Conan Gray at John Cain Arena
Photo Credit: Ian Reyno
Conan Gray’s debut of global FOUND HEAVEN ON TOUR begins in Melbourne
Conan Gray’s much-anticipated global FOUND HEAVEN ON TOUR commenced in Melbourne with an unforgettable first night which left fans in awe.
The evening began with an ethereal performance by Australian artist Kat Edwards. Kat’s indie-pop vibe was exactly what we needed to get warmed up, with highlights including opening track Safety, an explosive cover of Chappell Roan’s Casual, some unreleased gems and recent release Waiting Room. The moment was not lost on Kat, performing to the biggest crowds of her career, as the audience cheered and sang along.
Before long, it was time for the main event as Conan Gray took to the stage. Gray’s entrance was nothing short of dramatic; emerging from the shadows as the curtain dropped to the opening notes of Fainted Love. The first of many live debuts for the evening, we were introduced to the atmospheric world of his latest album, Found Heaven. Conan exclaims, ‘Welcome to the Found Heaven On Tour’ with a seamless transition into Never Ending Song.
Before launching into Wish You Were Sober, Gray took a moment to address the crowd, expressing his gratitude for their support on what he described as the biggest show of his career. The debut of Eye of the Night was marked by a further dramatic reveal as the remaining curtains drop to reveal a star-shaped lighting rig, adding a visual spectacle to the already captivating music. Fan-favourites like Killing Me and The Exit had everyone bopping along singing out to every word.
Gray’s interactions with the audience were genuine and personal. From singing happy birthday to a fan, reading signs, and even collecting a plush koala and joking about chlamydia – Conan showed his down-to-earth personality as he opened up as much in person as through his music. The set reached new emotional peaks during the next part of the set with People Watching, Family Line and an acoustic version of The Story showcasing Gray’s vulnerability. From the tears he shed during these tracks to his messages of hope and the unexpected joys life can bring, the collective audience contemplates the journeys we all go through in life and it brings us closer together.
One of Conan’s biggest hits is performed as Astronomy takes over the arena, followed by Found Heaven with its official live debut as Conan performs atop a raised platform overlooking the crowd. We put our emotions on hold for a moment to have a lighter, more danceable vibe for Boys & Girls and Lonely Dancers before heading straight into Winner. Thanking the audience for the support and acknowledging holding back the tears the entire night, we hear Conan’s biggest track to date Heather and receive a cheeky hint that there may or may not be an encore coming after Memories.
Returning to the stage in a tank top that reads ‘Burger Jesus’, Conan closes out the set with high-energy tracks Bourgeoisieses and Maniac before closing with Alley Rose.
If this first show is any indication, the global FOUND HEAVEN ON TOUR dates promise to be an unforgettable journey for both Gray and his fans and we cannot wait to see him again next time.