Game, Set, Match.
The AO Live Stage made a return to the 2020 Australian Open, and we were privileged enough to be invited to check out the full two weeks of prime local and international talent. Spending the fortnight at the Open, we were able to take it all in enjoying the wonderful acts and fun times that the Australian Open has become synonymous with. Regardless of your musical taste, the AO Live Stage had a little something for everyone.
Kicking off the first night was a Music for Relief show. Headlined by Aussie treasure Jessica Mauboy, the show was rounded out with supporting acts Lily Papas and Montaigne. Rising through the ranks of Triple J Unearthed, Lily Papas’ Lana Del Rey-esque tones were the perfect way to ease into the night, listening to her unreleased tracks and hit single Wild. ARIA winner Montaigne was up next, performing songs from her impressive catalogue, including 2016 album Glorious Heights and recent album Complex. Having followed Montaigne’s career for some time, we can commend the efforts she has made, with her live show only getting better and better with time. We had an incredible time listening to Because I Love You, READY and new single Don’t Break Me. The Music for Relief show was a huge success, and was headlined by Australian royalty and powerhouse Jessica Mauboy, whose never ending smile, messages of self love and important words about the bush fires and coming together rounded out the perfect night. Starting the festival’s first dance party, we laughed, we cried and we partied all night. From listening to new tracks Selfish and Jealous, to big hits Little Things and We Got Love, Jessica put on a show filled with good vibes.
Despite the pouring rain, fans came flocking to the stage for the second day of live music. In celebration of the much needed rain in Melbourne, the show went ahead as Brisbane musician Hatchie brought her dream-pop vocals to the AO. Hot off the tour of her new album Keepsake, fan favourite singles Obsessed and Sure were met audience sing-a-longs and dancing in the rain. Hatchie continues to be one of our favourite acts regularly touring Melbourne, and she delivered on the big stage. Closing out the first official night of the Australian Open was Brisbane alt-pop band Cub Sport, a.k.a. the world’s most photogenic band. Featuring slick dance moves, incredible vocal range and striking pose after pose, frontman Tim Nelson had the audience in a trance. Dancing around in the puddles onstage, Tim finally received what he described as his ‘Shania Twain moment’, performing in the pouring rain to an endless crowd of adoring fans. Highlights included classics like Hawaiian Party, Come On Mess Me Up, Party Pill and the festival’s first guest appearance from Mallrat, much to the amusement of the screaming audience (us included!).
Producer-slash-singer-songwriter G-Flip was the opener for the next day; smashing out some quality hits. Classic track Killing My Time, and latest banger Drink Too Much, which did incredibly on 2019’s Hottest 100, were big-hitters for the audience, who were going absolutely crazy for the artist. Having toured Australia a number of times, both on headline shows and across the festival circuit, the G-Flip audience was filled with regular fans as well as newly created ones. Soon enough, the night made way for the lovely Thelma Plum, who had massive success last year releasing her debut album Better in Blak. Thelma’s own brand of catchy folk-pop went down a treat, and we love seeing her any opportunity we get. Bopping along to a variety of new and old songs, our favourite moments included Clumsy Love, Not Angry Anymore and Homecoming Queen.
Local artist KIAN is the opener for a massive fifth night – whose hip hop beats and pop hooks start reeling in the audiences early. Although young, KIAN’s artistry is not going unnoticed – as the 17 year old has already played to massive crowds at Splendour in the Grass. With EP Bliss under his belt, KIAN ran through tracks such as Childism, Telephone, and of course, breakthrough single Waiting. Ever humble, KIAN expressed his gratitude for his fans supports over the past few years, which was only greeted by massive cheers from the crowd. Following up a strong set, Japanese Wallpaper (AKA Gabriel Strum) always manages to deliver the goods. Having only released his debut album Glow last year, the artist has still gained a strong following since his Triple J Unearthed High win back in 2014. Newer tracks Imaginary Friends and Cocoon which feature his own vocalsare light and airy; a welcome comedown that the audience sways along to. Strum’s older track Forces, originally produced with Airling, always fares well with the crowd and is a sure-fire way to help close off the set. Headlining the night is pop duo the Veronicas, who have become somewhat iconic as of late (not that they ever weren’t). Opening their set with club banger Take Me On The Floor, it’s closely followed up by classics Everything I’m Not and 4ever, much to the audience’s delight. The audience at the Live Stage may as well be a club at this point, with the amount of simultaneous dancing, headbanging and singing along that’s going on. Exclaiming ‘please rise for the national anthem’, the opening notes of Untouched ring out, and the audience absolutely loses it. If the collective audience’s craze over the Veronicas is anything to go off, we’d say they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
Before we knew it, night six on the AO stage had arrived. An ode to modern Australian rock, similar to last year’s line-up with You Am I and Jebediah, we had the chance to see Eskimo Joe perform in support of Grinspoon. Eskimo Joe brought with them the perfect blend of hits, Foreign Land and Love is a Drug allowing the audience to jump around and start to get roudy, while track London Bombs had us all swaying along in a pensive state. Performing from their 20-year back catalogue, frontman Kavyen Temperley and guitarist Stuart MacLeod’s banter had everyone in stitches. There wouldn’t be any other way to end an Eskimo Joe Set without Black Fingernails, Red Wine and From the Sea – so that is exactly how it happened, much to the audience’s delight. At this point, everyone was up and ready for Grinspoon. Lead by the fabulous Phil Jamieson, the band was met by hundreds of screaming fans – all there to see the legends in action. Opening their jam-packed set with DC X 3 and Lost Control, the band’s onstage energy was unstoppable, and only just drove the audience crazier. It was evident how Grinspoon have become such an icon in Aussie music, as their hits have only gotten bigger as the years pass. Closing off their set with an incredible cover of INXS’s Don’t Change, the band came back onstage for a massive encore (a first for the AO Live Stage) – made up of Chemical Heart, Champion and More Than You Are.
