From turning back time in in the 80s whilst clad in leather to spearheading 60s mystic hippiedom, there aren’t many artists who’ve transcended multiple eras of pop music as effortlessly as Cher.
Returning to Sydney last night in a tantalising downpour of glitter and joy, Cher showcased her status as a bona fide pop queen with superb aplomb.
Throwing the audience into an immersive montage of her classic videos, imagery, outfits and moments, Cher drifted elegantly and powerfully on to her platform. It was her first time performing headline shows in Australia after 13 years – the show’s entirety was a reminder as to why it was worth the wait.
Opening up the show with the utmost anthem of empowerment, 2013’s shimmery pop slapper ‘Woman’s World’, Cher thrusted with ease and groove, hitting each note with power, donning a bombastic orange wig, bejewelled corset, and an enormous headpiece.
‘My wig and I are thirsty’ pondered Cher, taking a graceful, break between songs as the crowd basked in her all-encompassing presence.
Splitting the show into separate acts, Cher took fans on a journey through her illustrious career, topping off the first act with fan favourites from the 90s including ‘All Or Nothing’ and ‘Strong Enough’, amplified by the tight musicianship of her backing band and vivacious back up dancers – Stomping on poignant beats, and drifting through atmospherics instrumentals.
Act 2 kicked off with Sonny and Cher’s 1967 hit ‘The Beat Goes On’ – a hallmark of the Cold War America’s eclecticism – Cher took fans on a hallucinogenic trip back to simpler times of free love.
“What is your Grandma doing tonight”? exclaimed a well and truly primed Cher, showing no signs of slowing down before
Celebrating her recent appearance in summer box office smash Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Cher treated fans to the ultimate ABBA sing-a-long, driving through generation-defining tracks, ‘Fernando’, ‘SOS’ and more.
By Act 4, it was clear fans were growing rabid for more after almost an hour and a half of non-stop energy. The show was capped off with two of Cher’s biggest hits – ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ and finally, ‘Believe’.
After 55 years of reign, the Goddess of Pop proved to Sydney once again her ongoing dominance as a force in music, that’ll ring out for just as long as the turbulent last notes of ‘Believe’.
If you missed Thursday night’s performance, don’t sweat – you can still grab tickets to her show at Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday October 20, and Sunday October 21 at the ICC Sydney Theatre. Details at livenation.com.au.
Check out more photos here.
