Review: Craig Eriksson. Photos: Jason Rosewarne
Tonight we were treated to the amazing Teddy Swims at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, featuring his fabulous band Freak Freely as part of their I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour. This was the first show of Teddy Swims three consecutive sold out shows in Melbourne.
Teddy Swims is an American singer-songwriter who has caught the attention of millions around the world with his hit song Lose Control. Swims initial rise to fame started by posting himself singing covers on YouTube covering artists like Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Chris Stapleton and Shania Twain which went viral. Jaten Collin Dimsdale known professionally as Teddy Swims came up with the name combining his childhood nickname ‘Teddy’ because he was a chubby child and likened to a teddy bear and ‘Swims’ from a hip-hop project he worked on to represent a different persona (Someone Who Isn’t Me Sometimes).
Australian singer-songwriter Matt Corby was the perfect choice to open the show and played a wonderful 40-minute, 9 song set captivating the audience with his exceptional and emotive vocal range and music. Matt Corby appears to sing so effortlessly, putting us in a deep trance with his immense talent as he completely mesmerised the audience. Standout songs were Resolution and Brother.
You could feel the energy and excitement of the crowd build as fans waited with anticipation for Swims to appear. Finally the house lights dimmed and the classic hip-hop party anthem Let Me Clear My Throat by DJ Kool played over the PA, which had everyone pumped. The show commenced with a grand intro featuring a silhouette of Swims band Freak Freely (FF) jamming while concealed behind a massive stage curtain.
FF freely jammed away featuring pulsating drums, heavy synths and soaring guitar riffs. As the instrumentation built up, the curtain dramatically fell, pyrotechnics fired off in sequence across the stage and Teddy Swims appeared at the top of a staircase. One solitary spotlight shone down on Swims, making him the key focus as he opened with the powerful NOT YOUR MAN, showcasing his rich soulful vocals right from the get-go.
Teddy Swims and his band performed 26 songs over 2 hours, playing the majority of songs from Part 1, Part 2 and the Complete Edition of I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy. It is delightful hearing Swims powerful and raspy vocals, which combine his own unique blend of music seamlessly transitioning between soul, R&B, country, pop and gospel.
That led into the electrifying HAMMER TO THE HEART about the emotional struggle of being stuck in a toxic situation, feeling trapped and unable to leave. You could hear the pain, fragility and helplessness in the delivery of this song. Swims continued with APPLE JUICE with its soulful melody and during SHE LOVES THE RAIN the three backing vocalists provided a beautiful gospel harmony on the song, written about his partner, Raiche Wright. There were many heartfelt moments like this throughout the show, as Swims sings with such raw emotion.
ARE YOU EVEN REAL then saw Swims perform a duet with the male backing vocalist. He shared individual duets with each of his three backing vocalists during the evening. BAD DREAMS was a fan favourite and had everyone dancing. During DEVIL IN A DRESS, giant LED screens flashed with digital lightning, smoke rolled across the stage and pyrotechnics flashed in rhythm to the music creating a perfect storm. Meanwhile, Swims walked to the top of the staircase and dropped down a trapdoor beneath the stage, re-emerging moments later dressed in a long cape.
During FREE DRUGS, a coloured teddy bear appeared on the backdrop holding a sign saying FREE HUGS (The DR crossed out of DRUGS and replaced with a H). The three backing vocalists took the front pedestal for 911 and showcased their strong harmonies and dynamic range. The stage production, lighting, pyrotechnics and backdrop visuals were spectacular and perfectly enhanced the performance. Swims instructed everyone to hug loved ones as he sang NEED YOU MORE. Fans held up their phones and displayed a sea of lights as he delivered a stunning duet with one of the backing singers for BLACK & WHITE.
Swims dedicated SMALL HANDS to his young son and talked about how much joy he brings to his life, right down to his little farts (laughs). This song was performed acoustically with just Teddy and the lead guitarist. Swims shared a deep connection with the audience and behind all the different costumes and tattoos, you have a very authentic, humble man that wears his heart on his sleeve and openly shows his emotions through his storytelling and music. He performed several covers during the show including ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS by Illenium.
Another incredible and moving ballad was when Swims and his keyboardist performed SOME THINGS I’LL NEVER KNOW. Teddy poured his soul into the powerful ballad NORTHERN LIGHTS and sang GUILTY, a heartfelt song that mixes together soul, pop and country. Tones And I joined him for their new duet GONE GONE GONE, which was a highlight of the evening. Swims talked about his time back in 2019 when he performed all the covers on YouTube, which segued into a Jukebox Cover segment, leading to a wonderful cover of Shania Twain’s YOU’RE STILL THE ONE. At the end he walked off stage only to re-emerge on top of the staircase sitting on a toilet and sang YOUR KIND OF CRAZY. Swims talked about his tough and challenging past and the pain he suffered. As a healing process he turned that pain into a catalyst for creating wonderful songs. He encouraged the crowd to try and put any pain or trauma they have suffered into words by writing a letter, poem or song to help them deal with it.
As he reached the end of the main set, they finished with LOSE CONTROL, which gained a thunderous applause and had everyone up out of their seats singing along. They returned for a 3-song encore featuring BED ON FIRE, GOODBYE’S BEEN GOOD TO YOU and finished with THE DOOR. This really is an outstanding show, not to be missed!
