It’s hard to believe that 14 years ago, Rebecca Black released her viral song, ‘Friday’. I distinctively remember many canning the song, but how could a song be bad when it stands the test of time alongside Rebecca Black’s legacy? ‘Friday’ to date remains a timeless establishment for one of pop music’s most underrated queer icons. And the American pop princess has more up her sleeve than one viral number.
To conclude her SALVATION Tour, Rebecca Black performed her biggest headline show of her career at Melbourne’s iconic Forum Melbourne. This was a surprise to discover, considering how long Black has been in the industry, but considering that the venue was upgraded, it’s safe to say that Rebecca Black is thoroughly appreciated in our city and is in high demand. She even confirmed to her Melbourne crowd that she was so looking forward to performing at this career highlight historical concert.
Taking to the stage like a goddess and/or Cleopatra, worshipped and adored, two shirtless male dancers with sexy leather harnesses carried Rebecca Black centre stage of the Melbourne venue. Kicking into ‘American Doll’, followed by ‘Twist the Knife’ and ‘Crumbs’, it was evident from the start that not only does Black know her audience, but she had also everyone in the room eating out of the palm of her hand.
While vocals impressed with ‘Do You Even Think About Me?’, she had Melbourne patrons shamelessly singing along at the top of their lungs to ‘Sick to My Stomach’, some fans even flicking paper fans in the air while dancing. Throughout the night, Rebecca Black effortlessly commanded the stage with her presence. Whether she just had a microphone stand and captivating lighting that made her look like she was glowing, showed off her dance skills alongside her dancers, or had fun props, Rebecca Black’s concert was a damn good time, no matter how you looked at it.
Despite the intimate and packed Melbourne venue, Rebecca Black’s performances weren’t just great music, they were captivating and theatrical, which only made Melbourne fans howl more in appreciation. One of the highlights of the special Melbourne concert was when Black pulled out a glittery chainsaw while singing ‘Personal’. I’m unsure if she thought of the prop herself but who wouldn’t want their own glittery chainsaw after that number?
Rebecca Black was feeling extremely reflective of her career, of being resilient and embracing reinvention. As a tribute and respectful nod to a pop queen that embraced her, Black performed an incredibly impressive cover of Katy Perry’s ‘Ur So Gay’. As a super massive Katy Perry fan (KatyCat) and knowing that Katy doesn’t really perform this song live anymore, it was excellent to witness Rebecca Black’s version of the number. Honestly, she slayed!
Concluding the evening with ‘Sugar Water Cyanide’ mashed up with ‘Friday (Remix)’, ‘TRUST!’ and ‘Salvation’, Rebecca Black’s Melbourne concert wasn’t just a concert. Instead, it felt like a passionate, cheeky and unapologetic celebration, not only to her career thus far, but to celebrate life in general. To sing at the top of our lungs, or dance like nobody’s watching, both things which Black thoroughly encouraged to the Melbourne crowd. The more energy she gave to her audience, the more the Melbourne audience matched her energy and expanded it tenfold. You really just had to be there.
When Rebecca Black returned to the stage for an encore with her final song ‘Girlfriend’, my face was already hurting from smiling so much. It is a wonder how this Melbourne concert was her biggest headlining show of her career. She’s super talented, funny, mischievous in all the right places, and after having attended myself, I can promise you that a Rebecca Black concert is a guaranteed good time.
It was clear that evening that Melburnians understood Rebecca Black’s brand, understood her, thoroughly enjoyed all her music, and fully embraced Black as the underrated but undeniable pop queen and queer icon that she has always been.
Hopefully, Melbourne from now on will always hold a special place in Rebecca Black’s heart, since I’ve never seen so much love at the intimate Forum Melbourne for an artist until that night.
Rebecca Black toured Australia as part of the SALVATION Tour, proudly presented by Live Nation Australia. She also had been touring nationally as part of the Spilt Milk Festival. The Melbourne concert at Forum Melbourne took place on Thursday December 11th, was the biggest headlining show of her career, and the final date of the SALVATION Tour.
For more information, visit:
https://www.livenation.com.au/rebecca-black-tickets-adp1344122
https://rebeccablack.co
https://www.instagram.com/msrebeccablack
Photography by Sara Regan.