Indie supergroup Seeker Lover Keeper served up a warm plate of soul food on the ninth night, with their delicate folk-rock vibes and overall wholesomeness. Comprising of Sarah Blasko, Sally Seltmann and Holly Throsby, the three wonderful artists took to the stage armed with their instruments and their wit. Offering up their hits such as Superstar, Even Though I’m A Woman and the powerful Wild Seeds, the audience was more than happy, on many occasions, to tell the group how much they loved them. With an undeniable dynamic, Seeker Lover Keeper were a strong act to follow; one that we’d love to see more of in the future. After such a strong set, the night could only be finished off by the one and only Kate Miller-Heidke. Proving to us all what incredible talent she has, Australia’s 2019 Eurovision contestant graced the Live Stage adorned with a trademark crown and her killer vocal range. Kate’s extensive back catalogue had her wowing the audience with classics such as The Last Day on Earth, O Vertigo and emotional tracks Sarah and Caught In The Crowd. Urging the audience to move, she breaks into her ‘dance track’ Can’t Shake It; flexing her vocal control in the process. After what seemed like endless hit after hit, Kate’s set is over before we know it, and leaves us craving more.
As last year’s winner of Triple J’s Unearthed High competition, George Alice opened the stage up like she’d been doing it for a lifetime. We enjoyed seeing a fresh face who is finding her feet in the Australian music scene and were delighted to hear a range of unreleased tracks throughout her set (hopefully soon to be released!). George Alice showcased her vocal versatility with her eerie and mind-blowing take on Radiohead classic Creep. Closing her set with the single that started it all, Circles, we can’t wait to see what’s next for what will hopefully become a household name for the young musician. Contemporary New Zealand duo Broods were up next, and as always, were in fine form. Reminding us that it was summer with non-stop party anthems and wild stage presence, the band left us in the front row in awe. Fresh off their latest album Don’t Feed The Pop Monster, the catchy beats of Georgia and Caleb Nott had everyone jumping along, singing every word. Having supported the band since 2014 on their first tour of Australia, the performance felt full circle as they performed tracks from throughout their catalogue. Highlights included opening song Sucker, mid-set L.A.F and Free, as well as old favourite Bridges and closing track and new hit single Peach.
Bringing the funk to night 11 was Melbourne band the Delta Riggs; delivering a set dripping with blues and some hair shaking goodness. The Delta Riggs have cemented themselves in the local scene as a staple act, and their booking at the AO well deserved. Playing their catchy as anything tracks Supersonic Casualties and Never Seen This Before, the band surprised the audience by breaking into a cover of LCD Soundsystem’s Daft Punk Is Playing at My House. Riling up the crowd with their antics, their set was the perfect lead into the headliner for that night – the one and only Billy Idol. Long time fans were practically rabid by the time the man himself strutted out onto the stage; oozing calm and collected, and sporting his trademark platinum hair and leather jacket. Opening with Cradle of Love, before launching into Dancing With Myself, Billy Idol’s classics had the audience in a frenzy – showing us one of the most lively crowds we’d seen at the AO Stage. Racing around on stage, Billy gave the audience exactly what they wanted, belting out hit after hit and encouraging everyone to let loose. Before we knew it, Billy was ending the set with belters Rebel Yell and White Wedding – a reminder that both he and his timeless hits were here to stay.
The twelfth night brought some rhythm and soul to the stage; opening up with Tamworth singer-songwriter Charlie Collins. Given the last time we saw Charlie Collins live, she was fronting the band Tigertown, it was great to see her solo career taking off. Playing tracks from her debut album Snowpine, such as the pop-infused Mexico, as well as latest single I Don’t Want To Be In A Rock Band, Charlie’s blend of indie and country folk brought a nice change to the live stage, and offered the audience something different. Australia’s national treasure Matt Corby was up next to close the stage, bringing one of the most chill and relaxed sets the AO Live Stage had ever seen. A sea of hands from the audience go up from the moment Corby walks onto the stage – each person in a trance-like state. Rolling into his dreamy track No Ordinary Life, the audience is easily swept up into a gentle sway. With an incredible range and stage presence, tracks Resolution and all time favourite for many, Brother, are met with screams from the audience. Bringing us back down to earth, Matt Corby’s set leaves everyone feeling so very full of emotion, and if anything, refreshed.
We’d reached the last night of the Australian Open, and couldn’t believe that it was close to the end. Opening for the final night was Fergus James – a Sydney-sider with acoustic guitar in hand. Playing tracks such as What Are We Waiting For and Golden Age, Fergus had the audience in a collective singalong. With some serious Vance Joy vibes coming from onstage, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this young musician. The honour of closing out the AO Live Stage this year was given to Sunshine Coast artist Ziggy Alberts. Sticking true to his busker roots, Ziggy took to the stage unaccompanied, save for his guitar and loop pedal, to play his folk-steeped tracks, including Runaway and Love Me Now. Seeing him build up his music onstage was something that was truly incredible to see, and was a true testament to the sheer talent he possesses. Playing the opening chords of hit Together, Ziggy tells the audience that given the current climate in Australia, now is the time for us all to come together for support. With a sense of ingenuity and charm, Ziggy’s live show was the perfect closing set for the AO, and left us wondering what would be lined up for next year’s stage.