Returning to the Hunter for the first time since 2012, Lenny Kravitz put on a display that proved he’s still got it. His captivating performance exuded swagger and unmatched sexiness.
For a venue that is regarded as terrible in the Newcastle community, Kravitz’s sound techs stood up to the test, and I didn’t feel like I was in the Entertainment Centre.
This was a concert I didn’t expect to attend. I was so grateful that, just 6 hours before the support act was due to start, I secured free tickets and was able to experience Lenny live.
Aussie rockers, Jet, opened the show. Unpopular opinion, they didn’t thrill me. The sound wasn’t great, they didn’t have a zest performing Are You Gonna Be My Girl for the millionth time, and it sounded like the singer was struggling. That said, I did have a giggle when they declared AC/DC’s It’s a Long Way To The Top as the “Australian National Anthem”.
The room changed, though, the moment Kravitz stepped on the stage. His charisma filled the room and his energy consumed the audience with ease. Kravitz’s vocals are second to none: a smooth, rich and soulful sound filled the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, captivating every punter in the room.
Opening with a bang, the crowd was pumped as the band played Bring It On, Dig In and TK421. Transitioning into the groovy, soulful and deep songs Always On the Run and I Belong to You, the crowd was entranced.
Stillness of Heart was a beautiful song, but in the attempts to get the crowd to join, it highlighted the audience’s lack of familiarity with the song. Honey and Paralysed were up next from the 2024 album Blue Electric Light, which slowed the night down.
But, it wasn’t over. Taking us back in time, Kravitz unleashed four of his most popular hits, starting with It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over, American Woman, Fly Away, and Are You Gonna Go My Way. Performing all songs exceptionally, it highlighted just how talented the 61-year-old still is. The crowd was on its feet and feeling every note as he put on a powerhouse display.
Kravitz thrilled the crowd in the encore song Let Love Rule, stepping off the stage and doing a lap of the venue and high-fiving fans as he went past.
It was by far one of those concerts that are memorable and will stay with everyone in attendance and in regret for those that didn’t make it.
