The Corrs - Talk On Corners Tour

On February 20, 2025, Sydney’s ICC Theatre was packed to the rafters as The Corrs brought their Talk On Corners tour to town. A full house of devoted fans—some who had been following the band for over 25 years, others experiencing them for the first time—gathered for a night where Celtic charm met pop perfection in an unforgettable showcase of musicianship, harmony, and nostalgia.

But before the main event, two outstanding support acts set the tone.

First up, Bachelor Girl delivered a tight, dynamic set that instantly ignited the crowd. Tania Doko was in tremendous voice, effortlessly commanding the stage while James Roche’s keyboards drove the melodies. Backed by the impeccable Haydn Meggitt on drums and the ever-expressive Shannon Trottman on guitar, the band delivered a hit-laden set featuring ‘Blown Away’, ‘Permission to Shine’, ‘Treat Me Good’, and of course, ‘Buses and Trains’. Despite some sound gremlins early on, they recovered swiftly, proving why they remain one of Australia’s finest pop acts. Their presence was vibrant, nostalgic, yet fresh—the perfect warm-up for what was to follow.

Next, Gabriella Cilmi took the stage and made it clear she was back and better than ever. Though she’s been away from the scene for a while, her performance suggested otherwise—her voice dripped with sultry soul and raw power, effortlessly gliding through ‘Pieces’, ‘Sweet About Me’, ‘What We Do,’ and ‘Not Enough to Keep Me Down’. However, it was her stunning, unexpected cover of Powderfinger’s ‘My Happiness’ that left the audience mesmerized—a reminder of her ability to make any song uniquely hers. She grinned at the crowd between tracks and teased, “You’re in for a treat with The Corrs!” And she wasn’t wrong.

At exactly 9 PM, the lights dimmed, and an unmistakable wave of anticipation rippled through the crowd. When Andrea, Sharon, Caroline, and Jim Corr stepped onto the beautifully lit stage, the theatre erupted. The setup was simple yet elegant, ensuring the focus remained on the music—just as it should be.

Launching straight into ‘Only When I Sleep,’ the band immediately transported the audience back in time. Their harmonies were hauntingly perfect, making it feel as though no years had passed at all. The setlist was a masterclass in pacing, seamlessly blending radio staples with traditional Irish-infused instrumentals and deep-cut gems. Beyond the music, the band's warmth and personality shone through in countless moments of humour, connection, and spontaneity.

 Midway through the set, Jim Corr suddenly disappeared offstage for a quick wardrobe change. Andrea, the cheeky frontwoman, quipped that he simply “wanted to show off his new look,” but when he returned in a lighter shirt, Jim admitted he’d completely misjudged the Sydney heat. The crowd lapped it up—just one example of the easy sibling banter that makes The Corrs so effortlessly endearing.

 Later, Andrea took a moment to speak about the band’s deep connection to Australia—a country that very nearly became their childhood home. Their parents had planned to emigrate, she revealed, but life had other ideas. “Mum found out she was pregnant with Jim,” she laughed, “so instead, we had to make music so we could travel here!” It was a touching, full-circle moment, setting the perfect stage for their deeply emotional performance of ‘Ellis Island’—a song about the Irish diaspora that felt especially poignant in today’s climate.

The night also featured Caroline stepping out from behind the drum kit for ‘Joy of Life’, switching to bodhrán and cajón, while Jim took over on piano. It was a beautiful, intimate moment, showcasing just how deeply intertwined their musicianship is.

 Perhaps the most unexpected moment came during the encore when, in response to enthusiastic audience requests, they added an entirely unplanned song—‘All the Love in the World’.

 Andrea’s husky, spoken voice was noticeably different when she spoke, but the moment she sang, it was as if nothing had changed—her voice soared effortlessly, adding even more emotion to an already delicate, heartfelt performance.

 Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for—‘Breathless’. As soon as the first chords rang out, the entire theatre exploded in sound, the audience singing every lyric back with pure euphoria. And just when it seemed the energy couldn’t get any higher, they closed with ‘Toss the Feathers’, sending everyone home with their spirits soaring.

 As the last notes rang out, Caroline summed up the night perfectly: “There’s a lot of terrible things happening in the world right now, but nights like this remind us that love will always triumph over hate.”

For two hours, Sydney was reminded why The Corrs remain one of the most beloved bands of their era. Their musicianship was impeccable, their harmonies divine, and their chemistry as siblings and performers utterly infectious. The standing ovation was inevitable. The only question that remained was when they’d return—because Sydney was already waiting.

Thanks go to Apex Touring, Maric Media and the Artists for having us along.

Full Photo Gallery https://musicfestivalsaustralia.com/event-photos/thecorrstalkoncornersgallery

Review & Photos by Andy Kershaw for Music Kingdom Australia