For over 10 years, Missy Higgins has been captivating Australian audiences with her incredible voice. Tonight was no exception, as she took to the stage for the first of her two shows at the iconic Regent Theatre.
Higgins had two support acts, Jherek Bischoff and Dustin Tebbutt. Bischoff, co-producer of Higgins’ new album, Oz, showcased a selection of his impressive string arrangements. He was then followed by Tebbutt, who performed songs from his latest EP, Bones. His smooth vocals ensure that he’s one to watch in the future.
Higgins performed songs from all four of her albums. Opening with an acoustic cover of Slim Dusty’s The Biggest Disappointment on ukulele, she then played some favourites from her previous albums including Ten Days, Going North and Everyone’s Waiting.
For the second half of her show Higgins was joined by a string quartet, as she showcased a series of covers from Oz.She delighted the audience with amusing stories relating to her choice of songs on this album. In the lead up to her cover of Something For Kate’s You Only Hide, Higgins recalled being embarrassed by a fan letter she wrote to Paul Dempsey, only to meet him a few months later. She then delivered outstanding performances of The Drones’ Shark Fin Blues and Don Walker’s The Way You Are Tonight.Higgins paid tribute to the late Chrissy Amphlett with a powerful rendition of Back To The Wall.She further engaged the audience by encouraging them to sing along to a chorus of her hit, Scar.
Before launching into her final song for the night, Warm Whispers, Higgins shared a video from her teenage years, in which she said: “I’m going to be a rock star, and this is going to be played at my concerts.” A great end to what was a fantastic show.
BY ALI BIRNIE
Loved: Audience sing along to Scar.
Hated: Nothing.
Drank: Water.
