James Blunt | Rod Laver Arena
James Blunt brought his 20th Anniversary Back to Bedlam Tour to Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, celebrating twenty years of the album that made him an international name. Two decades later, his songs still carried the same sincerity that first captured the world’s attention, filling the arena with warmth and nostalgia.
The night opened with GO-JO, Australia’s 2025 Eurovision representative, whose upbeat and confident performance immediately won over the crowd. His soulful vocals and humble stage presence made for an engaging start. Between songs, he shared how surreal it was to be supporting James Blunt after having seen him perform at the same venue last year. It was an honest, charming moment that drew cheers from every corner of the arena. By the end of his set, a spontaneous Mexican wave rolled through the crowd, setting a lighthearted tone for the night ahead.
Photo Credit: Tristan Skell
As the lights dimmed, James Blunt walked on stage to thunderous applause. He greeted the crowd with a grin before launching into High, followed immediately by You’re Beautiful. Hearing one of his biggest hits so early in the set sent the arena into a full singalong, voices echoing through the venue. Performing Back to Bedlam in full gave the show a sense of continuity and storytelling, with each track unfolding naturally into the next. Blunt’s voice was in strong form, rich and expressive, while his band delivered a clean and understated accompaniment that let the emotion shine through.
True to his reputation, Blunt kept the atmosphere lively between songs. He joked with the audience, often poking fun at himself, and asked who had been with him since the start, who had been introduced by their parents, and who had been dragged along by a partner. The crowd responded with laughter and applause, turning the massive arena into something that felt surprisingly intimate.
Photo Credit: Tristan Skell
Once the Back to Bedlam set concluded, Blunt moved into newer material including “Bonfire Heart,” “1973,” and “Monsters.” These songs bridged the nostalgia of the first half with reflections on his later years, creating a satisfying sense of balance. Each track was met with warmth, proving that his songwriting still connects deeply with listeners.
The concert closed on a note of gratitude. Blunt thanked the crowd for two decades of support and left the stage smiling, waving to fans who stood and cheered until the lights came up.
What could have been a simple anniversary show became something far more personal. James Blunt’s performance at Rod Laver Arena was a reminder that honest music never loses its power to bring people together.