Sydney Entertainment Centre
Sunday April 7, 2013 :
I have a confession. Although being a fan of The Script since my introduction to them through MTV reality spinoff TV series The Hills (also one of Lady Gaga’s first television platforms funnily enough), this is the first chance I have gotten to see the Irish trio perform. This may not sit well with the die hard fanatics, but I always believed this band would be best in a grand setting, and the show did everything to assert this feeling.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd started to roar in anticipation, it was clear from the almost sold out capacity of the Entertainment Centre that The Script’s popularity continues to grow as each year passes.
Opening with ‘Good Ol’ Days’, the crowd were quickly swept up with the melodic harmonies and heartfelt lyrics which have helped the band gain so many admirers. It became clear very quickly that The Script are still very focused on connecting with their fans, with more than one crying girl getting close and personal when frontman Danny jumped down to meet the crowd.
Next came ‘We Cry’, one of the band’s first releases, followed by the double platinum heartbreak ballad ‘Breakeven’. I don’t think anyone was expecting it so early in the set, but the fans were never going to complain belting out the lyrics with the band.
Possibly the most defining moment however was after the performance of ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’. Of any of the concerts I’ve been to, and I count some of the biggest bands worldwide in that group, I have never heard the kind of applause that followed that song prior to an encore. It seemed endless, and to the band’s credit they were left in wonderment by the support of the fans that have come to love their music. They said it best when they joked they can’t top that and bid the crowd goodnight. Luckily for us however they decided to continue on with one of my favourite track from their newest album offering #3, the heartfelt ‘If You Could See Me Now’.
Next came hits ‘Before The Worst’, ‘If You Ever Come Back’ and ‘Talk You Down’ before the band got into the drinks. The Irish and Australians can all appreciate a beer or two and after a couple of sculled Corona’s and some happy snaps, it was time to call a fan’s ex and deliver them a blow, belting out ‘Nothing’ over the phone hopefully to a guy that deserved a complete dressing down!
An acoustic performance of ‘I’m Yours’ tugged at the heartstrings, leading into another brilliant track from #3, ‘Six Degrees of Separation’. The boys finish off with ‘For The First Time’ having to compete with the crowd to be heard during the chorus, and leaving the stage while that audience continue to sing on.
It doesn’t take long for the band to come back with the roaring of the crowd, and that roaring only gets louder as Danny enters from stands to take on the fans while singing first encore song ‘You Won’t Feel A Thing’. The irony isn’t lost on me as hundreds of fans get much more than they would’ve thought they’d get with an $80 ticket, having the lead singer serenade them as he walked down the stand stairs, enter the mosh pit and make his way back up to the stage. It was a move that would have had security pulling their hair out, but endeared him even further to the already adoring crowd.
Finishing off with the epic ‘Hall Of Fame’, confetti and promises to return, The Script provided a concert that I would gladly see any night of the week, and that offered far more than the ticket price suggested. If you are yet to see these guys live, make it to their next show. It is well worth it, and will leave you with a lasting impression.
And just another note… The Support: The Original Rude Boys
I had to write a little more than the standard mention about these boys mainly because prior to this, I had never heard of them, and neither had a number of people I asked. This may not be surprising for some supports, but this band has put together a sound that I personally could listen to all day long, offering rap with an almost easy listening backdrop that meanders into indie territory at times. The use of the ukulele brought an almost latin feel to the mix as well. Think rap on a tropical beach with a few cocktails, and that’s the feeling songs like ‘Stars In My Eyes’ brings you.
Packaged with youth, good looks and musical prowess, I don’t think it’ll be long before they will be on their own tour down under… and after a few words with the band, it sounds like it’ll be sooner rather than later. Three months touring with The Script and they are all feeling like the best of old mates, and with the success of the band they’re supporting, this trio have pretty good mentors to show them how its done. Judging by the lineup of girls to meet the band after their performance, these guys are off to a great start.
Reviewer: Lauren O’Hara
Photographer: David Youdell
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