Brisbane, AUSTRALIA – Gracie Abrams’ newest tour, The Secret of Us, is in full swing, and I was lucky to catch her show recently in Brisbane.
It was a dream come true.
Listen to the author read this review:
I had only just managed to get tickets a couple weeks before and am so grateful for the opportunity to see her perform live.
She completely captivated me with her incredible vocals and amazing performance. Abrams’ passion for all her songs really shone through in her expression and tone – she made every single person in the room feel the emotion in each song.
I arrived at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre over 2 hours before the gates opened, but the time in line was spent smiling and laughing with newfound friends. Every one of Abrams’ fans were wonderful – it felt as if I were part of a secret club, or more accurately, a family.
This sense of community was supported by the matching bows that we all wore in our hair, a tradition inspired by Abrams’ very first performances.
Promptly at 5:30 pm, all attendees were let into the venue – we walked in lines, following security as they led us to our assigned gates. We then waited for 45 minutes before we were permitted to enter the centre.
I had a general admission ticket, meaning I had to be quick to get a good spot in the crowd. Though we were not allowed to run, I managed to score a position near the barricade and stage. We then waited another 45 minutes before the opener came on.
Despite the hours spent waiting the energy remained high throughout the opening act and main event.
Opening the concert was Ashe, a 32-year-old singer songwriter, who lit up the stage with her enthusiasm and excitement. Though many were not familiar with her songs, we all danced and cheered through the entirety of her set, inspired to listen to more of her music.
Finally, at 8:45 p.m. Gracie Abrams came on, kicking off the show with “Felt Good About You,” accompanied by awe-inducing light sequences and projections.
Abrams made it clear at the beginning of the show that the concert was not just for her. The show was “for you,” she told the crowd. She said she was incredibly grateful for all the support she was receiving and for the time she got to spend with us. She also stated that the night was free for us all to be raw and emotional and authentically us.
“This is a safe space for you to show up exactly as you are,” she said, and everyone did just that.
We laughed, cried, danced, hugged and screamed all the lyrics at the top of our lungs.
Not only was The Secret of Us tour a concert but a therapy session, a way to let all our feelings out, happy, sad, angry or confused. Throughout the night, she also shared her gratitude for her terrific musicians and off-stage staff, including her cousin Abby Waisler, a photographer for the young performer.
Waisler is also the focus of Abrams’ song “Abby” which was the surprise song for the night. This song expressed the care and love that Abrams feels towards her cousin. It perfectly mirrors the feeling of affection that most everyone feels towards their family and best friends. And it left the crowd feeling nostalgic for childhood friendships and sleepovers.
The song was made particularly special as it is the first time many heard it, because it is unreleased and only available on SoundCloud and limited vinyl records.
Abrams concluded the night with one of her most popular songs, “Close to you,” which was punctuated by thousands jumping to the beat, screaming and forming ‘mosh circles.’
Not only was this song – and all the others – wonderful, but so was the set on which she performed! The main stage was filled with beautiful light displays and the ‘B stage’ was created as a replica of Abrams’ childhood bedroom, where many of her songs were formulated.
Abrams delivered a memorable concert experience, from the friends made waiting in line and the buzzing excitement of the audience to the kind words and heavenly vocals of her songs.
If you have the chance to see The Secret of Us tour, I highly recommend it.
We love you Gracie, and we’re not sorry!
Emily Hilton is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
