As a highly successful recording artist and most engaging live performer, Guy Sebastian is quite the revelation. He comes across as a grounded nice guy – a loving family man and good friend – with a stunning vocal range that he seems to be able to produce at will. What a voice – what rich timbre and tone. What a stage presence.
I, like so many music fans, have watched him grow and mature since he first appeared on, and won, the inaugural season of Australian Idol in 2003. Still only 44, he has been at the caper now for 23 years, cementing his home spun reputation by appearing as a coach on The Voice for six consecutive seasons.
To celebrate the release of his tenth studio album, 100 Times Around The Sun, the multi-platinum, multi-ARIA winning star has been touring Australia. He comes across as such a natural and gifted artiste, peppering a show which features many songs from his previous albums with new music. All of it has a healthy touch of “the feels”. What struck me immediately is how much emotion is injected into his stunning vocals.
Sebastian is energetic and effusive, unquestionably giving his all in a powerhouse display that instantly resonates. It matters not whether you are familiar with all the tracks or not, the music is such an easy listen – melodic, upbeat and soulful. Sebastian takes to the stage with a richly talented four-piece band and gifted back up vocalists that range from three to seven in number.
He is at one with the audience, whether belting out the ballads or spinning a yarn between tracks which he is also so good at. Accompanying the music is a range of slick videos on three giant screens at the back of the stage. And then come the surprises, as he introduces a series of special guests.
The night I saw him in Melbourne he talked about his foray into suburban football to help support his friend, former AFL champion and radio host Brendan Fevola. Sebastian taking to the field, as well as performing at half time, ended up in hospital, after rupturing his Achilles. So, it is that invited on to the stage at Margaret Court Arena to give his own version of events is none other than Fevola himself.
Next up, a duet he wrote with his warm-up Act, a highly accomplished artist in his own right, Sam Fischer. Again, genuine warmth between the pair is on display. Talking of the latter, younger brother Chris Sebastian, who won The Voice on his second appearance on that platform, sings his chair turner Jealous, with Guy.
It is then that Sebastian heads to the floor for many minutes, pressing the flesh with his devoted fans, warbling material chosen at random – on the spot – by us. Think Sam Smith, The Beatles, Sting, Stevie Wonder and more. What a sensational touch that showcases his enormous musicality.
And to highlight that musical acumen runs in the family, he subsequently brings out his young son Archie, who powers his way through I Have Nothing. Of course, the lion’s share of the evening is, as it should be, about Guy and his original music, singing as a front man, on guitar and tickling the ivories.
Three costume changes later he has covered a couple of dozen numbers, including hits such as his debut single Angels Brought Me Here, Choir and Battle Scars. It is an evening to savour: two and a half hours of pure dynamite. Here we have a superb vocalist and the most engaging of entertainers, at the peak of his powers, doing what he loves best … and he totally nails it.
The regional Australian tour of 100 Times Around The Sun picks up again in September and runs through to December, 2026. For details and to buy tickets, go to https://guysebastian.com
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Robyn Archer: An Australian Songbook (Arts Centre Melbourne) – narrative concert review
- Adele Live 2017 – music review
- Calm Down (Ari Roar) – music review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.