing, the members of the band also mimicked instruments. Think beatboxing taken to a whole new level. They mimed along to the drums, violins, electric and bass guitars, and brass section they created, and it was utterly mesmerising.

Naturally 7 performed a set rich with originals and some brilliant songs inspired by “Broken Wings” and “In the Air Tonight.” I have never seen a support act get a standing ovation before, but theirs was well deserved.

Then we had Michael Bublé. Let me start by telling you that I love Michael Bublé. I’ve seen him perform on every Australian tour he’s embarked upon. I’ve bought every album. And I’m not a wowser by any means. But when he stumbled onto the stage at the Sydney Entertainment Centre blind drunk, I lost a lot of respect for him.

The show started with his cover of Leonard Cohen’s “I’m Your Man,” yet we could barely listen to the song because we were gossiping about his condition. He was unsteady on his feet, slurring his words, and looking the worse for wear with his unshaven face and bleary eyes.

The next song, “It Had Better Be Tonight,” was if anything, worse. In his drunken state, he simply couldn’t match the energy of the album version. It required him to move around the stage, which only highlighted just how hammered he was.

He owned up after that song, confirming what most of us already knew. But rather than seem sheepish and apologetic, he appeared boastful. He sang a little of Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” and joked around, but it seemed most of us weren’t laughing.

The first half of the show was terrible. He slurred. He fell off notes and couldn’t sustain others. He encouraged us to sing the lyrics, an act that seemed more about filling in for him than encouraging participation. He staggered and stumbled. He made smutty tasteless jokes, a far cry from the clever sexy banter I’ve seen at previous shows. He butchered song after song after song. Had I not been with my family, I would have left.

To be fair, he managed to pull it together in the second half. His simple performance of “Always on My Mind” was a turning point. From there things seemed to go relatively smoothly. He began to sing well again and win us over. The Sydney images on the big screens during “Home” didn’t hurt either.

By the end of the night, we were all on our feet dancing to upbeat covers of “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “How Sweet It Is,” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” We were then all touched by his parting gift, a raw and emotional performance of Donnie Hathaway’s “Song for You.”

Yet despite all his best measures at the end, I still left the venue with a bad taste in my mouth. As I say, I love a drink as much as the next guy. But if you’re drinking to levels that affect how you do your job, then there’s a problem. To get up on stage in such an obnoxiously inebriated state that your performance suffers is simply disrespectful to your fans. Calling Michael Bublé irresponsible after last night’s efforts is an understatement.

The opinions expressed in this article are of Lauren Katulka and based on her experiences alone.

Earl Cole’s Back with More Michael Bublé

You might remember me mentioning Michael Buble impersonator extraordinaire Earl Cole a couple of weeks ago. His Valentine’s Day show was a sell-out, but if you missed out don’t stress.

Earl Cole will perform his Michael Buble tribute show with the Earl Cole Dancers on Thursday 27 March at Perth’s Social Subiaco. The romantic show costs $75, which isn’t bad for the entertainment, three delicious courses, and a glass of champers. It all kicks off at 7:30 pm and should run until around 10 pm.

This is your last chance to see Earl before he heads overseas to wow the crowds in Malaysia. Seats are strictly limited, so call (08) 9380 6277 to reserve yours today!

Michael Bublé Show a Valentine’s Day Treat

Few performers make me swoon like Canadian crooner Michael Bublé. All that vintage charm is so incredibly romantic, and I’ve always been a sucker for a man in a suit.

Aussie audiences will have to wait until May to catch the man himself, but Perth men can score some major brownie points by taking their ladies to see Earl Cole’s Michael Bublé tribute show this Valentine’s Day.

Earl is known as Perth’s finest crooner, so he’s sure to do justice to Michael’s big hits including “Home,” “Fever,” “Everything,” “Sway” and more.

But the show’s not just about impressing the women. The Earl Cole Dancers will give the men some eye candy too.

Earl Cole’s Michael Bublé tribute show will play at 7:30 pm at Cicconi’s on Cambridge (353 Cambridge Street, Wembley). Tickets cost $75, and they include a romantic three-course meal and bubbly on arrival. You can book a table by calling Cicconi’s on (08) 9383 7888.

Michael Bublé Announces New Shows

Do you have your Michael Bublé tickets yet? This Canadian cutie’s concerts have sold out all over the country, but tickets to some new shows will go on sale tomorrow.

“Australia is one of Michael Bublé’s most popular world markets,” tour promoter Paul Dainty said in a press release.

“When tickets to his national tour went on sale in December they sold out in just minutes. Extra shows were added, yet the demand was still there for more concerts, so Michael has agreed to extend his touring itinerary to look after his fans.”

Michael will perform very special encore shows in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth when he tours this May/June. These are the final shows for the tour, so if you miss out this time you’ll miss out for good! Here are all the dates:

28 May 2008 – AIS Arena, Canberra (SOLD OUT)
30 May 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
31 May 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
5 June 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
2 June 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
3 June 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
6 June 2008 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
7 June 2008 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
9 June 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
11 June 2008 – Challenge Stadium, Perth (SOLD OUT)
12 June 2008 – Challenge Stadium, Perth (SOLD OUT)
14 June 2008 – Challenge Stadium, Perth (SOLD OUT)
15 June 2008 – Challenge Stadium, Perth (NEW SHOW)
17 June 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide (NEW SHOW)
18 June 2008 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (NEW SHOW)

Image source: Quintin3265 @ Wikimedia Commons

Michael Bublé’s Coming!

I’ve got to tell you, I’m more than a little bit excited at recent news that Michael Bublé is heading back to Australia next May to promote his third album, Call Me Irresponsible.

I’ve seen Michael on his last two visits to Australia, and he never fails to impress me. It may have something to do with his amazingly pure voice, it may be about his old-school charisma, or it may just be those gorgeous brown eyes. Either way, his return is good news.

It seems the man himself is also pretty chuffed by it.

“I love coming to Australia,” he told AAP. “You are all so nice. Sort of like Canadians, but with good suntans.”

Awww, doesn’t it just make you all warm and fuzzy inside? Also heartening is the news that unlike most artists, Michael’s keeping his ticket prices low. The best seats in the house will only set you back around $100, which is a whole lot less than most of the big stars charge these days.

Of course, at these prices they’re going to go quickly. Sydney and Perth fans can get theirs on December 3, while shows in Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane will go on sale on December 6.

Image source: Quintin3265 @ Wikimedia Commons