Tag: The Metro

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Band CAMINO @ The Metro, Eora/Sydney – 5 March 2024

I dragged my feet to see The Band CAMINO last night. The show was my third Tuesday night gig in as many weeks. I was off to The Metro, which really isn’t my favourite venue. They attract buzzy bands, but the sound quality is often subpar, the lighting feels like something from a Tim Burton film, and I’m too old for venues that don’t have a generous amount of seats. Any night out in Sydney usually means arriving home after 1am. I also wasn’t sure I was ready to switch gears after such an incredible time with Matchbox Twenty. But despite my reservations, I made another trip down the highway to Eora/Sydney. I am so glad that I did.

I swear, arriving to a line of 300 or so keen punters snaking around the block did nothing to quell my reservations. But then miraculously we found some seats by the bar, with a clear view of the stage, I got a Young Henrys in my hand, and I started to soften a bit. Support act Kian brought the energy, as did the crowd. I’d listened to a couple of his tracks on Spotify, but I think he’s much better in the live arena. He lapped up the enthusiasm of the crowd and was thoroughly enjoyable.

That crowd’s fervour hit another gear once The Band CAMINO took the stage, and didn’t the US band relish it. This was their first visit to Australia, one that was long-awaited if the audience’s reaction was anything to go by. They jumped around and sang out every lyric, whether the band played tracks from their new album The Dark or a song from their very first EP My Thoughts on You. This is the beauty of seeing a band at this stage of their careers. Plenty of people at the Matchbox Twenty shows probably enjoy singles on the radio so thought they’d come to the shows. I’m sure they had a great time, but most of them couldn’t match the enthusiasm of last night’s crowd. I love being a part of audiences like that, even if most of the punters there are less than half my age.

You can see the way the band appreciates it too. It must be surreal to travel half-way across the world, to a country you’ve never charted, to find such ardent support. They lapped it up and put on such a show. I found myself appreciating their musicianship more than ever before. The rock edge to their material came through a little more in the live space, with guitars taking precedence over the synths. Upbeat bangers dominated the set: I loved hearing songs like “1 Last Cigarette”, “Told You So”, and “What Am I Missing?” live. But honestly it was all so good.

I might have been reluctant to head into the city last night, but The Band CAMINO and their exceptional crowd made it easy to leave my misgivings at the door. I am so glad I pushed through that midweek funk, even if I am exhausted today!

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Allen Stone @ The Metro, Sydney – 17 April 2019

I see so many shows these days that I rarely get the adrenaline rush of anticipation that I did when I was younger. However, this year I felt that familiar buzz as I counted down for one show: Allen Stone. I’m a relative newcomer to his music, discovering him last year when he partnered up with some hopefuls on American Idol. However, in the last year I’ve made up for lost time, making him my number one streamed artist on Spotify according to those end-of-year rankings. While I adore the recordings, I had an inkling that he’d be even better live. It’s hard for an artist to match your expectations when they’re so sky high, but this talented soul artist from Washington nailed it in Sydney last week.

New Zealand’s Louis Baker had a tough job winning me over when I was so keen for the headliner, but he rose to the challenge admirably. What a voice, what a vibe. I was so captivated by his music that I didn’t once wonder how many songs he had left. In fact, as his soulful set drew to a close, I was disappointed. Such was the strength of his originals. While I hung on them, I got just a little nervous when he announced he wanted to play tribute to Prince. That’s hallowed ground, and I’ll judge you harshly if you mess up. Despite my reservations, he wowed me with his performance of “Purple Rain.” It was delicate, restrained, respectful, a masterclass in the “less is more” approach. It was really something special. I entered Louis’ set wishing we were skipping onto the main act, but finished it a real fan. Job done young man.

The crowd were into Louis, but their excitement kicked up a notch when Allen and his band graced the stage. The energy was electric. You could feel the love the audience had for what Allen Stone does, and that set the scene for one of the most fun nights of music I’ve ever had.

Allen certainly doesn’t look like the soul singers of old. A gangly white guy with flowing blond locks, tinted John Lennon-esque glasses, and hipster attire. But he channels the greats of the Stax stable, a little edgier and funkier than the Motown crowd. He feels the music and encourages us to do the same, leading us in hand claps and call and response. He danced with wild abandon to those up-tempo favourites, but showed he’s just as capable of delivering a tender ballad with a solo passage. Without the support of his band mates, you could really appreciate just how stratospheric his voice is.

Allen might be the front man with his name on the posters, but he took great pains to stress how important the band were to the show. That speaks to his endearing, humble character and also just how good those musicians are. Many of these guys have played with Allen for years. They’re tight together, but so talented in their own right. Major props to them.

Allen and band delivered an exceptional set featuring so many of my favourite cuts from his albums and a few choice covers. A little “Killing Me Softly” and “I Can’t Feel My Face” mashed up so well with “Love.” A frenetic take on “Message in a Bottle” was a real delight in the encore. But it was those album tracks that the enthusiastic crowd really lapped up. Those albums didn’t have songs that charted here. In fact, I’ve had to scour the internet to find Australian retailers selling them at all. But this crowd was switched on. They knew this music and clearly relished being in the company of others who understood just how good it was.

