Live Review: Sinead O'Connor

The Perth International Arts Festival and Perth Concert Hall were wholeheartedly determined to give local Sinead O’Connor aficionados the ultimate live experience.

The 48-year-old musician – having recently released her tenth album, I’m Not Bossy, I’m The Boss – shows no sign of slowing down. Touring the album around Australia and New Zealand, the Irish superstar, judging by her latest performance, is still one of modern music’s most entertaining forces. As the pint-sized icon came out on stage, the crowd went berserk over her gorgeous presence. Oddly enough, she hurriedly saluted her crowd before getting down to business.

O’Connor’s iconic look resonated with her nostalgic audience. Her tattoos, attire – including skinny jeans, Ireland-themed T-shirt, and leather jacket – and shaved head helped her stand out from even her band members and spectacular arena aesthetic. Her soft-spoken personality, Irish brogue, and bright sense of humour punctuated the event with strong human moments and laugh-out-loud lines. Her tough, expletive-fuelled aura illuminated her enthusiastic rendition of Queen Of Denmark. A rock-heavy version of Take Me To Church displayed her five-piece back-up ensemble’s spirited rapport and stylish instrumentals. Each track’s thumping beat and strong tempo reverberated across the venue, as O’Connor’s distinctive vocals immediately won the crowd over. Each high note further amplified smash hit 8 Good Reasons.

O’Connor’s raw charisma and tough-chick attitude became infinitely joyous to behold. Sticking directly to her wide-ranging set list, the singer never quite acknowledged her excitable masses. Despite the occasional lyric fluff and equipment mishap, uplifting performances of Three Babies and Harbour (dedicated to Bobbi Kristina Brown) erased all issues. Even more so, her harmonic, a cappella rendition of In This Heart sent chills down our spines. The second act showcased several remarkable solo performances. Digging straight into blues numbers Black Boys On Mopeds and Something Beautiful, the singer’s array of smash hits and new tracks went down smoothly. Each song’s haunting lyrics and confronting themes stunned the near-capacity crowd.

O’Connor, after bringing her band back out onto the stage, delivered several rousing rock anthems throughout the final act. Thank You For Hearing Me’s eclectic rhythm got heads bopping and toes tapping. As the set reached its climax, the icon felt more relaxed in her surroundings. Poking fun at her own physique, the singer’s snarky wit and soothing tones received a raucous response. My Darling Child, dedicated to her daughter and daughter’s baby, was a sure-fire set stand out. Responding to the crowd’s requests, the singer capped off her stunning performance with The Voice Of My Doctor and The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance. Her encore was a scintillating microcosm of her career. After making fun of Madonna’s recent Brit Awards fail, fitting renditions of Streetcars and Nothing Compares 2 U received thunderous responses. The icon’s latest Perth stint became a touching tribute to her ever-lasting career.