Last Thursday I went to those concerts that put me on a real high. I’ll be honest with you and admit that I’m still on that high so many days later. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to write about this evening impartially, but I might just have calmed down enough to come off as more of a music blogger and less of a teenage girl. I might be in my mid-thirties, but that part of me is always going to come out when I see Joshua Radin, especially when I do it VIP.
When Joshua announced he would offer VIP tickets for his latest Australian tour, the first in more than four years, I jumped at them. I couldn’t wait to meet this singer-songwriter that I’ve admired for his entire career, but I wasn’t quite prepared for how special the experience would be. Around 30 die-hard fans were ushered into the Metro at a little after five to see Joshua standing on stage, playing one of my favourite songs “Closer,” from the first album. Joshua told us that he wanted to treat us to stuff we wouldn’t hear at the main show, which I really appreciated. The six-song soundcheck was more than generous. “Vegetable Car,” my husband’s favourite song which Joshua pulled out on the request of another fan despite being unsure whether he could remember the lyrics, was another highlight. It was also thrilling to hear a couple of brand new, unrecorded songs. I didn’t take any photos; it was one of those times where you just want to soak things in and have them just for you.
We were told we could get three pieces of merchandise signed, which equated to six for me because I brought my husband along. However, Joshua was actually happy to sign whatever we had, so those posters we were handed as we walked in also earned his signature. He took his time chatting to everyone individually, really paying attention to what we were saying and engaging us all. We never felt rushed, and we all felt special. I was so glad to be able to tell him what his album Wax Wings meant to me, and tickled pink when he complimented me on my skirt.
After the meet and greet we were shown a special VIP section of the Metro where we could sit for the evening. The plush seats and excellent view from those seats added further value to those VIP tickets, as did the company. I swear I’ve never been to a show with such wonderful people. We chatted with such interesting folks, not just about Joshua about our careers and families and other music we loved. They definitely made the time between acts feel much shorter.
Tara Favell was the first of those acts, a sweet young country-pop singer with a sparkly guitar. Her original songs reminded me a little of early Taylor Swift, and I felt for her when I spotted people near the front playing on their phones. Note to music lovers: if you want to stand near a stage, maybe give the artists the respect to at least appear to be paying attention. Her cover versions of “Thinking About Loud” and “I’m Yours” engaged the crowd a little more, but sadly their minds seemed to be elsewhere.
David Lazarus had an easier time of things. Frankly he was a gorgeous man, and that always helps at a show when most of the crowd are female. But his stories about the love he has for his sisters had every girl in the place swooning. He had a great rich tone, and serious guitar chops. His closing medley of popular songs old and new had everyone cheering. I became an instant fan, and plan on checking out more of his music.
But Joshua Radin was the man we all came to see. Despite being here to promote his album Onward and Sideways, his set took on a journey through his entire catalogue. In fact if anything it was heaviest on his debut album, after fans at the soundcheck told him they’d love to hear the early material. I sat in raptures, hanging onto his every word as he explained the circumstances behind the songs and listening to them with new understanding. After a backing band that felt too big for his songs last tour, it was refreshing to see him playing with just two other musicians. They gave the music the right amount of intimacy. My favourite Joshua Radin song “You’ve Got Growing Up To Do” was a real highlight, but “Winter,” “Only You,” and the jubilant” Belong” was also really special. Hell, the whole concert was special. His cover of “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright,” the first song he learned to play on a guitar, capped things off beautifully.
I left the Metro bouncing off the walls and I still feel those same butterflies as I write about that night. Joshua assured us he’ll return sooner next time, and I can only hope he keeps his word. Because personally, I’m ready to see the show again.
Image source: own photos