Project Description
KEITH URBAN
@ Newcastle Entertainment Centre
23rd January 2019
(Live Review)
Review and Photos – Nicky Carrall
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“Brilliant show by a consummate professional” – SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
“Urban is a master in concert”– THE AUSTRALIAN
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Australian fans have eagerly awaited for the start of Keith Urban’s Graffiti U tour and the first show opened up in style in Newcastle last night to a very vocal near capacity crowd at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
American singer/songwriter Julia Michaels joining Keith Urban on his Australian leg of the Graffiti U tour asks What’s Up Newcastle? Performing an array of her hits including “Heaven” from the movie 50 shades Freed, “Worst In Me” the last song she wrote from her album Nervous System and new a song not performed before called “Happy”. Dancing around the stage backed by her band Julia warmed up the crowd with songs she also wrote for other artists. Julia’s first time in Newcastle said she was so excited to be here.
After a brief intermission the lights go down and Keith appears on a raised platform and the crowd erupts in cheers as the band plays the opening bars to “Never Comin Down” from the Graffiti U album. A popular opening song from the North American leg of the Graffiti U tour it certainly went down a treat with fans and you could feel the energy in the NEC was electric. As the superb professional Keith is everyone knew they were in for a fantastic night.
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Julia Michaels
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KEITH URBAN
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Keith’s band, a fun bunch of talented guys are Jerry Flowers on bass guitar who has been with Keith since the days of the Ranch, Nathan Barlowe on the Phantom and guitar, Seth Rausch on drums, and Danny Rader on guitar, keys, banjo etc…
Back to 2004 and “Days Go By” is next then followed by “Coming Home” which brings back on stage Julia Michaels wearing a stunning blue aqua dress who also sings and co wrote on the album track. The vibe in the room is amazing and Keith is enjoying every moment. Looking around reading signs held up by fans he sees one asking if he would sing at her wedding. Keith invited her onstage and they FaceTime her fiancé Tim on her mobile phone. After a brief conversation Keith said he may not make it to their wedding but he’ll make sure to send something special. Keith took selfies with her and her friend before they left the stage.
Keith’s energy as the night went on was infectious with the crowd. Always Interacting with his fans asking if everyone is ok and having a good time as he plays song favourites “Somewhere In My Car”, “Long Hot Summer”, “Parallel Line”, and “Put You In A Song”.
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KEITH URBAN
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KEITH URBAN
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At the SOLD OUT charity gig for Rural Aid in Tamworth at the Town Hall the night before where Keith played LIVE for the first time the next song “Way Too Long”. With so much emotion as he performed without his guitar. Keith absorbing the warm reaction from the audience and bows as the song ends.
The acoustic guitar appears and Keith plays a solo followed by the ever popular “Stupid Boy” track from his album ‘Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing’ as the audience sings every word. “Love Somebody” follows and during the song Keith slows it down and the lights get dark as Keith asks “what would you do if you’re watching a band play and the power goes out?” Everyone lights up the room with their phone torches and Keith and his band then continue to play.
Keith says he’s going to perform a new song he’s never played LIVE which is a cover of 5 Seconds Of Summer’s “Lie To Me” , joining Keith onstage who wrote the hit song is Julia Michaels.
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KEITH URBAN
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KEITH URBAN
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More favourites follow including “Good Thing”, “Blue Ain’t Your Colour”, “Drop Top”, and “Cop Car”. As band members are introduced to the crowd during the show they each perform part of a song with Nathan Barlowe singing “With or Without You”, Jerry Flowers “Lights Down Low”, Danny Rader “Slow Hands” and Seth Rausch entertains the crowd with a drum solo. Each receiving loud cheers.
“Fighter” is next a song Keith recorded with another very talented country singer Carrie Underwood and she appears pre recorded on the video screen during the performance. Midway through the song Keith says I think it’s time I come and join you and grabs his guitar proceeds to walk through the crowd to the stage at the back of the entertainment centre much to the joy of the fans.
Some excited fans leave their seats to get closer to one of Australia’s favourite performers and Keith explodes into a medley of songs “Kiss A Girl”, Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” and “You Look Good In My Shirt”. Keith chooses one lucky fan Jess and invited her on stage where he signs the guitar and gives it to her. The look of excitement was obviously overwhelming for her. Something for her to treasure for a long time. Keith high fives the fans around the stage as he leaves and many along the way as he heads back to the main stage.
KEITH URBAN
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KEITH URBAN
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Video screens are lowered and Keith and band can be seen through them as they perform “Gone Tomorrow” with visuals and lights flashing giving an awesome affect. Keith Urban has always perfected the stage lighting and setting that complements his performances and tonight is no exception. “John Cougar, John Deere, John 316” follows and finishes with a favourite of many that attended tonight’s show which is “Wasted Time” from the Ripcord album.
Keith thanks everyone for coming and they leave the stage briefly before coming back on to end the brilliant performance with “Horses” from the Graffiti U album.
Keith Urban is an amazing guitarist and an all round performer. Keith’s professionalism, his attention, interaction and love for his fans is next to none which many can learn from. Don’t miss Keith Urban on his Graffiti U tour. Sydney is up next then Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane to follow. Thank You Keith for Coming Home!
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Check Out Nicky Carrall’s gallery to this event HERE
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KEITH URBAN
“GRAFFITI U WORLD TOUR AUSTRALIA”
With Special Guest Julia Michaels
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Friday 25 January, 2019 / Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena
Saturday 26 January, 2019 / Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena
Sunday 27 January, 2019 / Canberra, GIO Stadium
Thursday 31 January, 2019 / Brisbane, Entertainment Centre
Saturday 2 February, 2019 / Brisbane, Entertainment Centre
Tuesday 5 February, 2019 / Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
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For more official Keith Urban
news and information
go to www.keithurban.net
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Download / stream GRAFFITI U HERE
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Follow KEITH URBAN
FACEBOOK // TWITTER //INSTAGRAM
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