Review: Leo Sayer Takes On April Sun
Leo Sayer. What more do I need to say. An absolute 70’s icon who our parents danced to, and now, we dance to. Live Nation and Pavilion really pulled through when they announced him as a headliner for one of the eleven April Sun covid safe events – eleven days and nights of dancing by the sea in St.Kilda. What made the night even more spectacular and exciting was the support from Kylie Auldist and the talented Marcia Hines, really creating a line up you didn’t want to miss.
Seeing a crowd of people lined up and bursting with energy was a sight I hadn’t seen in over a year, and I can’t put how I felt into words, but I'll try. The early crowd, who I will admit were mainly old enough to be my parents, were eager while making their way through the gates, dressed up ready to dance all night long.
Up first was Australian singer/songwriter Kylie Auldist, really captivating the crowd with her sparkly shoes, even more sparkly jacket and wicked dance moves, surely keeping her warm in the evening chill! Her electric and synth inspired sound started the night off extremely well, getting people up off their seats and dancing – building an atmosphere of pure joy, setting the bar for Marcia Hines.
Marcia Hines following on from a strong opener was no big task, busting out moves that were extremely impressive for a lady her age. Supported by two male friends dressed neatly in tuxedos, they owned the stage. Moving left to right, front to back, jumping up and down, the trio put on a show for the 300+ people who had moved from their seats to the front of the stage, trying to match Marcia Hines’ energy. Her soulful and funky sound, vibrated through the audience, connecting them in a way they had been denied the last 12 months. It was nothing short of euphoric.
Now the crowd had started to pile up, intensely waiting for the main act. He entered perfectly, running on stage with open arms, screaming ‘HEY! MY FIRST QUESTION IS HOW THE HELL DO YOU FOLLOW MARCIA HINES’. No need to worry Leo, you more than just followed. He started his act at a slower pace, belting out harmonica instrumentals that made you feel warm and fuzzy inside. The crowd was buzzing. He had them wanting disco Leo Sayer, to see that wild afro sway in the wind as he moved passionately across the stage.
He delivered immediately, absolutely smashing out the famous, ‘You Make Me Feel Like Dancing’. At this point, the audience was singing so passionately that you almost couldn’t hear Leo sing at all; but the atmosphere was magnificent. People moving, jumping, screaming. Which for a bunch of over 50s, was pretty impressive. Walking off stage to cheer and applause, it really put a homely ending to a perfect night. People were slowly making their way out with smiles spread from ear to ear, and many continuing to boogie well out of the gates.
It was truly beautiful.
