Michael Bublé – “Crazy Love” Tour
Melbourne - Rod Laver Arena
Wednesday, 23rd February
- Ross P
‘A show for the ages’ was the murmurings post-show when Michael Buble departed Rod Laver Arena on a picturesque summer’s night in Melbourne.
If you could ever pick just one time to have seen Michael show his compassion, brilliance, witty on-liners and unique audience engagement on display all in one show, this was it.
It was evident from the very beginning that we were in for one hell of a ride. You could say it was fitting that he opened the night with ‘Cry me a river’ as us die-hard fans did just that but with joy after a agonising nine-month wait after purchasing these terrific seats via Bungalow B.
And with a flash of pyrotechnics, the show was underway. ‘All of me’ followed gaving the audience a chance to catch their breath and admire the charm of Buble, as many ladies imaged him singing to them one-on-one, I’m tipping it wasn’t going to the last time for those images. We then heard from Michael as he gave an emotional message to all of us.
He passed on his deepest thought and condolences to those effected by the ‘tough times’ we’ve suffered down under in recent times (referring to floods throughout Queensland and New South Wales). In the way that only Buble can, he immediately switched to a lighter note with questions to lady fans to so see if they took husbands to the concert or vice-versa. When it was realised that some men took their wives.. he suggested that maybe him and the husband have a little bit of action! It was laughs from the lady and a mixture of laughing and ”ewww” from male fans, like yours truly.
As I expected, it was just the start of witty comments. They rolled in for fans of Iron Maiden who were performing just down the road on the same night, most of them either riding motorbikes and/or wearing black t-shirts – something that Buble didn’t miss in his comments. The big reaction was saved to that of his news of the engagement and eminent marriage to Luisana Lopilato, greeted to many boo’s from many of adoring fans! I guess it was then only fitting that Michael then broke into ‘At this moment’ for those heartbroken fans following that news.
His band members never stood a chance of missing the wit of Buble, with one of them copping the biggest pay-out for electing to play with him in the band instead of potentially being a baseball player to get more ladies! Michael didn’t stop giggling for about two minutes, mimicking the band member with faces much the joy of the audience who were in hysterics of laughter! The personal touch wasn’t solely related to his audience chats. The middle set was just a little taste to what was ahead, Michael paid tribute to Van Morrison as he played the title track ‘Crazy love’ from his most recent album as the crowd swayed their heads in admiration of talent that Buble has to make the old songs new and fashionable again.
The thunderous effort of ‘For Once in my life’ was in particular an eye-catching performance from the night, perhaps because we knew he was so happy with his personal life and embraced the audience next with a tribute to the ‘king-of pop’ Michael Jackson. Buble showed some impressive steps to the tune of ‘Billie jean’ and we were all laughing, then in amazement to the similarities of his moves and even voice to Michael Jackson!
The 80’s moment continued as Michael reminisced about one of the biggest cult-classic movies in history ‘Ferris Buellers day Off’ he jetted off into the adoring Melbourne audience surrounded by security which had their work cut out, he had only walked about 5 metres before getting his ass grabbed by a few ladies – I’m not sure their husbands approved of their grab judging by the looks on their faces! Haha.
Michael set up stage down the back floor of Rod Laver Arena to get a little closer to those down the back and rubbed it in to us down in the front rows saying we got ripped off, but in all honesty we didn’t mind as he sang a few of romantic tracks for us. He returned to stage, acknowledging a few Canadian-flag bearers on the way as he sang ‘Hollywood’ which surprisingly, as it is his newest song, received one of the biggest reactions for the night.
The show stopper was ‘Haven’t met you yet’ - he introduced it as a song of hope for those single ones, like me, which felt it was fitting end after the great live performance put by our man!
The lights dimmed, the audience concerned he was done for the night. As the crowd screamed ‘Michael, Michael’ there was never a chance is hell he’d abandon us like that. He returned with the inspirational ‘Feelin’ good’ which was greeted by a staggering roar and the charismatic fist-pumping dance from Buble surfaced. You could hear a short ‘wow’ as the intimate atmosphere increased when the stunning effect of thousands of tiny pieces of foil and paper fell from the roof of Rod Laver Arena to the tune of ‘Me and Mrs Jones’.
It was time for his signature closure of the show, with an acapella final verse of ‘A song for you’ to absolute silence – it was one of the most moving and powerful moments you could ever possibly witness at a live concert. The end was nigh, but we didn’t care, huge smiles were on everyone of the sold-out audience and Michael signed off with “if you are only as good as your audience then I was bloody brilliant".
Yes, Michael, you were. Thank you and you’re welcome back to Melbourne anytime.