Keith Urban Melbourne Concert Review – December 12th, 2009.

I remember seeing Keith Urban perform many times on the Midday Show when it was hosted by Ray Martin and I used to think to myself that he was an amazing guitar player. A few years later a friend of mine gave me a copy of The Ranch’s album and I thought it was fantastic. So now a few years later I get asked to accompany my cousin (she’s a massive fan who lived in the US for a few years) to his gig at Rod Laver Arena. I admit I really didn’t know many of Keith’s songs but I loved the song “Kiss a Girl” and so I went to the gig with an open mind.

A few hours later I am massive Keith Urban fan. This was a fantastic show that contained great songs, brilliant musicianship and a cool looking set. Keith Urban is a star. The guy is still a brilliant guitarist and the songs are just superb. It was obvious to me that I was in the minority because I wasn’t singing along like the, mainly female, audience but I was up on my feet from the minute the show started.

The band comprising of multi-instrumentalists was full of energy and really tight. I also thought the pace of the show was great and the songs can be best described as country rock or country pop. Some of the songs sounded a little funky too. The show opened with 2 up-beat songs that set the tone for a great show. One of the highlights of the night was when Keith walked off the stage, through to the audience to the back of the stadium during the song ‘Where the Blacktop Ends’. On his way through the crowds Keith shook hands with his fans including this new fan. What a personal highlight!

At the end of the arena Keith performed an acoustic set on a small stage while his band stayed on the main stage. Keith really looked like he was having an amazing time and at times seemed surprised that people in Melbourne were really into his music but he should know better. In Melbourne, we love good music and Keith performs great music! After the acoustic set was over Keith walked through the crowd again and returned to the stage. From there he continued to perform with great enthusiasm. Keith played an amazing guitar solo in a song called ‘Raining On Sunday’ which blew me away. It was great to hear ‘Kiss a Girl’….at least I could sing this one.

For the guitar enthusiasts, Keith played several guitars during the show. They included a Gibson SG, Les Paul Junior, several Fender Telecasters (including the shattered mirror Tele) and a Maton acoustic.

Overall, this was a fantastic show and I really loved every minute of it. Keith Urban is a wonderful performer. All I have to do now is go out and buy his music. This way I’ll be singing too when he next comes to Melbourne…however, ideally I’d love to have a jam with him.

Keith Urban Official Website
www.keithurban.net

SET LIST
Hit The Ground Runnin’
Days Go By
Stupid Boy
Where The Blacktop Ends
You’re My Better Half
Once In A Lifetime
Making Memories Of Us
Only You Can Love Me This Way
Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me
Sweet Thing
Standing Right In Front Of You
Till Summer Comes Around
Raining On Sunday
You May Be Right (Billy Joel cover)
Kiss A Girl
I Told You So
You’ll Think Of Me
You Look Good In My Shirt
Somebody Like You

Encore:
Tonight I Wanna Cry
Better Life

By STEVE YANKO
Copyright © 2009 STEVE YANKO