Grace Jones at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Photographs by Ken Leanfore
Iconic, energetic and anarchic, such was the atmosphere at Grace Jones’ gig on a beautiful moonlit night in the Harbour City.
Opening with “Nightclubbing,” the 77-year-old singer hasn’t lost any of her moxie, teasing the crowd with her ever-more revealing costume changes – the hats and head gear that only Jones can pull off – and cheeky comments, while downing multiple glasses of red wine during the 90 minute show.
Far from a slick performance – at times Jones missed lyrics and lost track of the setlist – it was fun and flirty, and fitting for Mardi Gras night. Jones’ voice was as gloriously deep and rich as ever, and the talented backing singers and tight band kept things moving forward.
Early in the show, Jones made a few references to her ageing body, but that didn’t stop her swinging upside down on her throne and doing sit-ups; riding through the audience on the shoulders of a security guard; crawling along the stage in a silver tinsel mini; and drumming her heart out in “Demolition Man.”
The audience, impressed by the septuagenarian’s agility and flexibility, cheered and whooped.
Highlights included “This Is,” “I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango),” and “Love is the Drug.” But the ultimate treat came when Jones twirled a hula hoop around her waist for the duration of “Slave to the Rhythm,” closing the night with a big smile on her face.
A bit disappointed there was no encore, the crowd continued breathing and dancing to the rhythm, while no doubt thinking that they don’t make divas like Grace Jones anymore.
Grace Jones performed at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, on stolen Gadigal land, on Saturday 28 February.
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