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BIRDS OF TOKYO / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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BIRDS OF TOKYO
+ Sahara Beck
@ Forum Theatre, Melbourne,
1st November 2024
(Live Review)

Review and photos by Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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BIRDS OF TOKYO / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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From the moment fans began gathering outside Melbourne’s Forum Theatre on November 1, 2024, there was a tangible anticipation in the air. A line snaked around the iconic venue as fans waited, eager to claim their spot inside to witness a night promised to be unforgettable. Birds of Tokyo, known for their emotional lyricism and soaring soundscapes, had an acoustic and rock set planned, making for a unique dual performance that would etch itself into the memory of every attendee.

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SAHARA BECK / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Opening Act: Sahara Beck

The night commenced with a beautifully intimate performance by Sahara Beck. Armed with only her acoustic guitar, Beck took to the vast Forum stage, standing alone amidst a setup of instruments awaiting the main act. Yet, the expansive space did not intimidate her. She owned the stage with quiet confidence, drawing the sold-out crowd into her world with a captivating, soulful sound that blended folk, indie, and blues. Sahara Beck’s performance of tracks like “Words for Mary” struck an emotional chord with the audience, leaving those who had not heard her before pleasantly surprised and deeply moved.

While there were minor technical issues with her foldback speakers, Sahara Beck remained unfazed, pushing through with grace. Her short set was a bittersweet experience for the audience, who found themselves yearning for more even as she took her final bow. It was a powerful opening that set the stage beautifully for what was to come.

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SAHARA BECK / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Acoustic Set: Birds of Tokyo in a New Light

Birds of Tokyo opened their set with a clever twist. Lead singer Ian Kenny humorously introduced the acoustic portion as if they were the “support act” for themselves, sharing the stage with guitarist Adam Spark. A voicemail-like recording played over the speakers, creating an air of mystery before Ian Kenny and Adam Spark began their first song, “I’d Go with You Anywhere.” The crowd erupted in applause, their energy matching that of the band as Ian Kenny’s emotive vocals filled the room. Fans joined in on every word, their voices creating an almost choir-like effect that underscored the emotional weight of each note.

Next came “Rose,” a song rarely performed live, as Ian Kenny noted with a smile. This acoustic format felt tailor-made for the delicate, introspective nature of the track. A humorous moment followed when Ian Kenny admitted he could not remember what song was up next—it was “Greatest Mistakes,” a crowd favourite. As the song reached its midpoint, the rest of the band joined on stage, seamlessly transitioning from the intimate acoustic duo into the full-band experience for the remainder of this portion.

Birds of Tokyo proved that their versatility goes beyond their rock roots. Tracks like “Wild at Heart” and their surprising cover of Halsey’s “Without Me” showcased Ian Kenny’s range as a performer, able to adapt between the heavier tones of his other band, Karnivool, and the more nuanced, melodic sound of Birds of Tokyo. For long-time fans, hearing “Wayside” from their debut album Day One was a nostalgic highlight, conjuring memories of the band’s early days. Ian Kenny shared a light-hearted story about their song “This Fire,” claiming that during its recording, members of The Beach Boys had wanted to join in on the harmonies—a tale that added an endearing, distinctive touch to the performance.

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BIRDS OF TOKYO / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Intermission: A Moment to Breathe

As the acoustic set concluded, the audience was granted a brief intermission while the stage transformed for the rock segment. The change in setup was like a promise of things to come, and the crowd buzzed with excitement, eager to see the band in their more familiar, electrifying format.

Rock Set: Unleashing the Full Power of Birds of Tokyo

When the lights dimmed again, a dramatic opening score filled the theatre, setting a cinematic tone for the rock set. The band kicked off with “Silhouettic” from Universes, launching the crowd into a high-energy frenzy. Bassist Ian Berney brought a contagious energy, his presence amplifying the momentum as the band tore into tracks like “The Saddest Thing I Know” and “Black Sheets.” This part of the show highlighted the instrumental prowess of Birds of Tokyo, with powerful visuals projected on a screen behind them, enhancing the atmosphere and giving fans a peek into the band’s studio sessions, live performances, and playful behind-the-scenes moments.

During “Never Going Back,” an ominous countdown appeared on the screen, intensifying the anticipation before the song erupted into a thunderous finale. The chemistry between bandmates was evident, with light-hearted banter and shared grins between songs, reminding the crowd that even in such a high-stakes performance, Birds of Tokyo know how to keep it fun and authentic.

The night built toward an epic close with a string of their most beloved songs. “Brace,” “Unbreakable,” and “Good Lord” had the crowd at their most animated, the collective emotion of the audience blending with the band’s intense delivery. For some fans, “Good Lord” resonated deeply, and hearing it live was a cathartic experience.

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BIRDS OF TOKYO / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Encore: A Heartfelt Farewell

Rather than stepping off stage for a traditional encore, Birds of Tokyo seamlessly transitioned into their final songs, choosing instead to stay and maintain the night’s magic. They launched into their newest track, “Heartbreakers Bar,” followed by “Smith Street,” each song keeping the momentum high. And then came the long-awaited moment—the first chords of “Lanterns” echoed through the Forum, and the audience erupted. Ian Kenny’s heartfelt declaration, “Beautiful Melbourne,” as the crowd sang along, brought an emotional close to an already remarkable evening. The synergy between the band and their fans in that final song was palpable, and when the last note faded, the room filled with thunderous applause, signalling the end of a night that would linger in the hearts of everyone present.

Final Thoughts

The night at the Forum Theatre was a powerful reminder of why Birds of Tokyo continue to be one of Australia’s most cherished bands. The duality of the acoustic and rock sets allowed fans to experience the full range of the band’s artistry, from the raw and stripped-back acoustic renditions to the dynamic, electrifying rock anthems that define their sound. For those fortunate enough to witness the show, it was an unforgettable experience—a night where music became magic, and a beloved band offered an emotional journey to their fans. If you were not there, you missed a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Melbourne’s famed Forum Theatre.

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BIRDS OF TOKYO / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Set 1 – Acoustic

I’d go with you anywhere
Rose
The Greatest Mistakes
Wild at heart
Without me (Halsey Cover)
Broken Bones
Wayside with a snippet of Cold Chisels Khe sanh to tease the crowd
This Fire

Set 2 – Rock

Silhouettic
The Saddest thing I know
Black Sheets
Lion
Plans
Anchor
Two of us
Murmurs
Never going back
Brace
Unbreakable
Good Lord
Smith Street
Lanterns

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BIRDS OF TOKYO / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Check out Michael Gow’s (@alchemi_glow_music_phot) full gallery of this event HERE

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BIRDS OF TOKYO / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Follow BIRDS OF TOKYO
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

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BIRDS OF TOKYO / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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AMNPLIFY – DB