REVIEW: JAMES REYNE W/ CAITI BAKER TARONGA ZOO

“As we round up our coverage of 2018’s season of Twilight at Taronga, it seems the best was saved till last.”

Under a perfectly blue sky, the always-incredible Caiti Baker opened the evening, soul bleeding through each song. The crowd was full, the atmosphere set; ready for an unforgettable night to come.

The moment Reyne took to the stage, the night transformed. Middle-aged men and women were suddenly teens again, sprinting to the stage without needing the encouragement of a familiar song. The ‘good old days’ flooded the amphitheatre with hit after absolute hit. From ‘Hammerhead’ to ‘Errol’, ‘Things Don’t Seem’ to ‘Downhearted’, not a word was missed by the crowd.

A modest man, James Reyne spoke sparingly, letting his music do the talking, save for a few (terrible) zoo-inspired jokes. ‘Beautiful People’ saw a new wave of suddenly younger fans rush to the stage, reliving their youth as they sang the strangely enunciated lyrics they deciphered as kids. 

‘Reckless (Don’t Be So)’ was a definitive stand out, a nod to Sydney herself. I guess there’s something quite special about music that can turn strangers to friends, even just for a night. Perhaps having nothing in common but the words on their lips, for a few hours, the crowd threw their arms around each other and embraced the camaraderie that classic pub rock so kindly offers.

Of all the incredible shows hosted by Taronga Zoo this year, this one took the cake. A near site-wide standing ovation post ‘Boys Light Up’ was nothing but a testament to Reyne’s enduring songs, delivered with the humbleness of a man lucky enough to enjoy what he’s doing so many years on. And how lucky we are to be sharing it.

Written by: Sheri Young