Review: CALUM SCOTT - Live in Sydney
The Songbook So Far
a Decade After the Golden Buzzer
Presented by Frontier Touring
Wednesday 29th January 2024
Written by: RA and Jimmy Wah
Photographer: RA
It’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since CALUM SCOTT received the golden buzzer for his performance of ‘Dancing On My Own’ at 2015’s Britain’s Got Talent. With over 1 billion streams on that career defining track, the now renowned English singer/songwriter who rose from humble beginnings has since taken the world stage head-on and amassed a following of fans as passionate as his songs. On Wednesday night, Sydney was lucky enough to witness the now seasoned vocalist perform his latest tour The Songbook So Far at the perfect venue for the occasion, The Enmore Theatre.
Early entry ticket holders who arrived before doors at 7pm were already at the front of the stage as everyone else arrived. The atmosphere was chilled out with people either standing or sitting on the floor or seated on the wide steps at the back of the room. The stage was set with two drumkits, a piano to one side and a crazy looking red guitar curiously sitting in the middle of the stage. Concert goers had plenty of time to familiarize themselves with the theatre, get a drink or check out some of the unique merch that was on display and ready to be sold.
Image: Brian Eastwood - Bender Distortorcaster
Image: Go-Jo
When the clock struck 8 and the lights went down, the growing crowd let out a cheer. Opening for tonight was Western Australian band Go-Jo. A luscious locks brunette drummer took to the kit at the front of the stage, while two matching guitarists wearing red festival pants and white raglan tees flanked opposite sides of the stage, overhead, a voice blasted through the PA mixed with a background beat. A count-down from 10 began and Go-Jo himself appeared on zero. Dancing away to the guitar driven tunes with moves that would make Elvis blush, Go-Jo immediately brought the Enmore to life. Wearing a strapping red trimmed, black suit with a wide collared heart print shirt, reminiscent of 70s disco, he danced with his musicians and sang a mix of pop-rock party tunes with subtle elements of R&B/hip-hop. From the very first song, Go-Jo encouraged the crowd to sing along while expressing his infectious cheeky character.
Image: Drummer, James Smithers
Image: Go-Jo and band on stage with crowd
A few songs in, Go-Jo picked up the red guitar saying “Don’t ask about what’s going on with this guitar. It used to be a Stratocaster… it melted in the car”. Laughter filled the room and he went on prove that he’s more than just a showman but an accomplished musician. Once again he involved the crowd letting them finish the final phrases of his 2022 single ‘Missing You’. Thanking the crowd and telling them how beautiful it was, he mentioned missing out on seeing Calum Scott when he came to Australia in 2022 and how he never could have imagined opening for him 3 years later. This support act had it all, from heartfelt acoustic ballads and up-beat grooves, guitar solos and even a moment for the crowd to bring out their torches and light up the theatre to reveal a floor and mezzanine that was filled to the brim. Go-Jo has mastered an impressive catalogue and live show in a relatively short time. Keep an eye out for future shows, he’s definitely going places.
Image: Go-Jo
After another short break, the lights dropped for the second time and the audience erupted as the musicians appeared from the darkness. Guitar and drums flanked one side of the stage opposite piano and cello on the other as the cinematic ambience of the opening track filled the room. The appearance of Calum Scott elicited heartfelt cheers without singing a single note. The heavy bass tone of ‘Lighthouse’ reverberated through our bones. When it came time for Calum to begin, within the first breath, he transformed the room into a magical fairy tale, his tone and control was beyond amazing, it is flawless. By his side, the musicians complimented his talent, a virtuosic pianist and cello player, whom switched between backing vocals and cello with ease, sometimes commanding both at once.
Image: Calum Scott
The songs each had their own unique character. Calum sung falsetto effortlessly, as though the notes were crafted from his own essence. Even with the mic on a stand his body moved as though the words were being animated on the stage. Before too long it was clear that the captivated audience was what this tour is really about, connecting with like minded, caring individuals and expressing ones self, Calum chatted between songs not just to engage the crowd but to communicate who he authentically is. This couldn’t have been clearer than the moment that he stopped the show for an unwell audience member as the crowd made way, for help by the amazing staff at the Enmore Theatre to receive necessary medical attention.
Image: Calum Scott
Image: Calum Scott and musicians
Image: Alex Marshall, Calum Scott and Andrew Yeates
Image: Calum Scott
Returning from the brief pause on stage Calum announced, “This is the part of the show where I do my best to make you cry” before singing ‘If Our Love Is Wrong’ from his debut album Only Human. The other band members exited the stage except for Andrew Yeates on piano, the touring musician and musical director for Calum Scott. Playing stripped back pieces ‘Boys in the Street’ and ‘Flaws’ from the 2022 album Bridges, the music took on a very sombre tone as the room remained dark, save for spotlights and ambient lighting on the stage. This suited Calum’s outpouring of emotion through his songs punctuated with stories about his life, how he feels, and how much he wants to connect with people listening to his music. Andrew came down from the piano to join Calum on the steps in the centre of the stage and take up an acoustic guitar to play ‘Father’, a rare song that Calum says was written but never featured on his debut album out of respect for people it was about. Most prominent throughout the show was the genuine connection, honesty and respect that Calum showed for everyone in the room, even asking for the lights to be brought up so he could see the crowd and share his heartfelt thanks.
Image: Crowd view, Calum Scott on stage
Image: Calum Scott
Image: Calum Scott
Image: Calum Scott on stage with band
When the band returned to the stage, the lights came up again and the cinematic vibe returned with equally powerful music and vocals. It was moving to see the entire floor and mezzanine filled with captivated faces that truly soaked up the atmosphere apart from those faces shielded by their phones sharing the night with those that couldn’t make it. The music changed again to feature party tunes like ‘Roots’, ‘Where Are You Now’ and ‘Whistle’, bringing everyone to their feet to dance and match Calum’s vibe. When he announced his final song ‘Heaven’ and thanked the crowd, everyone remained glued to their spot on the floor, knowing that the most popular of Calum’s repertoire had not yet been played. Returning to a chanting crowd after departing the stage briefly, Calum once again talked about the songs that shot him to stardom, how much they mean to him and how much he loves to sing them. ‘You Are The Reason’ and ‘Dancing On My Own’ were met with cheers and singing as couples embraced and the outpouring of emotion filled the room.
Image: Enmore Theatre Crowd, Calum Scott and band on stage
The show finished on a very positive note with Calum voicing his utmost appreciation and thanks to the people who came to watch. A big shout out to Frontier Touring for making this magical night possible.
If you missed Calum Scott in Sydney or Melbourne, check out A Day on The Green 2025 featuring THE SCRIPT, CALUM SCOTT, MONTAIGNE, X AMBASSADORS and LOTTE GALLAGHER. You’re going to love it.
Photographer: RA
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