Live Review: Andy Grammer @ Eatons Hill Hotel – 14.10.2017

Despite the dreary, cold weather, Eatons Hill Hotel’s grand ballroom was filled with high spirits and barely-contained excitement as US multi-platinum singer-songwriter Andy Grammer came and conquered in the second show of his Australian debut headline tour. It’s been six years since Grammer first captivated a broad audience with his inoffensive brand of feel-good pop and it seemed fitting Saturday night’s crowd was filled with both young kids and older fans, all ready to be dazzled.

Kicking off the night was Canadian-born indie popstar Garrett Kato, who had the crowd enamoured by his shy smile, self-deprecating humour and introspective, Jack Johnson-style ballads. Accompanied with just an acoustic guitar and harmonica, Kato had an almost glazed, far-away look as his rich, husky vocals captivated the room.

In between songs Kato shared colourful stories about his smelly encounter from Mexican food while on a tour bus in America with Kasey Chambers, and how he only started to like The Temptation’s ‘My Girl’ after he heard a busker perform it following the news of Donald Trump’s election win. He proceeded with a slow, soulful rendition of the hit, leaving the crowd utterly mesmerised and eager for more.

The atmosphere went from breezy to expectant as the lights went out and a 4-piece band strutted on stage, exploding in a killer intro worthy of a rock show. The screams in the audience only increased as a beaming Andy Grammer, took his place on the keys and launched into an amped up rendition of infamous hit Keep Your Head Up, before transitioning into Fine By Me. Rivalling Grammer for the audience’s attention, his band displayed tenacious energy with crazy foot shuffling, side splits and mini-serenades complete with bended knee. 

Sporting ripped jeans, a Guess denim jacket and a holey tee; the hunky crooner promised to, “throw the best show ever thrown!” The crowd was especially delighted when Grammer singled out individuals with special smiles during majestic, piano-led ballad Kiss You Slow.

Grammer briefly mentioned his stint on ‘Dancing With The Stars’ before leading the audience into a swagger-laced two-step in Blame It On The Stars. As the tune transitioned into a spicy Latino interlude, Grammer proved he is a man of many talents with an impressive trumpet solo.

Fans were delighted to hear Grammer’s next album will be released soon after three years of wait. “There’ll be songs out before the year is over,” he announced. Treating the crowd with a sneak preview, he performed Freeze and Spaceship, which were more chilled and synth-orientated than previous hits. Another newbie was Good Parts, a compassionate ballad performed with just Grammer on keys, eyes closed while still maintaining a massive grin.

Having a little too much fun with the vocal-effects mic, Grammer performed renditions of Jon Bellion’s ‘All Time Low’, and The Chainsmokers ‘Don’t Let Me Down’; while he showed his silky falsetto and suave crooning during crowd favourite Fresh Eyes.

Due credit had to be given to the 4-piece band for not only their amazing talents on their respective instruments (bass, guitar, keys and drums) but their unbridled energy and goofy charades throughout the entire set. This included Charlie’s Angel poses, a liberal amount of booty shaking, flailing arms, a sneak peak at the bassist’s ripped chest, and choreographed mini-dance routines.

Grammer “closed” the show with feel-good gems Honey, I’m Good and Back Home as the crowd sang along at the top of their lungs. The rambunctious squad returned for the obligatory encore, closing with ubiquitous hit Good To Be Alive. Grammer assumedly thanked the crowd with a warm farewell but no one could hear it over the screams. The grinning crooner left the stage one last time as the band finished with a rockified outro before jumping off stage to meet the crowd.

Noticeably absent from the set was Grammer’s most recent single Give Love featuring LunchMoney Lewis, though the slight letdown did nothing to deter the show from being the best damn fun a rainy night could get!

View our gallery from the night HERE.