Pete Murray has been one of those artists that I’ve always been drawn to.
I recall back in 2003 when he released his debut album Feeler, with the lead single of the same name. The acoustic style of Pete’s music led me to pick up my guitar and start learning some of his songs. They were all so much fun to play and the album itself quickly became one of my favourites.
However, for some reason, his live performances always seemed to elude me. Not that Murray wasn’t touring, just that I wasn’t available to attend one of his shows. The last time that I saw Pete Murray live was during an outdoor mini festival down at Werribee Mansion in 2014. Now, Pete Murray is once again an independent artist and after 25 years, he’s embarking on his first ever solo acoustic tour. With over 30 dates nationally, Murray performed to a sold-out crowd at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Friday the 16th of May.
With support from the talents of fellow Aussie singer-songwriters Brett Wood and Rachel Fahim, the Melbourne Recital Centre slowly filled up. The stage Melbourne stage was adorned with candles along the front, with strings of fairy lights and two large curtains draped on either side, creating a beautiful frame for the artists to stand at its centre. Before long, Pete Murray entered the stage and received a rapturous applause from the sold-out Melbourne crowd.
Before performing any songs, Murray spoke, explaining that his job is to ensure that the big quiet room doesn’t feel nervous. A patron at the front shouted, “Do we have to be quiet?”. Murray responded with “Sort of ‘yes’, sort of ‘no’” and encouraged us to “sing-along if you wish”. The statement was met with cheers, with one patron being extra loud and prompting Murray to respond with “Settle down, mum”. Pete Murray continued with the jokes, “You probably think I am feeling very nervous, but I’m not, because I already have your money in my bank account”. After the short banter, he performed the opening songs of the evening with ‘Lines’ and ‘Bail Me Out’, both from his album, Feeler.
Pete Murray’s ’Solo Acoustic Tour’ is more than just music. It is a wonderful chance to get to know Murray a little more personally. Between songs, Murray would tell stories of how he came to be the artist he is today. Before performing the third song ‘Saving Grace’, Murray told a deep and emotional story of how he started out playing covers. He and his dear friend Charlie had decided to start lessons together, although Charlie never continued, Pete went on to learn more and began to play live shows. Later on, he invited Charlie to a show and his friend was blown away by Murray’s talents. Sadly, Charlie tragically passed away at the tender age of 32 from a brain aneurism. Murray explained that if it wasn’t for his dear friend, he wouldn’t be standing where he is today.
After that story, I knew that we were going to be in for a very personal and intimate evening. And with Murray already being a masterful songwriter, it is no surprise that his storytelling is just as amazing.
Armed with his acoustic guitar and harmonica, Pete Murray’s first half of the set included tracks ‘10ft Tall’, ‘Summer at Eureka’, ‘If We Never Dance Again’ and six-time platinum single ‘So Beautiful’, a track that Murray explained changed his life. During this performance, the entire venue lit up with phone lights as everyone heartfully sung along at the top of their lungs.
It wasn’t all old songs though; Pete also performed his new track ‘I Am Fire’ and stated how he’s once again an independent artist and this new song is the lead single from his upcoming album. This new track was well received with an extended applause from the sold-out Melbourne concert audience.
For the second half of the set, Pete Murray invited support act and fellow musician Brett Wood to the stage to play some accompanying electric guitar. Introducing Wood, Murray discussed how the pair have worked together for over 20 years and joked that he is “still paying him left-handed rates” as Wood is a left-handed guitarist. They also told a funny story of their time together at the Sunset Recording Studio. Tracks in the second half included, ‘Always a Winner’, ‘Wouldn’t it Be Good’, ‘Home’ and more.
The clear highlight of the evening was hearing my two favourite songs, ‘Feeler’ and ‘Better Days’. Rounding out the 90-minute concert, the sold-out Melbourne Recital Centre sang together at full voice for both tracks. And it was no surprise that ‘Better Days’ was met with a warm and supportive standing ovation from the entire venue. Pete Murray enjoyed it so much, that he invited everyone to sing one last time and we gladly obliged, passionately reprising the chorus from ‘Better Days’.
This concert was truly special. I have admired Pete Murray for so long, and to hear that he is back as an independent artist has me excited for the future of his music. Murray also explained that he is reclaiming his own music, re-recording his old stuff so that the ownership is once again his. There was even a new release vinyl record that I raced out to purchase after the show that contained some of these re-recorded numbers.
Pete Murray is an incredibly talented artist, and I am always floored by his talents. Not only are his songs beautifully written and catchy, but his skills on the guitar are only enhanced by his ability to play the harmonica at the same time. I have no idea how he manages to play two instruments at once, but he makes it look so easy, it’s almost unfair.
It is evidently clear that Pete Murray is exactly where he needs to be. Through all the stories he told during the evening, and the sliding door moments that pushed him towards a career in music, I cannot imagine Australian music nor a world without him. Murray is a natural performer, an incredible songwriter and in a room as large as Melbourne’s Recital Centre, he makes it feel like it’s just the two of us, huddled around a campfire, exchanging life stories.
Proudly presented by TEG[MJR] and Triple M, Pete Murray performed in Melbourne at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Friday the 16th of May as part of his Solo Acoustic Tour, which has only just started. With over 30 dates and plenty of regional venues on the bill, I am sure that Pete Murray will be performing in a city or town close to you sometime soon. This is one intimately incredible tour that you cannot miss.
For more information, tour dates and ticketing, visit:
https://petemurray.com
https://www.instagram.com/petemurraymusic
Photography by Grant Alexander.
