Sam Smith's performance last night in Brisbane was the final stop on the Australian leg of their ‘Gloria’ tour and it did not disappoint. Known for their powerful vocals and poignant lyrics, Sam Smith took us on a breathtaking journey through music, emotion, and self-expression.
The visual masterpiece of stage design resembled a glorious golden sexy sleeping blown-up Buddha, and was a visual masterpiece. It provided a captivating backdrop for the performance, setting the stage for a night of musical brilliance. Sam Smith, who uses they/them pronouns, fearlessly incorporated religious imagery into their show, joining the ranks of other iconic artists who have dared to explore these themes. This artistic choice added depth and sparked conversations, much like Madonna, Nicki Minaj, and Lady Gaga before them.
The concert was divided into three parts: Love, Beauty, and Sex, evoking a sense of tragedy and intensity reminiscent of classical theatre. Sam skilfully navigated through their extensive discography, treating the audience to early hits like ‘Stay with Me’, ‘I'm Not the Only One’, ‘Like I Can’, and ‘Too Good at Goodbyes’ in the first part. The energy was palpable, with the crowd singing along and fully immersed in the experience.
Part two brought the audience to their feet with hits like ‘How Do You Sleep’, ‘Dancing with a Stranger’, and ‘Diamond’. Sam's infectious cheerfulness and genuine happiness were evident as they interacted with fans, reciprocating the love and adoration they received. Their heartfelt acknowledgment of the significance of the show being the final one in Australia and one of the last on the entire tour added a poignant touch to the evening.
The costumes were nothing short of sensational, with Sam donning diamante jeweled platform boots, corsetry, fishnets, and suspenders. Sam encouraged freedom and self-expression, even playfully suggesting that the audience take their tops off if they felt inclined. The performance was a theatrical spectacle, at times daring and provocative. Sam's exceptional voice was complemented by talented backup vocalists, and their camaraderie was palpable. The show featured secret trap doors for costume changes and a dynamic dance troupe that kept the energy high throughout.
At times, the concert felt like a wild party in a gay bar, and Sam Smith didn't shy away from pushing the boundaries. Their fearless embrace of self-expression was truly admirable, as they donned a beard and a moustache with twirled ends like a mischievous ringmaster. The show concluded with ‘Unholy’, where Sam upped the ante on the sex factor, appearing in a G-string and a top hat complete with devil horns. The audience's familiarity with every song demonstrated the deep connection they have with Sam Smith's music. It was evident that Sam has evolved as an artist, and it was a privilege to witness their journey towards self-expression and freedom. Thank you Sam, for an unforgettable ride through three parts of music, dance, love, beauty, and, yes, sex. It was an epic performance that will be remembered.
