Live Review: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Diafrix

One would have to be deaf to not know that the Seattle team of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis was in the country. They've dominated the airwaves of late, and despite three venue changes, it's obvious from the massive queue, and even the few asking to buy someone's ticket, that Brisbane has caught the bug.

Melbourne group Diafrix maintain the buzz in the already packed Arena with their short but energetic set. As the jubilant keys of the I'm A Dreamer drop, cheers circulate the venue and everyone is swaying, singing and all smiles, ready to meet their hero.

Almost an hour passes and the venue is fast becoming a sauna but everyone holds their spots as towels and water bottles are laid out onstage. The lights finally dim as Owuor Arunga steps out, producer Ryan Lewis soon follows to take his station as Arunga blasts through his trumpet and Macklemore dramatically takes the stage in his dark denim vest and skinnies, arms out with his back to the roaring crowd. Ten Thousand Hours has him jumping on elevated platforms front of stage while Lewis and Arunga jump around. With a “Brisbane! Welcome to the heist!” all three pause for effect to lap up the love from the hysterical crowd.

From topics such as the heat, how Australians are funnier than Americans, whether everyone is really as drunk as they seem, to trusting each other for “our show”, Macklemore takes time out for some long talks between dancing all over stage and diving out into the crowd into a complete stand as his lucky fans hold him up by his Jordans. Referring to the “treasure hunters” out there the familiar “what what” of Thrift Shop has hands raised as Wanz enters in his grandpa's suit to join in for the chorus, while Arunga is now smashing the hi hat with his hands. Giving a shout out to Australia for “paving the way to equality”, Macklemore busts into current number one Same Love as Lewis holds out the mic stand, letting the crowd take the hook. Ryan Dalton joins the party in his bowtie for Can't Hold Us while each band member maintains their own boogie. By Victory Lap, it's Lewis' turn for a crowd surf while Arunga takes on his best jam for the night, leaving everyone energised for the encore.

Macklemore returns in a sequined cape and blonde wig for the glam rock silliness of And We Danced, which has him booty dancing on the floor and acting as a conductor under spotlight, controlling the cheers with his hands. After a “we are fucking awesome!” battle cry, streamers explode out onstage to end tonight's sweaty and hyper celebration.