Live Review: Delta Goodrem – Bridge Over Troubled Dreams Tour at Perth’s RAC Arena
Photo: Kinga Nowicka
March 22nd, 2022
Finally, it happened.
Brewing since 2020, the state-sanctioned stupor finally capitulated to a rock-esque concert, with the Deltans spewing an undisputed roar of unbridled rambunctiousness that usually comes with The Wiggles entrance. The outburst amplified as Delta graced the stage in that exquisite, show stopping gown, then flicking it off for an attire that’s congruous to a high-tempo extravagance.
“Perth! It feels so good to be playing live music for you all…that’s all I can really say.”
The Bridge Over Troubled Dreams Tour promotes Delta’s seventh studio album of the same title. But even without the support by on-stage live performances, the album debut at number one on the ARIA Charts over a year ago, becoming her fifth to reach the pinnacle.
“I wrote this album going back in time and looking at all different moments, thinking about the journey we take, of where we are in life, and where we were, where we think where we should be, and where we want to go…”
The two-and-a-half-hour performance of last night is a candid soundtrack to the story of Delta Goodrem, driving the showcase into an autobiography of lyrical finesse and show-womanship. She propelled the audience onto a roller coaster journey that underscored a heartfelt and vulnerable performances in parts, redemption in some, but mainly of a full-blown extravagance that was backed by a full piece band, including a violinist and a six-person gospel choir. Yep – it was a party fest for most of the night, with fans on their feet.
The spectacle is also a beautification of her spirit, sprinkled with hope and optimism after a series of well documented setbacks. Her story was also supported by visual displays in the background. So it was spiritually fitting that the night was sparked by The Power of her latest album, electrifying the atmosphere with redemption and healing through the turbo charged lyrics, “The power lives with you…I’m lighting up inside, I’m burning up the sky…” supported by the angelic gospel choir, beaming musical divinity across the RAC Arena.
And just like that, Perth has returned to the big stage for live music, albeit at reduced capacity under the WA imposed restrictions which has been demarcated by a series of cancellations. Fans were treated with hits from her discography across two decades, including the likes of Innocent Eyes, Wings, Lost Without You, Billionaire, Sitting on Top of the World and Almost Here as she mellifluously weaved through the eclectic setlist effortlessly.
Regardless of the chapter, the Delta fans were dazzled by her emotional embrace and musicianship, and were encapsulated by her interpretation of honesty and strength without the poppy allegories. The stage was beautifully balanced without being overbearing and noisy, resembling a musical play which comprises of an arch bridge with grandiose steps on both sides. Needless to say, the accompaniment to her performance is symbolically entwined into the journey.
Crash was one of the performances from her latest album that expelled an organic, hypnotic ooze with the singer-songwriter being the sole performer on stage. “This song is about faith on the front seat, and hope by your side. It was also my journey and coming to the world, where I hope and pray my songs become of your story too, so this one is called Crash.”
Keep Climbing was another thematically infused moment. It commenced with a solo introduction, then progressing to a full piece back up, and culminating to a gospel rendition as Delta made her way onto the steps towards the bridge…which was a pinnacle moment.
The stage also transformed into a set within a set, known as “The Bunkerdown Sessions”, replicating the online performances during Covid lockdown with her guitarist partner Matthew Copley, playing hits such as Window Seal Song, All of My Friends and Hopelessly Devoted to You without the bells and whistles.
Boomtown karaoke covers were also given the honours through the vocal range of Delta, such as Men at Work’s Down Under, Queen’s The Show Must Go On, and Raining Men in dedication to Pride Week. Dear Elton was a homage to her superstar friend while emblazing in a glitzy outfit with colours from across the Newton’s spectrum.
So, after two and a half hours of a vocal masterclass display, Delta closed her set with the smash hit Born to Try – a track that catapulted the debut Album Innocent Eyes and Delta Goodrem as the undisputed Australian champion, topping the ARIA charts for twenty-nine consecutive weeks, making it the second highest selling Australian album after Whispering Jack, and leap frogging the likes of INXS, AD/DC and Savage Garden.
The appetiser of the night was Brisbane-based Sheppard – who are a global sensation, having performed on the biggest music awards and to a global audience on Jimmy Fallon. In sporting terms, they would be considered as the super sub, transforming the night into a party fest on the back of a world class performance. Arguably, the fans got two for the price of one, akin to when Motley Crue supported KISS, and when Jay Z opened for U2. By the time the ear worm chorus of Geronimo (with over 400 million streams on Spotify) echoed from centre stage, the night had truly begun.
In any other night, the Sheppard would have been the main act, and the on stage chemistry between the Perth-born lead vocalist George Sheppard and Delta was undeniable in their duet performing Almost Here (originally with Brian McFadden). But for this tour, the showbiz of Delta Goodrem will be remembered as one of the most entertaining concerts to grace the stage of the RAC Arena.
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The Writer would like to thank Nicole Hart of Revolutions per Minute PR for the kind invitation to the concert.
About the Writer: Sheldon Ang is the Principal Journalist, Chief Photographer, Editor and General Manager of Around the Sound. He’s also an Engineer.
Click here for final tickets to the remaining shows:
Bridge Over Troubled Dreams Tour
Monday 14 March – Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast
Friday 18 March – Royal Theatre, Canberra
Saturday 19 March – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
Tuesday 22 March – RAC Arena, Perth
Friday 25 March – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Saturday 26 March – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Tuesday 5 April – Townsville Entertainment & Exhibition Centre, Townsville
Friday 8 April – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
Saturday 9 April – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney