This tour has been a long time coming, thirteen years to be precise since Lenny Kravitz last graced Australian shores. Why it’s taken so long to return I’m not sure, no doubt what was happening in the world from 2020-2022 had something to do with it.
None the less we have Kravitz here in support of his latest album “Blue Electric Light”. The statement absence makes the heart grow fonder holds so much relevance when it comes to downplaying the significance of this show. There is so much to unpack but just know Kravitz has lost none of his appeal. What makes this so special is feeling the love in John Cain Arena. Love from all ages, children in single digits to the masses of Gen Xers and beyond. It was nothing short of a love fest.
While I only caught the tail end of Jet’s set, I did hear frontman Nic Cester address the front row of John Cain Arena as the most attractive front row of any show he has ever played and gives Kravitz as the reason for that.
The show itself is a ritualistic, spiritual, soulful experience drenched in swagger, sensuality and mystery and that is just the beginning of describing Mr. Kravitz personality. As a performer he is nothing short of sensational. Whether it be playing guitar, bass or simply roaming the stage he has a magnetism that I haven’t felt before and certainly not from the upper back row of an arena. Kravitz is in amazing company on stage, surrounded by some of the best musicians on the planet, he has his longtime friend and maestro Craig Ross by his side on lead guitar. Ross is an absolute powerhouse guitarist, he holds that front so well, the perfect musical wingman. Drummer Jas Kayser is incredible and when I first saw her, I thought that Cindy Blackman Santana had returned to the band. They look quite similar and she plays with that same feel and power. Keyboardist and bass player Henry “The Wolf” Hirsch is effortless in wear multiple hats. The addition of two backing vocalists, a second keyboardist and a three-piece brass section were perfect touches. Make no mistake this is a live performance; it was all talent and all class.
Opening with ‘Bring It On’ & ‘Dig In’ Kravitz pretty much picked up where he left off last time he was here. The first of three songs from the “Blue Electric Light” album was the Prince-esque ‘TK421’. Kravitz took to the bass and brought the funk. This song live is just such a blast. So much so that I could have sworn the late great purple one found new life in Kravitz.
‘Always On The Run’ was tone perfect and a kick in the ass. Even the concussion smoke bombs seemed insignificant compared to what was coming from the stage. When you talk tone and the way it translates into a live setting and especially an arena Kravitz’s production team had every dialled in. By now John Cain Arena was in full force the crowd singing along, dancing and just getting their groove on. This won’t be the first time I will mention the magic in the room, but this was the point when the love just crashed over you like a tidal wave.
Pausing and scanning the room with glances and hitting a pose Kravitz played to his adoring fans perfectly. Screams of I Love You were met with an I Love You more reply. Simple charismatic and engaging.
“Oh Melbourne, How you doing?” asked Kravitz to an eruption of cheers. “You have no Idea how excited I am to be here, it has been too long; and firstly I want to thank you” A scream of I love you came from the crowd, Kravitz simply replying “I love you more baby”. Continuing Kravitz “Firstly I want to say how blessed we are to be here together this evening. Not everybody woke up today, but we did so that is the biggest gift of all. That means we still have purpose and a destiny to fulfil, each and every one of us. To continue exercising the love within us, to bring light into the darkness, and I feel your light already. Thank you for coming, thank you for having us back, welcoming us in your country and if you like we will continue to do this on a regular basis. So, let’s continue our celebration, by giving praise to the lost time” Simple charismatic, heartfelt and engaging.
For the next four songs we are taken on somewhat of a diverse but connected journey through the back catalogue, through the sides of Kravitz that showcase depth and connection. The singalong during ‘Stillness Of The Heart’ led by Kravitz is loud and proud, this is another of those connected moments between the stage and audience. ‘Believe’ left me lost for words, simply stunning.
Kravitz soaks in the love, give some back to his adoring fans. “How about our special, special guests Jet? I have always been a big fan of their music and after hanging out with them, they are the nicest people in the world. So we thank you Jet for blessing us, being here with us”. We jump back into the “Electric Blue Light” album as we get treated to the seductive midnight groove of ‘Honey’ and again I can’t help but feel the rebirth of the late great Prince in the soul of Kravitz. It’s a goosebump moment.
‘Paralyzed’ complete with a stunning display of pyro, grooves and sways, dipping it’s toes in a psychedelic laced seventies rock, oozing class and grit.
