LIVE @ Oxford Art Factory | SHANNON NOLL
Photography by AJ Morris for Gigamov
Shannon Noll has consistently toured the country to packed venues for the last fifteen years. If Jimmy Barnes is considered to be Australia’s 'Working Class Man', Noll must be the hardest working man in Australian rock - so to describe his 2018 Unbroken Australian Tour as “anticipated” is the biggest understatement of the year.
Walking down Sydney’s Oxford Street, we knew we were in for a unique night as we passed the true-blue performer casually chatting to a group out the front of the dynamic Oxford Art Factory. When fans stopped in their tracks to say hello, the Aussie music star beamed and said he would see them inside for the show. It was good to see, the middle of a bustling city, that that Condoblin hospitality has stayed with Noll all these years.
Opening for Noll was country music performer and Golden Guitar winner, Amber Lawrence who provided the audience with a warm welcome, and spectators were very receptive to her down-to-earth style and ability to relate the crowd.
Lawrence's standout tracks by far were 'Superhero' and the kid’s song that went viral overnight - 'My Big Mack Truck', which she finished with a reworked one-verse, sensual 'adult' rendition.
But Lawrence was only getting fans started for a big night of live music and boot-scootin'. The Oxford Art Factory gig acted as the launch for Noll's 2018 Unbroken Australian Tour, titled after his fifth studio album and first album release in seven years. By the time Noll took to the stage, the crowd had been chanting "Nollsie" excitedly for the 'What About Me' singer's highly anticipated first appearance of the night.
Opening with 'Who I Am' - the lead single from 'Unbroken', fans joyfully sang along word-for-word. The instantly friendly and accepting atmosphere was only the start of a loud night filled with plenty of synchronised clapping and joyful arm-waving throughout.
'Loud' had the crowd worked up, and it was clear to see Noll was enjoying this energetic, buzzing atmosphere. And what's not to love when an enthusiastic fan passes you a can of beer during another hit, 'Shine'? The amber liquid was of course graciously accepted by the man of the night.
Performing a faithful and frenetic cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic, 'Fortunate Son' (also featured on 'Unbroken'), Noll was evidently inspired to add a little variety to the night - a standout featuring distinctive guitar work by the talented Mark McEntee of Australian rock royalty fame, The Divinyls.
Demonstrating his versatility as a performer, Noll took to the keyboard to play the 'Breath of Life' opening before returning to his microphone centre stage.
During the hit 'Drive', Noll was joined onstage by his support act, and showed off his guitar skills to a tee. He and his band showcased a strong bond, with frequent nods of appreciation and encouragement throughout the night, adding further to the buzzing vibe inside the venue.
With more than one trucker cap to be seen, double-denim bedazzled with rhinestones and a few flannelette shirts scattered throughout the crowd, it was almost no surprise to see a huge 'Shannon Noll' flag being waved by a male fan who wore his 'Unbroken' tour singlet proudly over a collared business shirt. There was no mistaking this Nollsie concert for any other.
Since emerging on the Australian music scene as runner-up on 'Australian Idol' (2003), Noll has demonstrated his success as a musician and performer, becoming the only Australian male artist in Australian chart history to have ten consecutive top ten singles.
Having been on a rollercoaster of ups and downs over the last few years, the Aussie artist has undeniably come full circle, proving tonight that he is certainly unbroken.
If you enjoy great Aussie rock and a fun night, the 2018 Unbroken Australian Tour comes highly recommended.
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