And if you don’t like Damiano David, you can wait for your girlfriend outside.

“I’ve been waiting since 4:30 am,” one woman told me from her front-and-center at the barricade. And who wouldn’t for the swoony, charming Italian star? The Forum in Melbourne was an idyllic setting to host this stop on the FUNNY little FEARS Tour; its rich architecture perfectly complemented the suave stage presence of Damiano David and his band. As the minutes ticked down, the atmosphere grew electric - every hair standing up on end in anticipation.

The show unfolded in three sections. Damiano explains the first - featuring Born With a Broken Heart, The First Time, and Mysterious Girl - recount the past decade of his life. 10 years of fast living: touring the world with his best friends and living the rockstar lifestyle. But somewhere on the journey, something inside him broke. The life that had formed around him became uninspiring, empty even. When homesickness sets in, maybe it's time to step back and rediscover yourself.

But the rockstar always resides, and that was clearly shown during a ripping cover of Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon. And while I did not see when he took his shirt off, I’m sure all of Melbourne heard when it happened.

During the second act, Damiano brought the audience into his time of inner turmoil. Living a dream, but not a life; Medicine really set the tone for this more sombre, reflective section. Vocally, Damiano belts out high notes and dances through complex riffs with ease - it seems harder for him not to sing. It would not surprise me to see Damiano take on some acting roles in his future; every gesture and expression aligns with each lyric and only serves to make each song more impactful.

Alright, enough of the sad, it's time to get scatty and boppy with songs like Tango and Zombie Lady! The rock undertones really came via the band during some wicked instrumentals. The bands chemistry on stage radiates as much charm and joy as their lead - their incredible talent is showcased effortlessly through the sound engineers, lighting crew and further team. Together, they built a spectacle that felt intimate and explosive.

On my way home, I wrote this note, which I feel captures my experience at the FUNNY little FEARS Tour - “There is such beauty in being honest with yourself, even if that isn’t what the world expects from you.”

Full gallery https://musicfestivalsaustralia.com/event-photos/damiano-david-funny-little-fears-world-tour

Thanks to David Damiano, TEG Live, On The Map PR and The Forum for having us along!

Review and Photos by Eva Dudes for Music Kingdom Australia