tegs_22's blog

Walking into the newly restored Opera House in Bournemouth I couldn’t help but smile in excited anticipation. Could it have been the new atmosphere of the multi-million pound restoration that gave the Opera House a brilliant ambience? Was it because, once hearing their first few songs, I had immediately decided that supporting band the Wishbones were a band that I knew I had to watch? Or was it the fact that one of my very favourite artists would be gracing the stage in a matter of minutes to immerse the crowd in his didgeridoo and percussion inspired set? Perhaps all of these answers are correct.

The curtains opened and the lights went up. The Australian multi-instrumentalist, Xavier Rudd had positioned himself inside his trademark circle of three didgeridoo’s, bongo drums, a foot drum, chimes, harmonica, slide guitar and countless other percussive instruments. I couldn’t help but wonder what those who had never before had the pleasure of witnessing an Xavier show we’re thinking. He opened the show with the fast paced ‘Up In Flames’ from his new LP Dark Shades of Blue and this was a sure sign of the strong positive energy he would provide for the rest of his uplifting two hour set.

He continued playing didge-inspired pieces with the help of a live drummer and by the third song the crowd was seduced by his rhythmic and melodic musical spell, bopping along uncontrollably. Xavier was in form and he continued his show with the perfect balance of new songs and much loved tracks from previous albums. His heart-felt vocals soared over the slide guitar riffs and throbbing almost tribal-like drum beats. At times he would slow the pace a little to play more folk and roots-styled pieces like ‘Messages’. ‘Let me be’ once again proved to be a crowd favourite as the whole Opera House sang along to the infectious tune.

Xavier didn’t address the crowd very often, instead allowing his music to do the talking - yet the crowd didn’t seem to mind as the electric energy flowed from Xavier to them for the entire set. Their feet stamped as they cheered. When Xavier announced that the show was coming to an end it only amplified their cries for more. After a short, much needed break (for the crowd as well as Xavier) he emerged back to centre stage with his electric guitar. In true Xavier style he went on to provide the crowd with an energetic and uplifting encore, playing singles ‘White Moth’ and ‘Energy Song’, both from previous albums.

Xavier is a truly talented and an amazingly unique artist who gives it his all in every performance - tonight was no different. He once again provided a wonderful show, unquestionably confirming his reputation as a top live performer. No one could have possibly gone home feeling uninspired or unfulfilled by Australian crowd pleaser – me included.

Teghan Hughes