Eagle-Eye Cherry at The Hordern Pavilion: A Night of Nostalgia and Soulful Rock

16th of October 2024

Opening for reggae legends UB40 is no small task, but Eagle-Eye Cherry proved up to the challenge at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion. The Swedish-born singer-songwriter brought his blend of rock, folk, and soulful melodies to a crowd ready for a memorable night. The energy in the room was palpable from the get-go, with fans of all ages eagerly awaiting what the night had in store.

The stage setup was consistent with the rest of the evening, and though the main attraction was yet to come, Cherry and his band made good use of the space. His ten-song set struck the perfect balance between familiar hits and deeper cuts, engaging both long-time fans and those who might only know him for his chart-toppers. As he kicked things off with This Paralysis, the crowd settled into the groove, ready for the ride ahead.

Cherry’s ease on stage was evident as he worked through tracks like I Like It and Golden. The audience responded warmly, though it was his classics that drew the biggest reactions. Falling in Love Again had people swaying to the music, while Streets of You brought a more introspective vibe to the room. The crowd, diverse in both culture and age, embraced these more tender moments, holding onto every note.

There’s no denying the emotional weight behind songs like She Didn’t Believe and One of Those Days, both delivered with passion and precision. However, it was the final few songs that saw the most energy exchanged between Cherry and the audience. Are You Still Having Fun? got people moving, but it was Save Tonight — the iconic anthem of the late ’90s—that had everyone on their feet, singing along to every word. As the unmistakable opening chords rang out, a wave of nostalgia swept through the Pavilion, with Cherry leading the charge.

Cherry’s cool and confident stage presence left a lasting impression. He was clearly appreciative of the warm reception, and the audience responded in kind, giving him the energy to close out his set in style.

The lights dimmed as Cherry finished his set, and it was clear that he had left his mark on the evening. While the crowd eagerly anticipated UB40, Eagle-Eye Cherry’s performance was a standout on its own, setting the tone for what would be a night filled with timeless music and nostalgia. His soulful delivery, combined with the tight musicianship of his band, ensured that he was a very significant part of the evening’s success.

Review & Photos by Andy Kershaw (andy.kershaw.photography) for Music Kingdom Australia