Josh Radnor & Ben Lee – The Metro 20th May 2018
Photos by AJ Morris
On their debut tour of Australia, the seemingly unlikely duo of Josh Radnor and Ben Lee was a hotly anticipated show, and curiosity levels were at an all-time high.
Many fans on the night had enjoyed Lee in concert a number of times already, but as well-established fans of the talented Aussie artist, we weren’t sure what to expect from wildcard Radnor. Could he actually sing? Could he really play an instrument? Should we have marathoned ‘How I Met Your Mother’ in an effort to gain as much insight into Radnor as possible? Only time would tell.
Supporting Radnor and Lee was award-winning Australian singer (and newly published author) Sally Seltmann. Selmann - a friend of Lee’s, warmed up the audience with her simple and beautiful musical stylings. Performing solo between keyboard and acoustic guitar, her folksy whimsical vocals were reminiscent of Australia’s own Kate Miller Heidke. Unique and down to earth, Seltmann was an ideal support to whet our appetite.
As the stage was reset in minimalist styling, a sheet music holder was set-up. How very un-Rock and Roll.
Upon entering the stage in a ‘coming home’ of sorts, Lee reminisced about the numerous appearances he had made over the last 25 years at the iconic Sydney Metro Theatre, including his stage diving pastime.
Lee appeared immediately comfortable and at ease in the lime light as he entered the stage with his acoustic guitar, while Radnor appeared more hesitant. In fact, Radnor seemed rather ill at ease throughout the first three songs, but he need not have worried; the audience were instantly enamoured and accepting of the duo, hanging off their every word.
Opening the show with ‘Welcome to Our House’, Lee dedicated the song to the “girl who turned up the night before to see the concert because she got her dates mixed up”.
By the time Radnor introduced ‘Ohio’, written as an ode to his home state, he was visibly relaxed and took to his acoustic guitar like a pro.
Soon introducing ‘Hello My Beloved’, Lee recounted his time in Sao Paolo, Brazil where he was requested by a concertgoer permission to propose on stage before the song was performed. Thrilled, Lee gave his blessing, only to be informed the ‘fan’ was a ‘serial romantic’, having proposed in the exact same fashion many times already at various concerts.
As the night continued, both Radnor and Lee provided insights into their personal lives, saying “all song writing and jam sessions take place at Radnor’s house due to the fact Josh is allergic to Ben’s dog”.
Also revealed were the stories behind songs such as ‘Greene Street’ - written in New York City, to the reason Radnor learnt how to play guitar in the first place: so he had “something to hide behind”.
Radnor expressed his desire to impress Lee with his musical prowess, acknowledging that each time he plays, “love and support pours from Ben’s eyes”, as if to say, “you got it”.
Prior to Radnor’s ‘Pretty Angel’ solo, he explained feeling like a poster boy for the “I always wanted to do that, but thought I was too old” movement. His advice? Take the leap of faith and “just do it”.
Leading into ‘Gimme Your Mess’, audience participation was called upon with the request for a 'We Will Rock You' rhythm - clapped and stomped throughout the venue. In a treat, Lee introduced a cover of The Lemonheads’ ‘Outdoor Type’, revealing they had only ever rehearsed the song twice and might “try it in front of an audience” this time around.
As the night drew to a close, support act Seltmann returned to the stage to help perform ‘Still Though We Should Dance’, and enjoyed an impromptu barnyard dance with Radnor.
The final song of the night was stripped back to basics and performed with no microphone: ‘It’s Yours Once You Give It Away’, and the audience were adoring.
In a night that felt like a gathering of friends sharing and celebrating their musical talent, as opposed to an impersonal ‘band on stage removed from audience’ type concert, fans left feeling like somehow they’d gotten to know Radnor and Lee.
This was the last night of the Radnor Lee ‘mini Australian tour’ and we were assured they "will be back".
Perhaps now it is time for that ‘How I Met Your Mother’ binge fest after all.
Photos by AJ Morris
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