Lewis Capaldi played to a sold-out Melbourne crowd at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, 10 December, as his world tour finally saw him gracing Australian shores for the first time in five years. With the release of his album Broken by Desire to be Heavenly Sent in 2023, Capaldi had plans to play in Australia straight off the back of the album-drop, but due to struggles with his mental health he cancelled, taking a break from touring altogether. And boy, was it worth the wait. The anticipation in that room was massive, and Capaldi more than delivered.
The evening kicked off with opening sets from Fletcher Kent and Aaron Rowe. Even though the arena was still filling and things felt a little sparse, both acts out on a solid performance and set the tone nicely. Aussie Fletcher Kent took to the stage first to play a short but sweet set. His gratitude was obvious, going down to the barrier to thank fans during the last song. He could also be seen on the floor watching Capaldi’s full set, clearly thankful to be taken on this tour. With his first ever headline tour coming up in the New Year, this was a massive opportunity for him and he knocked it out of the park. Aaron Rowe was next, hailing from Ireland. With incredible vocals backed by a violin, his set was hauntingly beautiful And warmed the crowd up perfectly.
Lewis hit the stage right on time at 8:45pm, opening on a high with “Grace”. From that moment, it felt as though things were moving at double speed. The set was tight and packed full of hits and heart. His vocals were ridiculously flawless from start to finish- even during “Something In The Heavens” which he even joked about being out of his range due to his balls being extremely low. That humour is part of what makes Capaldi so charming- combined with a voice that could knock anyone’s socks off. Throughout the night he had back-and-forth banter with select groups on the floor, and had everyone in stitches numerous times. It felt like the arena was part of one big inside joke in the best way.
Well… half the arena.
Because down on the floor, the crowd was living. People yelling things in good spirit, Capaldi firing back without missing a beat, and of course everyone was up on their feet dancing and singing along. It felt like being at a chaotic family gathering. But in the stands? Still as statues. In my immediate vicinity, I was the only one singing and dancing. Disappointing for sure, but not totally vibe-killing.
The slower moments in the set were a lovely breather, and Lewis navigated them with so much warmth and sincerity that it almost felt like the whole arena collectively exhaled. Then he’d snap right back into another hit and the place would lift again.
“Forget You” was a standout moment for sure, with Capaldi encouraging everyone to dance since “this is probably the only dance number in this entire set.” Despite his encouragement, though, the seated patrons remained still- but those of us brave enough to have a dance and belt the lyrics out had a great time.
He closed the main set with “Before You Go”, over-exaggerating a wink when he said it was the last song. After a brief moment off stage, he and his band were back with an encore including “Hold Me While You Wait” and “Someone You Loved”- a closer that hits you right in the chest, even if you’ve heard that song a thousand times.
By the end, it felt like the quickest show I’ve ever been to, purely because I was enjoying myself that much. After years of cancellations, delays, and Melbourne bad luck, Lewis finally made it, and he showed up swinging.
A brilliant night, a hilarious personality and outrageously talented performer with a voice that sounds as good live as it does on record, Lewis Capaldi’s first Rod Laver performance was unforgettable.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Reviewer attended 10th December 2025.
The tour continues in Melbourne (12th and 13th December), before heading to Adelaide and Perth. Head HERE for all ticketing details.
All photos from Eloise Coomber – you can see more photos from the night HERE.