Last Wednesday was one of those shows where everything just comes together. I set myself up to be disappointed with lofty expectations, but this gig delivered. I might have been late to the Allen Stone party, but now I’ve attended I’m sure it won’t be my last. It’s only April, but I won’t be surprised if this is my favourite concert of the year.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gavin DeGraw @ The Metro Theatre, Sydney – 4 July 2017

No much had really changed when I walked into the Metro on Tuesday night to catch Gavin DeGraw. This was the same venue I’d seen him play 13 years ago. I was with the very same friend. But then so much had changed. I’m married now, and I’m not even sure if I was dating my husband back then. Gavin’s released many more albums; back then he only had Chariot under his belt. I’m also at the point where the prospect of standing crammed up against the stage in the middle of a crowd doesn’t sound appealing. Hell, standing for a couple of hours for a show is no longer my idea of fun. I’m sure many of us there so many years ago agree, so the decision to come back to the Metro was a curious one. Still, there was a certain sense of symmetry about the evening. This time around my friend Jaime and I high-tailed it up the steps. We hoped to find a space in the comfy couches the Metro has up there, but of course when you wander in after a leisurely dinner that’s Mission Impossible. Nevertheless, we found a nice standing spot by the bar with a great view of the stage, so we were as happy as we could be at a standing gig.

Jack R Reilly warmed up the crowds. I wasn’t familiar with his work, but I instantly warmed to his folky guitar tunes. I’m not sure he was the best fit for the show. He’s the kind of performer who writes songs that are really best appreciated when you can mull over every lyric. They’re low key and lovely, but quite different to the accessible piano pop Gavin writes. I enjoyed him, but also found that in such a large venue, so far from the stage, my attention started to wander. I have appreciated getting to know about his music online though.

As someone who lost track of Gavin’s music, I wondered whether I’d get as much as much out of this concert as the last, which was based around his breakthrough album Chariot. He opened with the title track from that release, letting us know that nostalgia would still play a part in tonight’s proceedings. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of songs featured from that first release. While I loved singing along to them, the unfamiliar tracks never dragged for me. In fact, I was reminded what an excellent songwriter and showman he is. Without my own voice singing along, I could focus on how on point Gavin’s vocals are. He spent most of the night at the piano, but got up every now and again to touch the hands of adoring fans near the front and get that much closer to us all. He seemed to really feed off the energy of this Sydney crowd who clearly missed him in his absence.

There were so many highlights of the night. “Something Worth Saving,” a stunning song from the latest album which reminded me that I really need to explore his back catalogue. “Belief,” a fan request that he didn’t play at the Brisbane show the night before, was so emotional. The big hits “Not Over You” and “I Don’t Wanna Be” lifted the crowd’s excitement to another level.

It’s difficult to compare concerts spaced 13 years apart, but as I filed out of the Metro I wondered whether Gavin might have been even better this time around. I only hope it doesn’t take another 13 years to lure him back to Australia. And that next time, he remembers we’re all getting older and chooses a seated venue.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joshua Radin @ Metro Theatre, Sydney – 10 September 2015

Last Thursday I went to those concerts that put me on a real high. I’ll be honest with you and admit that I’m still on that high so many days later. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to write about this evening impartially, but I might just have calmed down enough to come off as more of a music blogger and less of a teenage girl. I might be in my mid-thirties, but that part of me is always going to come out when I see Joshua Radin, especially when I do it VIP.

When Joshua announced he would offer VIP tickets for his latest Australian tour, the first in more than four years, I jumped at them. I couldn’t wait to meet this singer-songwriter that I’ve admired for his entire career, but I wasn’t quite prepared for how special the experience would be. Around 30 die-hard fans were ushered into the Metro at a little after five to see Joshua standing on stage, playing one of my favourite songs “Closer,” from the first album. Joshua told us that he wanted to treat us to stuff we wouldn’t hear at the main show, which I really appreciated. The six-song soundcheck was more than generous. “Vegetable Car,” my husband’s favourite song which Joshua pulled out on the request of another fan despite being unsure whether he could remember the lyrics, was another highlight. It was also thrilling to hear a couple of brand new, unrecorded songs. I didn’t take any photos; it was one of those times where you just want to soak things in and have them just for you.

We were told we could get three pieces of merchandise signed, which equated to six for me because I brought my husband along. However, Joshua was actually happy to sign whatever we had, so those posters we were handed as we walked in also earned his signature. He took his time chatting to everyone individually, really paying attention to what we were saying and engaging us all. We never felt rushed, and we all felt special. I was so glad to be able to tell him what his album Wax Wings meant to me, and tickled pink when he complimented me on my skirt.

After the meet and greet we were shown a special VIP section of the Metro where we could sit for the evening. The plush seats and excellent view from those seats added further value to those VIP tickets, as did the company. I swear I’ve never been to a show with such wonderful people. We chatted with such interesting folks, not just about Joshua about our careers and families and other music we loved. They definitely made the time between acts feel much shorter.

