The Eminem headed Rapture tour rolled into Melbourne last night, with Etihad Stadium blown away by the sheer energy of its star performer. Well supported by Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Action Bronson and 360, Eminem was clearly a cut above, wowing the crowd with hit after hit. In his first show in Australia since 2011, Eminem showed the 50,000-strong crowd over 90 turbo charged minutes why he remains one of raps all time greats. At 41 years of age, he punched his way through a career-defining set like a prizefighter contending for the championship. The show at times bordered on maniacal.
Aided and abetted by his offsider Mr Porter, who acted primarily as conduit between the rap god and his adoring fans, Eminem was free to do what he does best, spit out the lyrics that had taken him from Detroit to the far reaches of the globe. Hits such as Stan, the Rihanna collaboration Monsters and Love The Way You Lie became full-blown anthems with the crowd joining in the chorus, adding to the already electric atmosphere. Phones and lighters were whipped out of pockets during the performance of Lighters, providing an illusion of a starry night sky across the broad stands of the venue.
In one of the evening’s highlights Eminem took the audience back to where it began, performing a three song medley containing My Name Is, The Real Slim Shady and Without Me. In contrast, on the next song Not Afraid Eminem dedicated it to those we had lost to, those who suffer from and those who had beaten addiction. A deep moment where the artist laid himself bare, having himself overcome addiction.
No sooner had he finished he was gone from the stage. The stadium plunged into darkness. The only light came from the flashes of cameras. Slowly the chant began for one more song, until the whole crowd was involved, serenading, almost pleading, for an encore. Blue lights flashed, the opening bars of Lose Yourself blared through the speakers. Pandemonium ensued as the crowd erupted. Slim Shady had returned.
BY MICHAEL ITSOU
Loved: The energy and audience interaction.
Hated: At times sound muffled his voice.
Drank: Carlton Draught.
