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Oliver Tree took Sydney on an entertaining, theatrical ride on 14th October at Hordern Pavilion. Undoubtedly the most unique concert I’ve been to – if you can call it that. Known for his bowl haircut, comedic skits and in recent months viral tiktok hit ‘Miss You’, in concert, Oliver cemented himself as an artist, producer, director, film maker, comedian and everything in between. Perhaps a bit excessive pre-recorded content, we’ll get into that later.

The crowd was comprised of people of all ages and types, from families, couples, metalheads, ravers, and beer loving blokes – I assume his eclectic fan base is a result of his eclectic music and character personas.

Alternative rock artist Sueco was the first of two opening acts. With a red lit stage, a rotating 3D ‘Sueco’ sign as his backdrop, and adorned in a sheer black shirt, Sueco brought a rock energy that the crowd really vibed with – I found this quite interesting given Oliver is more of a pop artist. Alongside his drummer and guitarist, the LA artist played tracks including ‘Yours’ and his set was peppered with crowd interaction and prompts.

LISTEN TO ALONE IN A CROWD HERE

After roughly 15 minutes, DJ duo  ‘Super Computer’ took the crowd on an immersive journey of 90s computer graphics, sounds, digital glitches, strob lights, and computerised voice messaging and prompts. This included ‘EDM is dead, Super Computer is the only way’, had a hypnotism circle on screen with messaging to like, follow and stream their songs online. With 90s computers placed on their heads as helmets, the anonymous duo played dance tracks and turned the earlier rock energy to an EDM set for roughly 20 minutes. It ended with logging off of a computer.

Nearing 9:30pm, Oliver hit or shall I say sat? On the stage in a lounge chair, faced the stage back drop, where he told the crowd to go home, that the show is cancelled and that he’s watching TV before a skit of his most recent character Cornelius Cummings. The skit gave us his origin story of Oliver AKA ‘Alien Boy’, and snippets throughout time of his bloodline, what they created, what they achieved and how he came to be (and be diagnosed with main character syndrome). After this quite long, comedic video introduction he kicked his show off with his viral hit Miss You in his iconic pink outfit and awkward dance moves.

He followed this with tracks off his latest album Alone In A Crowd including Bounce, One & Only and With You, which are essentially all about love and heartbreak. For the duration of the show, there were stories of his characters playing in the background, not one song went without video production. Your attention couldn’t help but flicker between the films and his stage presence. It was a bit distracting at times, it would’ve been nice to focus on Oliver alone.

Oliver alternated between egotistical and self deprecating commentary and skits. After every few songs, there was a skit with a different character and life story. You couldn’t quite define it as a concert, as we watched short films on films.

Between skits there were even ads, featuring or poking light hearted fun of products and people such as Billie Eilish, The Simpsons, KSI and Logan Paul’s PRIME drink and Oliver calling his SLIME.

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This was a very entertaining element though sometimes frustrating. I love film, though I expected and love live music more. I sought more dancing, and less watching. I did hear some shouts in agreement to play more songs which validates that I wasn’t sour about comedy! The videos definitely drew the length of the show out. At times the length between it all made me question if the show was going to conclude. I respect the effort though, not many artists would have this level of production.

His songs were played in order of release date I believe, segmented by album, playing his 2023 album followed by 2022 album Cowboy Tears and ending with his debut Ugly is Beautiful released in 2020. If this wasn’t already apparent by the plots, he dressed as each album’s corresponding character, dressed as a Cowboy during Cowboys Don’t Cry, Swing & A Miss, Fairweather Friends and more, for example.

The crowd progressively got louder as he played Alien Boy, When I’m Down, and Fuck where Oliver asked the crowd to ‘open the pit’ in which they happily complied. He had his alien friend Little Ricky ZR3, a person dressed in an alien costume, perform two songs. He played Miss You again, scrambled and balled up into a few remixes. I believe he also played Alien Boy twice.