We dive into the catalogue from the years missed between tours with ‘Low’ from 2018’s “Raise Vibration” and head straight into ‘The Chamber’ from 2014 which has everyone dancing. It’s at this point you really do grasp that Kravitz does and writes as he wants. ‘I’ll Be Waiting’ sees bodies swaying, faces locked on the stage and a chorus filled with voices from around the arena.
You can always tell when you enter the home stretch of a live set, the hits come fast and in this case we are firstly introduced to Kravitz’s incredible band, who he calls his family.
We are now taken back to 1991 with ‘Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over’ and Wow did Melbourne join in. Kravitz’s vocal delivery is perfect, it’s chilling really.
‘Again’ is one of those songs that I remember exactly when I first heard it and I went straight back there to watching the Australian late night weekend institution that is rage.
‘American Woman’ has some serious grind and grit to it, a perfect recreation live.
Taking us home are two of Kravitz’s mega hits ‘Fly Away’ and the irresistible powerhouse that is ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way?’ both had everyone singing and dancing, the love in the arena was electric to say the least.
A quick exit from stage sees the band return and leave us with ‘Let Love Rule’. This song simply carries the message we have all felt tonight. The way we all connected, the way we all became one with the music, the memories and the experience of tonight. ‘Let Love Rule’ ran into a seventeen minute jam. The middle breakdown turned into John Cain Arena singing the line Let Love Rule over and over back to Lenny and the band, just chilling and so special. This was love ruling over us all.
What is even more special is that Kravitz asks “Can I come down there?” prompting the crowd to invite him, which they did. Kravitz made his way to the floor initially between the stage and barrier. He walked the length of the barrier high fiving fans, stopping to take selfies with younger fans and signing whatever was thrust at him. From here Kravitz walked the perimeter of the floor again hi fiving fans as he passed them making moments fans would never forget. Spreading love, preaching love Kravitz find himself on a small platform at the back of the arena as he led us into the chorus again like leading a choir. Superb. Kravitz walks the rest of the arena floor eventually making his way back to the stage. I can only imagine how special this was, and for Kravitz to do this again after the selfish fan incident in Brisbane I’m surprised he ventured down this road again, but that’s Lenny and his love. Once back on stage kravitz proclaims “I have so enjoyed being with you, Melbourne you are unbelievable. I hope you can all feel the love in the room. Take it with you and keep on spreading it.” The outro of the song kicks in, Kravitz waving and pointing at fans, even signing a photo for a fan just shows his class.
It’s rare that I find myself sitting back even as I finished this review wanting to go back and explore the finer moment and points of this show. It has so many layers and dimensions.
His band is nothing short of sensational. The show is a visual treat that utilises technology so well. It’s simple yet complex and compliments the music perfectly. From the way the live footage was treated on the screens, to the pyro, bombs, dry ice and precision lighting it made the music and show even more special. The visuals were outstanding and production, thoughtful, artistic and creative. I was completely blown in reflection it is hard to describe the show as anything short of a once in a lifetime experience.
Kravitz’s voice is pitch perfect, his guitar work on point and his performance is sublime. If you were to look in the dictionary and look up words like charismatic, cool and mysterious there is one Lenny Kravitz part people person, part enigma, but all heart.
As I dive deeper into reflection of tonight it’s Kravitz’s understanding and ability to write beautiful songs that harken back one of his obvious influences in The Beatles is sublime. With songs like ‘Believe’ and ‘Let Love Rule’ it’s what I would imagine we would have got from the fab four had they continued. What does separate Kravitz from The Beatles is his ability to put a blinding guitar solo into those moments and further elevate those inspired songs. Kravitz is a one-of-a-kind performer and musician, his songs are connective and take you on journeys that feel like you were invited along with him. I know I took the love from tonight with me as I’m sure we all did.
Due to a little hiccup earlier in the night I unfortunately only got to catch the tail end of Jet’s set. I haven’t included what I did see in this review, but I will tell you they sound as good as they ever have. I need to give a shout out to the staff and security at John Cain Arena that offered their assistance and kindness to resolve, thank you, you were wonderful, again the love was felt.
Kravitz is ageless, timeless and iconic. I cannot wait until he returns to our shores again. If you get the chance to catch one of the remaining shows of this tour, I recommend you do and do it without hesitation. If you felt something from my words, they are only one dimension to what was possibly the arena show of the year.
Setlist : bring It On, Dig In, TK421, Always On The Run, I Belong To You, Stillness Of The Heart, Believe, Honey, Paralyzed, Low, The Chamber, I’ll Be Waiting, It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over, Again, American Woman, Fly Away, Are You Gonna Go My Way – Encore : Let Love Rule.
With many thanks to Karen & TEG Live for the media access
