:: James Blunt / Gabriella Cilmi - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne - May 2008

By: Carmine Pascuzzi; photos by Matt Deller

Fresh from breaking his little finger from a stage dive in the USA (yes, it's true), James Blunt came to Australia to perform for his adoring fans. He has been a big favourite of Australian audiences from the moment “You're Beautiful” started to ring true into many households. This song was the catalyst for a big selling album “Back To Bedlam” and his follow-up “All The Lost Souls”.

First up on the night was young Melbourne singer-songwriter Gabriella Cilmi in the first big performance in her hometown. Displaying the energy and enthusiasm that we envisaged, Gabriella put in a stirring set of just under a half hour. Her super voice showed out well in her huge debut hit “Sweet About Me”, “Sanctuary”, “Save The Lies”, and her next single “I Don't Want To Go To bed”. She performed a cool version of the song "Cry Me A River (not the Joe Cocker hit) and she ahd people wanting more in what was a great live introduction to her fans.

Tonight James Blunt moved up a notch in many people's eyes with a stadium show that may have dismissed fears that it would be pitifully boring. And he hardly showed signs that his injured finger (which requires surgery) would impede his performance. With a capable band alongside him, James proceeded through his set very competently. It's interesting that he has mentioned his wedding and funeral songs - “You're Beautiful” and “Goodbye My Lover”. Much attention and applause ring out for these songs whenever played. On the newer songs he gets more up close and personal to caress the audience into getting familiar with the songs. The retro-based “1973” and chart-topping “Wisemen” are two of his best numbers and they come up a treat with the faithful audience.

One of the interesting parts of the show is the footage on the big screen from the war in Kosovo. To those images, James sings “No Bravery”, a song he wrote whilst serving on a NATO peacekeeping mission. The bloody footage would have shocked many in the audience. It is actual footage that James filmed and it forges the bond between music and communication messages - quite compelling.

James enjoys taking the mickey out of himself - the fame attached and the “posh” references. He looks set to be an endearing figure to many Australians for a while to come.

Gabriella Cilmi

James Blunt