Live Review: Rihanna

As that nasally voice is heard, the roar from inside the arena has heels and hair running for the door. Rihanna appears briefly in a hooded black cloak then disappears again before the stage curtain is lifted to reveal a huge stage space underneath mounting video screens projecting a black and gold theme. A mulleted Riri returns, crotch-holding in black boots and matching black lips as she plays through the choreography with great ease and a flirty smile, all the while drummer and dancers own the set. She only occasionally can be heard as she adds into her songs, but every time that familiar voice drops in “Brisbane!”, smart phone holding fans of all ages go crazy.

The dub siren starts the reggae-inspired segment of the show as the band raises the sound level for Man Down, while each of the screens hanging above show images or profile shots, and police papers and the spotlights shine down like jail bars. Then Rude Boy has everyone dancing, still with phones up. After taking a sip from a strawed bottle handed to her from the pit, Rihanna then shouts out, “I want every Aussie in here to say my name!”

Next theme is red as the entire crew, band members and all, return from an outfit change which has Rihanna corseted in colourful leather for good ol' Umbrella, and some floor humping/air guitar moves as she jams with her lead for his guitar solo. She asks if anyone's ever been in love before the entire sold out venue own the chorus for Numb which, now that she's actually still and holding a mic instead of her crotch, allows them to hear bits of her vocal sweetness.

The 'singing' portion of the night has her elevating from an opening stage floor in a midriff red gown and a neck full of diamonds. Then it's dance party time as the pyrotechnics and laser lights are on full blast and she returns in shiny silver, matching flat boots and yellow-rimmed sunnies. The projection cheekily shows her pixelated as she jumps around with the mosh for S&M and Only Girl (In The World), before the pop star receives a massive roar for the infamous choreo of Where Have You Been. She takes time in the pit to flirt, smile and play touchies with the mosh kids but seems to be more concentrated in looking cute and letting her fans adore her than actually showing some genuine appreciation. Nevertheless, we lap it up like gold. After a long and pretty weak encore she returns in a jumpsuit and has everyone putting their hands together to throw their rocks up for Diamonds.