Experience Grace Jones’ electrifying Sydney performance with stunning visuals, magnetic energy, and unforgettable audience connection.
One of my deejay brother’s favourite stars is Grace Jones, and when I found out she was coming to Sydney at the same time he’d be visiting me, I instantly bought tickets without waiting to see if we’d get review passes through the company. I simply didn’t want to risk missing one of Stuart’s bucket-list concerts.
Arrival and Venue Experience
We headed out early, caught the ferry from Milsons Point for added adventure points (international visitors love our ferries!) and arrived at the Forecourt just in time to find a last-cramped spot at the bottom of the steps. My leg, still recovering from major surgery, was on fire. I sat quietly rubbing my knee, dreading the night ahead. I mention this because I want to thank the Sydney Opera House for their outstanding staff. From across the Forecourt, a member of the SOH team noticed I was in pain and came over to offer us seats on the raised platform beside the sound desk. We were gifted the perfect viewing spot, with superb sound and genuine comfort. My entire evening was made by this act of kindness.
Anticipation and Atmosphere
Grace Jones was predictably late, but the atmosphere was electric: a moody Sydney sky which transformed from sunset to moonrise behind us, seagulls cawing, a gentle breeze, 6 planets aligned, and all the beautiful, colourful people of Sydney and Pride milling about. The crowd energy was warm, excited, and ready. It didn’t matter that there was no support act as advertised or that she was running behind schedule. If anything, the anticipation only heightened the moment.
The Performance
When the black curtain finally dropped, the High Priestess Grace appeared on a gold throne in all her glory, a giant curling headpiece swaying as her distinctive voice boomed across the Forecourt. From the first note, she commanded the stage and audience with her voodoo magic.
For the next 90 minutes, she delivered a chaotic, enthralling, and unforgettable performance. A costume change and new headpiece for every song. Her velvet voice wickedly chortling, her sassy and sexy personality teasing the audience with stories and anecdotes.
Her setlist swept through her catalogue: Nightclubbing, My Jamaican Guy, Private Life, Demolition Man, The Bumper, Libertine, and of course Slave to the Rhythm, complete with her impossible hula-hoop sorcery. She also debuted The Key to Funky, a new track from her forthcoming album that instantly won over the crowd. A stripped-back, breathtaking version of Amazing Grace held my rapt attention.
Highlights and Surprises
One of the standout surprises for me was her phenomenal take on Love Is the Drug, sultry and powerful. The only disappointment of the night was the absence of La Vie En Rose, a signature number many of us hoped to hear, but it didn’t detract from the overall magic of the evening.
Stuart’s favourite song, Private Life, arrived early in the set and he sang along with his idol, enthralled. Watching him lose himself in that moment was almost as joyful as watching Grace herself.
Between songs she flashed the audience, drank wine, laughed, humped her throne, and climbed onto her security guard’s shoulders to walk along the crowd barrier, high-fiving the early birds reaching out for a touch, a smile, a royal acknowledgement. At one point she hurt her knee and called for a doctor from the audience. When one brave soul jumped the barrier to help, security whisked him away and she crooned, “So sorry darling, that’s my fault.”
Conclusion
The Opera House Forecourt was the perfect open-air cathedral for her voice and presence. The crowd was a beautiful mix of long-time fans, Pride revellers, music lovers, and curious newcomers — all united in awe.
If you ever get the chance to revel in the sorcery and magic of Grace Jones, I recommend jumping in with both feet.
5/5 stars
Review and photos: Nancy Hillary