James Blunt

There’s a certain warmth that fills a venue when James Blunt walks on stage. At Rod Laver Arena, that feeling hit instantly, a mix of nostalgia, humour, and pure connection that only he seems to pull off so naturally. The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and suddenly, everyone was right there with him, no phones, no distractions, just the music and his unmistakable voice.

Opening the night was Perth’s own Go-Jo, who brought a refreshing burst of energy to the stage. Backed by a tight band and a contagious confidence, he had the Melbourne crowd hooked from the first track. His smooth vocals cut through the space effortlessly, and when he teased a new song mid-set, the reaction was nothing short of electric. By the end, people were cheering for an encore, something you don’t see often for an opener, but Go-Jo earned every bit of it.

Then came James Blunt, stepping out with that familiar grin, guitar slung over his shoulder. The lighting was soft and moody, perfectly framing his presence. From behind the lens, you could see just how at ease he was, letting the emotion drive each moment. He joked between songs, told little stories about life on the road, and made even the furthest seats feel close.

The set flowed with an easy rhythm, balancing those emotional ballads that hit deep with the lighter moments where laughter filled the space. His band complemented him perfectly, understated but powerful, letting his voice and personality lead the way. Each song felt like a snapshot, a glimpse into a story he’s lived a hundred times but still tells like it’s brand new.

By the end of the night, Rod Laver was glowing, faces lit up, arms in the air, voices echoing back every word. Blunt thanked the crowd with genuine gratitude, taking a long look out before stepping off stage. From the pit, it was clear this wasn’t just another arena show. It was a reminder of how live music can still feel intimate, no matter how big the room

Full gallery https://musicfestivalsaustralia.com/event-photos/james-blunt2025

Thanks to James Blunt, Go Jo, Destroy All Lines, Estellar PR and the Rod Laver Arena for having us along.

Review and Photos by Naga Kasu for Music Kingdom Australia