Andrea Corr, Caroline Corr, Jim Corr, and Sharon Corr, collectively known as pop rock, folk rock, and Celtic fusion band The Corrs, have returned to Australia for their 2023 Down Under Tour. In a long-anticipated visit, The Corrs performed to a sold-out show at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne for the first time in 20 years.
It’s absurd just how much talent comes from the one family. I remember listening to The Corrs growing up and it never occurred to me back then that the Irish band were family. With Andrea on lead vocals and the tin flute, Caroline on drums, percussion, cajon box and bodhrán, Jim on the guitar and keyboard, and Sharon on additional vocals and the violin, accompanied with touring members Anthony Drennan on the lead guitar and Keith Duffy on the bass guitar, what they combined to create was a wonderful concert filled with a mutual exchange of love between the talented band and their patient and passionate Melbourne fans.
With minimal stage set up to house the total of 6 touring members, only some smoke machines and colourful lighting were used for The Corrs. But this didn’t matter because it was all about the music. Making a dramatic entrance with clever lighting and Caroline on the drums, the band quickly jumped into their hit ‘Only When I Sleep’ after appearing on stage.
While it was great to hear the classics that the band are known for including ‘Radio’, ‘So Young’, and ‘I Never Loved You Anyway’ to name a few, the band actually shined when performing instrumentals including ‘Toss the Feather’ and ‘Erin Shore’, transporting patrons to Ireland without us ever leaving the ground. The way their music combined was pure bliss for the ears. Even when The Corrs members harmonised with each other, everything was just so lovely to listen to. In fact, Sharon’s violin skills often made my jaw drop from how beautiful her violin sounded.
Despite the concert being one massive and very welcome nostalgia fuelled trip, The Corrs sounded as fresh as ever, making their skills look easy and the covers sound like their own songs including ‘Little Lies’ and ‘Dreams’ from Fleetwood Mac. The band appeared just as happy to be performing at Rod Laver Arena as the fans were to see them in it. There was even a very sweet story of a past visit to Melbourne where fans were even lined up to happily meet The Corrs members’ parents at a signing. They also sounded just as good as the records I had listened to when I was a kid.
Considering the band hadn’t been back in 20 years, this was my first time seeing them live and they did not disappoint. Andrea looked to be a bundle of energy and genuine joy, Caroline was fierce an killing it on the drums, Jim looked focused and effortless on his multiple instruments, and Sharon appeared so graceful and mesmerising on the violin. Together they wowed everyone in the venue and it really should be criminal just how much talent can be contained in one family!
The highlight of the night though was when The Corrs performed ‘Runaway’ and the audience began to sing before Andrea could start herself. Merging to form a gorgeous choir and singalong, Andrea was visibly touched and let the Melbourne audience runaway with the first verse and chorus on their own. Surprisingly in a special moment, the audience were completely in tune and beautifully harmonising together. By the time ‘Breathless’ was performed, everyone in Rod Laver Arena was clapping along, singing, and were up and dancing. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone in the venue not having a good time.
Although it has been 20 years since their last visit, it felt like The Corrs they were never gone. They were brilliant and thoroughly impressed everyone while filling every inch of the venue with their signature Irish infused sounds. Hopefully it won’t take another 20 years for them to return for another tour.
Proudly presented by Apex Entertainment and One World Entertainment, The Corrs played at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Monday October 6th, 2023, as part of The Corrs‘ 2023 Down Under Tour. The Melbourne show was the final leg of their Australian tour, having previously visited Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, and Launceston. The Corrs are now headed to New Zealand for two shows in Christchurch and Auckland respectively.
For more information on The Corrs and ticketing, visit:
https://www.thecorrsofficial.com
https://www.oneworldentertainment.com.au/the-corrs-2023
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbf7RSta_cgMhOYR_l2LkEQ
https://www.facebook.com/thecorrsofficial
https://www.instagram.com/thecorrsofficial
Photography by Michael Nguyen.
