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Central Cee / Photo – @tammy.choo

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CENTRAL CEE
@ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne,
28th June 2025
(Live Review)

Review  and photos by Tammy Choo (@tammy.choo)

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Central Cee / Photo – @tammy.choo

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Central Cee’s long-awaited return to Australia with his Can’t Rush Greatness tour finally arrived, and judging by the electric atmosphere inside a packed Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne was more than ready. As someone who loves music but isn’t deeply immersed in the UK rap and drill scene, I walked into the venue curious, eager to see what Central Cee, affectionately known as Cench by his fans, had in store for his Aussie fans.

Warmed up by an opening set by DJ Andy Purnell, the excitement of the fans was undeniable. Some at the barricade had been waiting for hours, clutching homemade signs and banners, some sporting outfits clearly inspired by Cench’s signature streetwise fashion, the iconic tracksuits, sporty sneakers, and diamond chains. The arena was sold out, a testament to Central Cee’s soaring global profile and his unique ability to connect with fans across continents.

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Central Cee / Photo – @tammy.choo

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The show kicked off with a burst of energy that didn’t die down until the end. Cench came out dressed in black this time, with his signature bedazzled Queen Elizabeth II chain, instantly commanding the stage with his effortless charisma and laid-back swagger. As the set progressed, the crowd was rapping every word back to him, but nothing matched the eruption that came during Doja, one of his biggest hits to date. The energy in the room was electric, I felt every beat vibrating through the arena floor as thousands of voices came together. 

One of the most memorable moments came about a third of the way into the show, when a platform descended from the ceiling which led the way to a small stage, allowing Cench to get close to the general admission crowd. In true Cench style, he caught a fan’s Nintendo DS and filmed himself performing, creating the kind of playful, authentic moment that has become his trademark. 

The visuals and production were equally impressive, matching his high-octane set with fitting flashes of pyro, bold lighting, and dynamic screen effects. Yet even amid the spectacle, Cench carved out space for the softer, more emotional moments. When he slowed things down for his more introspective tracks such as Let Go, the arena lit up with phone flashlights. It was a wholesome, intimate time that showed his range not just as an artist, but as a performer deeply in tune with the mood of the room.

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Central Cee / Photo – @tammy.choo

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As Cench continued through his set of hit after hit, my personal favourite is his latest release, Guilt Trippin featuring Sexyy Red, proving that he’s still pushing the boundaries of his sound while staying true to the raw, streetwise lyricism that first catapulted him to fame.

Perhaps the most touching moment of the night was when he brought a young fan on stage, placing his iconic chain around the kid’s neck as the crowd erupted in cheers. It was a simple, heartwarming gesture, underscoring his deep love and appreciation for the fans, especially the next generation who look up to him not just for his music, but for his impact on culture and fashion.

The only let down for me was that there was no encore. The house lights came up, and the screens displayed a kind message of ‘Get Home Safe’. The show felt a little short by big tour standards, but I was still satisfied as the energy never dropped for a second.

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Central Cee / Photo – @tammy.choo

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As I left Rod Laver Arena, I felt genuinely impressed by Central Cee’s ability to hold the room, command the stage, and make every fan feel part of the show. Even as someone new to the UK drill scene, it was clear why he’s become one of the most influential artists of his generation, both in music and in style. Central Cee’s Melbourne return was nothing short of unforgettable and I will most definitely be paying more attention to his releases in the future.

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Central Cee / Photo – @tammy.choo

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Check out Tammy Choo’s (@tammy.choo) full gallery of this event HERE

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Central Cee / Photo – @tammy.choo

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Follow CENTRAL CEE
Website – Spotify – Instagram

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Central Cee / Photo – @tammy.choo

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Press Release 29th January 2025 (below) HERE

UK rap sensation
CENTRAL CEE
announces
CAN’T RUSH GREATNESS
World Tour 2025

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AMNPLIFY – DB