Written by: Adrianne Armida - Sense Music Media | Friday 14th April 2023
All photos by: Jordan Curtis Hughes >> VIEW GALLERY

THE 1975 At Their Very Best

THE 1975's return to Sydney for their At Their Very Best Tour had die-hard fans flocking from all over the country to witness the band, pun-intended, at their very best! With their undeniable talent and incredible stage presence, the energy from beginning to end throughout the ICC’s Aware Super Theatre was undeniable. You can tell it’s a 1975 concert when everyone is wearing a sea of black, with styles a mix of 90s grunge and Y2K with glittered-up eyes and mesh all around! Day one fans sported the very first batch of debut merch, while others wore custom pieces with ‘POISON ME DADDY’ in bold across their shoulders. 

The opener, American singer-songwriter WALLICE, personified THE 1975’s fan base perfectly in both style and attitude. She opened with a number of chill, toned-down songs that gave an air of Alanis Morisette and BEABADOOBIE. She opened with ‘90s American Superstar’ and included both her debut ‘Punching Bag’ and latest single ‘Best Friend’, both of which received a warm reception from both new and old fans alike. 

Regular attendees know intermission is about to end when Elvis Presley’s ‘Love Me Tender’ ricochets throughout the theatre. So naturally,  after the final note the lights went down and everybody lost their minds. A single spotlight burst onto the stage with a loud ‘click’ to reveal a mini-set of vintage one-person couches, a desk with a functioning vinyl player and some indoor plants atop the kind of rug that looks like it’s usually in a recording studio. With this tour, it’s all about giving that ‘homely’ feeling, like you’re simply watching the band be a band, playing music for the love of it. The fans erupted into a never ending sea of screams, waiting for their beloved MATT HEALY to appear. Once again, we were shown on the big screens live footage of HEALY and the band backstage in their dressing room, where they stood watching live footage of us. A subtle commentary on modern society? Knowing HEALY, most likely! After looking at the crowd, he addresses the camera with a smile and leads the way to the stage, talking to us in his oh-so-charming, effortlessly funny way about how “a lot of people think I’m a dick, but I’m really not!” Everyone hypnotised, yet ready to let loose didn’t move their eyes off the screen (phones recording the moment included). 

HEALY took to the stage solo, giving an acoustic rendition of fan-favourite ‘Be My Mistake’. Perhaps the softest opening song I’ve ever heard, it was not by any means a miss for 1975 devotees. With a swig of whatever was in his bottle and the light of a cigarette, the rest of the band ran up onto the stage taking their places. Ross Macdonald on bass, Adam Hann on guitar and George Daniel on drums. But it’s more than just the boys now, with the incredible John Waugh on saxophone who has been touring and recording with the boys for years and is an integral part of their sound! There’s also Polly Money on backing vocals and guitar who is unreal, and the perfect fit for ‘About You’. From the very first note the Sydney crowd did not disappoint, with their all-out dancing (mine included) and knowing every single word making it clear THE 1975's music has - and always will have, an incredibly special place in the hearts of Australian fans. Tonight HEALY’S Jagger-esque energy was back and the band's infectious, danceable sound had everyone up and moving with the first song from their latest album, ‘Looking for Somebody (to Love)’. 

Throughout the night, HEALY commanded the stage with a magnetic presence, strutting and spinning as he belted out hit after hit. The crowd responded in kind, especially to their latest hits ‘Happiness’ and ‘Oh Caroline’. 

What truly set this tour apart, however, was the palpable sense of joy and camaraderie that pervaded the entire venue. At times, the energy in the room was positively electric, with fans jumping and literally shouting to every song. And yet, amidst all the excitement, there was also a sense of intimacy and connection, as HEALY spoke candidly with the audience and shared stories of his journey in love, even if they don’t have happy endings. After ‘I’m in Love With You’, HEALY said to the audience “It’s nice when romance works out isn’t it? I’ve been good at writing it, but not doing it.” Then diving head first into ‘Falling for You’ to add to the melancholy of what he hints at often in the show, is a broken heart. 

The one thing I noticed was missing on this leg of the tour is their massive set piece - an open house with multiple rooms, a spiral staircase, television sets and even a rooftop on which HEALY usually climbs. He did address this, saying they are trying to be environmentally conscious and transporting the entire set wouldn’t exactly fit that bill. But nonetheless, they absolutely served and are after all the kind of band that need nothing but themselves to thrive on stage. 

The performances of ‘Robbers’ and ‘The Sound’ - 1975 classics, were particular highlights. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many people in true unison in their shared love for THE 1975 in my 9 years of seeing them play.  Meanwhile, ‘She’s American’ was a standout moment of the night, as beforehand Healy decided to do an acapella cover of the Backstreet Boys’ ‘I Want it That Way’, pointing to the sections of the crowd and coaching them on when it was their turn to sing parts of the song. It felt like we became a massive choir and was just unreal! 

The second half of the show had more fan favourites in store, including ‘Paris’, ‘It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)’ and ‘Sex’. Closing with the uplifting ‘Give Yourself A Try’ was a wholesome choice, leaving fans with their hearts soaring and bodies thrashing. Honestly, the set list was a dream and for any first-time attendees or even listeners, it was a near-perfect showcase of who they are and what their sound encapsulates. Love, loss, grief, politics, death and pleasure all wrapped up in the best elements of 1980s pop & rock. 

The Verdict

THE 1975's At Their Very Best Tour was a truly unforgettable experience, showcasing a band at the height of their powers and a crowd fully invested in every moment. No doubt they will continue to be a beloved fixture of the Australian music scene for years to come. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a night of pure, unbridled joy, this tour is one you’ll forever keep in your memory bank. 

4.5 STARS

All photos by: Jordan Curtis Hughes
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