Hanson set for new world tour including shows Down Under
American pop-rock trio Hanson are celebrating three decades of music and kicked celebrations off with a nostalgic and groovy dance party in Perth.
The brothers have returned down under for two shows in Perth that launch their Australian and New Zealand tour Red Green Blue.
Sunday night’s show at Astor Theatre was a sell-out and the queue to get in flowed along Beaufort Street and around the corner onto Walcott Street.
The last time the band was in town was in 2017 and hundreds of dedicated fans sure showed the boys how much they were missed.
The room filled with screaming women the moment the handsome trio stepped on stage who asked the crowd “How you doing?” and “Are you feeling good?”
Sunday night’s show at Astor Theatre was a sell-out. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
Fun and feel-good number Where’s The Love kicked the excitement off and transported fans back to simpler times in the late 90s.
Glancing around the room the pure joy on people’s faces as they swayed with friends was obvious, reminiscing of a time growing up with Hanson’s original songs.
However, the clearly beloved band could have been at bit more welcoming at the start as it felt they rushed to get through several songs before acknowledging the crowd properly.
About 30 minutes before the show was due to end, the brothers rocked out to the song everyone was waiting for—MMMBop.
Released in 1997 it was one of the biggest hits of the 90s and was the single that launched the brothers aged 16, 13 and 11 at the time to stardom.
The catchy, upbeat tune triggered the nostalgic feels in each and every person bopping along.
For someone (like myself) who was born one year after their smash hit, not knowing the lyrics to every song didn’t matter as the brothers were on stage to entertain and involve everyone, even occasionally offering wisdom before introducing a song.
Before For Your Love, eldest brother Isaac, 41, reminded the crowd that “life is not about you” and hit everyone hard in the feels captivated by his powerhouse vocals.
The night was a delightful mix of emotions inside an intimate space where Hanson-tragics sung their heart out.
The brothers really made sure to show their gratitude and care for their WA supporters with ample audience interaction, whether it be getting everyone to sing-a-long or jump and pump their fists in the air.
Penny & Me, from 2004 album Underneath, got the summer vibes flowing as the band belted: “Cause Penny and me like to roll the windows down, turn the radio up, push the pedal to the ground.”
Each brother had a turn taking the stage solo to sing their own song from the new album.
RGB, released last month, is their 11th studio album and is a combination of three solo-led projects in one.
In what seemed like typical Hanson fashion, Zac, 37, and Taylor, 39, ensured there was a “Hanson drum break” where the pair rocked out on the drums and congas and received a roaring round of applause.
With a minimalist set and light show, Hanson’s raw talent shone on stage and there was nothing not to love as the brothers performed with every bit of passion and gave the audience a night to remember.
The band was supported by Texas musician John Calvin Abney who played a charming line up of songs with his guitar and harmonica.
The verdict
Rating: 4 stars
Hanson will take the stage at Astor Theatre again on Monday night.