Tara Favell was the first of those acts, a sweet young country-pop singer with a sparkly guitar. Her original songs reminded me a little of early Taylor Swift, and I felt for her when I spotted people near the front playing on their phones. Note to music lovers: if you want to stand near a stage, maybe give the artists the respect to at least appear to be paying attention. Her cover versions of “Thinking About Loud” and “I’m Yours” engaged the crowd a little more, but sadly their minds seemed to be elsewhere.

David Lazarus had an easier time of things. Frankly he was a gorgeous man, and that always helps at a show when most of the crowd are female. But his stories about the love he has for his sisters had every girl in the place swooning. He had a great rich tone, and serious guitar chops. His closing medley of popular songs old and new had everyone cheering. I became an instant fan, and plan on checking out more of his music.

But Joshua Radin was the man we all came to see. Despite being here to promote his album Onward and Sideways, his set took on a journey through his entire catalogue. In fact if anything it was heaviest on his debut album, after fans at the soundcheck told him they’d love to hear the early material. I sat in raptures, hanging onto his every word as he explained the circumstances behind the songs and listening to them with new understanding. After a backing band that felt too big for his songs last tour, it was refreshing to see him playing with just two other musicians. They gave the music the right amount of intimacy. My favourite Joshua Radin song “You’ve Got Growing Up To Do” was a real highlight, but “Winter,” “Only You,” and the jubilant” Belong” was also really special. Hell, the whole concert was special. His cover of “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright,” the first song he learned to play on a guitar, capped things off beautifully.

I left the Metro bouncing off the walls and I still feel those same butterflies as I write about that night. Joshua assured us he’ll return sooner next time, and I can only hope he keeps his word. Because personally, I’m ready to see the show again.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Celebrate Halloween in Sydney at The Metro’s Monster Mash

As a woman married to an American, I’ve always felt a wee bit jealous when he’s talked about Halloween. I remember once trying to trick or treat as a child with a couple of school friends, but as no one really expected us we only bagged health food bars and lollies that had sat in cupboards for years.

If you’ve waited all your life to celebrate this ghoulish holiday, you’ll want to get to The Metro in Sydney on October 30 for the Halloween Monster Mash. It’s going to be great fun with a witch cave, vampire bar tenders, and even a graveyard!

And it wouldn’t be The Metro without music. Artists like Dappled Cities, Last Dinosaurs, and SPOD will take the stage dressed as their favourite dead bands. Add some fire breathers, giant spiders, and a human vending machine and you’ve got a night guaranteed to raise the hairs on the back of your neck.

So make sure you dress up in your spookiest costume and embrace this American holiday at The Metro. There are still some early bird tickets available at $25. Otherwise you’ll pay $35 before the event or $40 at the door. Gets yours from the Halloween Monster Mash website.

Image source: Nvadim @ Stock.xchng

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MGMT Plays The Metro and More on Aussie Congratulations Promo Tour

MGMT promise to be very busy on their upcoming tour. The New Yorkers will perform six pop-up concerts in secret locations around the country.

Once fans register at this website they’ll receive clues about the band’s surprise concert locations. The first ten people who arrive at the venue will be part of a special MGMT event.

If that all sounds a bit like pot luck, don’t worry. The band will also perform one very special show at Sydney’s Metro Theatre on April 6. The band will play old favourites and new cuts from their sophomore effort Congratulations, which hits stores on April 9.

This show is bound to be popular, so fans will only be able to buy two tickets each to give everyone a chance. They’ll be on sale from 9 am on Thursday March 11, but don’t delay. I’m expecting this one to sell out in no time.

Image source: DaigoOliva @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Best. Concert. Ever.

In the music channel today we’re all talking about our favourite concerts. This was a tough call for me. I saw my first show when I was 12 years old, and I’ve been a regular concert goer ever since. I’ve seen some brilliant shows in tiny little bars, and I’ve seen some real spectacles in the arenas. But if I have to single out just one favourite, it’s probably the first time I saw John Mayer live on 27 October, 2002.

My excitement was at a fever pitch from the time the tour announcement was made. Room for Squares had taken up residence in my CD player, and I couldn’t wait to hear those amazing songs live. I was so excited I actually decided to see not just the Sydney show, but the Brisbane one as well.

I’ve seen John another six times since then, but it’s never matched the first. It’s not his fault of course. He still delivers mindblowing guitar solos, quirky soliloquies, and fantastic singalong songs. The differences are part and parcel of success.

Now he plays entertainment centres. On the first show I happily stood in the centre of the front row at the Metro. The sets are more predictable now too, as he must play all the big singles from all those albums. But at that first show we were treated to the more obscure album tracks like “City Love” and “Covered in Rain,” and the fan favourite from his independent EP, “Comfortable.”

It was that song that actually brought me my favourite concert moment too, when at its conclusion John crouched down in front of me, took my hand and pressed his plectrum into my palm. I’ll never forget that.

I’ll catch up with my music blogging colleagues concert stories later, but until then I’d love to hear yours. What is your favourite concert experience?

Image source: own photo