Dressed in his Ugly is Beautiful album costume; bowl cut, crooked pink glasses, pink and purple outfit – he went on to play my favourites from his debut album such as Miracle Man, Life Goes On, and Hurt. The crowd went crazy for Cash Machine and I’m Gone. They complied to every prompt of raising their hands or swaying.

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He gave a concluding speech about how the Sydney show was special, given he was born in Sydney and raised here for a while, shout out to St Vincent Hospital! His mum and grandma were also in the crowd at which we sang happy birthday to his grandma! He went on to discuss his musical success from the last time he was in the country, and had two records brought out surpassing those achievements. In true Oliver Tree fashion, he stated that the stats weren’t good enough, and broke the records with his hands and threw them into the crowd like frisbees.

He also shared some heartfelt words about self belief and love, and conveyed thanks for our energy, support and embrace, as well as thanks to his team of 1000+ people involved in his performances, production, and so forth. He funnily said he had 7 minutes worth of video credits at the end of the concert if we had time to watch.

All in all, a one of a kind show and one of a kind artist. An excellently produced, carefully curated show, highlighting Oliver’s diversity of talents and personality. As commented previously, I would’ve liked a shorter amount of film and breaks, more songs and more focus on Oliver. Some songs without a video backdrop could’ve been nice too. We know he has the charisma and talent to stand on his own.

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North American tour dates to be announced very soon.

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OLIVER TREE
presents
ALONE IN A CROWD
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES

October 13 – Brisbane, AUS – Fortitude Music Hall
October 14 – Sydney, AUS – Hordern Pavilion
October 15 – Wollongong, AUS – Yours and Owls Festival *
October 18 – Melbourne, AUS – Festival Hall
October 20 – Adelaide, AUS – Hindley Street Music Hall
October 21 – Perth, AUS – Metro City

Follow OLIVER TREE
Website – Instagram – Facebook
Spotify – Tiktok – Twitter

About OLIVER TREE

Now boasting more than 4 BILLION global streams, over 1 BILLION YouTube views, over 14.7 MILLION TikTok followers, and an cumulative social reach of over 30 MILLION, Oliver Tree has already had a very productive 2023 with releases such as his first-ever collaboration with fellow superstar David Guetta, “Here We Go Again,” [listen HERE]. An official lyric video, written and directed by Oliver, has earned over 13 MILLION views [view HERE].  “Here We Go Again” in turn followed KSI’s “Voices (Feat. Oliver Tree),” joined by an official music video now boasting close to 7 MILLION views [watch HERE]. Last year also saw Oliver join forces with GRAMMY® Award-nominated producer Robin Schulz for the high-energy viral hit, “Miss You,” which swiftly amassed over 300 MILLION global streams following top 10 debuts on both Billboard’s “Hot Dance/Electronic Songs” chart and the UK’s Official Singles Chart. Recently certified 2x Platinum in Australia as well as Platinum in both the UK and Canada, the track is accompanied by a typically quirky official music video, directed by Oliver and currently boasting more than 190 MILLION views via YouTube HERE.

Oliver wrapped up his very busy 2022 with the long awaited release of Cowboy Tears Drown the World in a Swimming Pool of Sorrow, an expanded deluxe edition of his acclaimed sophomore LP, Cowboy Tears available HERE. Highlights include such favourites as “I Hate You,” “Placeholder,” and “Suitcase Full Of Cash,” the latter accompanied by an official visual featuring guest appearances from viral stars Alissa Violet, Tana Mongeau, Viking Barbie, and Melissa Ong, streaming now at Oliver’s YouTube channel HERE.

Press Release 2nd October 2023 (below) HERE

OLIVER TREE
releases third studio album
ALONE IN A CROWD

+ Touring Australia next month!

OLIVER TREE
presents:
ALONE IN A CROWD TOUR

Listen here

Tickets here

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ALONE IN A CROWD
Track List

Bounce
One & Only
Essence (feat. Super Computer)
Star
Fairweather Friends
Smile
Ugly Side
Highlight Of My Life
The First Night
Strangers
Invisible Man
Elevator To The Sky
With You
Miss You (with Robin Schulz) [Bonus Track]

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AMNPLIFY – DB