Missy Higgins - The Second Act Tour
Missy Higgins - The Second Act Tour
Rooty Hill, NSW - 14/06/24
Last night, the Sydney Coliseum Theatre in Rooty Hill hosted an unforgettable performance by the beloved Australian singer-songwriter, Missy Higgins, as part of her highly anticipated "The Second Act" tour. Known for her emotive voice and deeply personal lyrics, Higgins delivered a performance that was both intimate and powerful, leaving the audience in awe.
Setting the Stage
The evening began with a low-key and intimate first set that featured amazing harmonies, cello, and a flute-horn, creating a spine-tingling atmosphere. Higgins' voice, rich and full of emotion, resonated deeply, capturing the audience's attention right from the start.
Towards the end of the first act, Higgins introduced "The Inbetween," a song about the feeling of being between life stages, not quite at the next chapter but seeing it on the horizon. Technical problems with her acoustic guitar at the start of this song provided an unexpected interlude. As the engineer worked to resolve the issue, Higgins entertained the crowd with a few jokes, demonstrated a 'special talent,' and shared an anecdote about slicing her finger open with a serrated knife, much to the concern of her daughter.
She followed with a deeply personal song written for her daughter about her marriage separation called "A Complicated Truth." Higgins explained how her young daughter’s questions about their family, different from the ones in her books, inspired this song. Through the lyrics, Higgins expressed to her daughter how she still loves her father, who played a part in bringing their beautiful daughter into the world.
The first act concluded with her latest single, "The Second Act." This song, embodying a happier tone, reflects Higgins' optimism and contentment with where she is in her life now. She shared that many people she knows are going through similar transitions and she’s ready for whatever life throws at her next.
A Powerful Second Act
After an intermission, the refreshed audience was treated to the second half of the show, which began with an interview recording snippets of Higgins after winning triple j’s Unearthed competition at age twenty. The anticipation built as she took the stage again, accompanied by the same backing singers—one now playing double bass, another on cello, another on keys—and joined by a guitarist and a drummer.
The second half of the concert opened with "All for Believing," followed by "Katie" and "The River." These songs, from her critically acclaimed debut album "The Sound of White," drew the audience deeper into Higgins' world, each note and lyric resonating with raw emotion and authenticity.
As the concert progressed, the audience was captivated by the seamless blend of old favorites and newer tracks. The set list moved through poignant moments like "Nightminds" and "Casualty," and uplifting tracks like "Ten Days" and "Any Day Now."
A Memorable Finale
The show wrapped up with a powerful trio of songs that showcased Higgins' remarkable career. "The Special Two" elicited a wave of cheers and applause, demonstrating the deep connection between Higgins and her fans. "Scar," one of her most well-known tracks, was delivered with energy and passion, bringing the crowd to its feet. Finally, the concert concluded with the title track of her debut album, "The Sound of White." This hauntingly beautiful song, a testament to Higgins' enduring talent, provided a fitting end to an extraordinary evening.
The Sydney Coliseum Theatre, possibly the best venue acoustically, was lit perfectly and showcased Missy Higgins' incredible voice in the best possible way. As the lights came up and the final notes faded, the audience left the theatre with smiles on their faces and songs in their hearts, already anticipating the next opportunity to see Missy Higgins perform live.
Review & Photos by Andy Kershaw (@andy.kershaw.photography) for Music Kingdom Australia (@musickingdomaustralia)
