When an artist comes out for a second encore, the crowd is cheering, and no one wants the night to end, it’s probably safe to guess it’s been an amazing show .
Playing his biggest solo show ever – Wil Wagner admitted that the night before in Sydney had claimed the title for a short reign, the Corner Hotel filled with 400 more punters – he was feeling pretty happy.
“I hope you don’t get bored by sentimental bullshit, ‘cause I got a lot of it in me tonight,” he said.
The anecdotes flowed from his mouth like the whiskey down his throat, and the room soaked in his every word, relishing the intimate moment with the beloved Melbourne musician. His sister ran on stage for a hug after he completed the song he wrote for her, My Little Sinking Ship, in just one of the highly emotional moments of the show.
The set mixed Wagner’s tracks Malt Memories and I Envy Birds with much loved Smith Street Band tracks Surrender, Calgary Girls, and Ducks Fly Together. The set flowed effortlessly, with the crowd singing almost every word uttered by Wagner with the enthusiasm of a last night on earth.
Lucy Wilson joined him onstage for the end of the set. The talented musician was recovering from pneumonia, and coughing to the side of her mic, but her gorgeous voice was a perfect contrast to the meaty vocals of Wagner.
They sang I Scare Myself Sometimes followed by The Belly of the Bedroom, in what made for one of the most touching moments of an already emotional evening.
As fans fought back tears during Laika, Wagner burst into Young Drunk. All his friends and family from side of stage joined him for the classic, if there’s one thing Wagner seems to love to do, its share his success with the people he loves.
The aforementioned second encore was a complete surprise, with some darting back from making their way to the door. Get High, See Mice was sung like an anthem, every voice in the building declaring that they’re not that young or dumb anymore.
During the set, Wagner announced he’ll be starting pre-production on the next record. “I’ve never been so excited about something we’ve recorded,” he said, running his fingers through his long, sweaty mess of hair.
Though I attended the show alone, in a room full of strangers I felt like I was surrounded by friends. Wagner being the best of them all.
WORDS BY CLAIRE VARLEY
IMAGE BY IAN LAIDLAW
Loved: Everything. That’s not a copout answer. It was so great. I loved it all.
Hated: That there were only two encores, rather than the desired 27+.
Drank: Gin and tonic.
