The Hi-Fi Bar was packed to the brim as Queensland singer/songwriter Stu Larsen took to the stage. An acoustic guitar, combined with the soothing sounds of his sweet voice, was the perfect combination and perfect beginning to the charming night that would ensue.
The majority of the mixed-age, trendy (and friendly) crowd were seated on the ground, happy to chill as a laidback Larsen performed his popular ‘Paper Sails’ and ‘This Train’. Throwing harmonica solos here and there throughout the folky set, Larsen encapsulated the casual yet moving essence that the night would prove to hold.
Darlinghurst duo The Falls graced the stage next; the kooky pair battling their on-again off-again love-hate relationship to bring to our ears many sounds of delight. Simon Rudston-Brown provided folky guitar goodness while cute little lady Melinda Kirwin took lead vocals and played other oddly-cool instruments (like a melodica) as well as the standard indie lady tambourine.
There were no flashy lights or any crazy stage tricks; just a man, a lady, a guitar and a crowd. Their elegant harmonies and adorable crowd interaction were slightly ignored as the crowd began to chatter.
However, ‘Hollywood’ recaptured the audience’s attention and as the pair completed their charming country/folk set, the crowd was ready for the main man to take the stage.
Considering he’d travelled half-way across the world and performed at many a venue along the way, it was surprising that a very shocked Mark Rosenberg walked on stage.
The scruffy and modest Englishman, better known as Passenger, declared “this is fucking ridiculous”, astounded at the amount of people cheering and standing before him. The screaming crowd filled every inch of the room, even the staircase was no longer a walkway.
He began to share stories complete with his thick Brighton accent, but as darkness and silence filled the room, so too did the magic that is Passenger. With his guitar and incredibly distinctive little voice he led the crowd through an hour long set of love, heartbreak, hatred and happiness.
The adoring crowd sang along to ‘Let Her Go’ creating a choral-like performance that involved one and all, but were left in an emotional state like no other as Passenger sang new number, ‘Travelling Alone’.
More than several punters were seen wiping their eyes during the forlorn number, displaying the intense emotional connection Passenger creates with his fans through his music.
The room swayed through ‘I See Love’ and danced to the upbeat ‘Rivers’; Passenger’s varied set made up of an admirable mix of old and new tunes. The beautiful bearded man captured the audiences’ attention between songs with cheesy jokes and stories of love and travel, his humour just as well received as his folky compositions. Whether he spoke or sang, the mass of doting followers were in love.
Larson reappeared on stage to sing alongside Passenger in ‘Hearts On Fire’, a very “non-gay” (according to Rosenberg) harmonious number for those in love. A powerful and passionate cover of Springsteen’s ‘Dancing In The Dark’ made its way into the set, as did a spontaneous ‘Happy Birthday’ for one lucky punter.
There were moments of silence and moments of laughter, couples kissed and hugged, punters foot-stomped and clapped. A very grateful and thanking Passenger polished off the show with the upbeat crowd favourite ‘Holes’, leaving a very large crowd with very large smiles as the night came to an end.
– Mairead Bilton-Gough
