We are often told to keep it simple, stupid. Well, Paul Dempsey decided to do just that and take it on the road. For his latest solo show he treated audiences to his fine croon and an acoustic guitar. Just that. And it was simply captivating to behold.
The Something for Kate frontman has recently released his second volume of the popular Shotgun Karaoke records. On these albums he does stripped-back covers of famous, infamous, and beloved deep tracks. Both of these records and some other little nuggets were the basis of his set at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.
Dempsey started the proceedings with a cover of MGMT’s “Time to Pretend.” In it, as with other songs from the evening, his vocals straddle both the husky and more smooth timbers. He is very good at capturing the angst underpinning the track and doing so with a lovely sense of humour as well.
It is this same jovial feeling that he brings to his on-stage banter and where his very presence oozes charisma. He thanks us for coming out, noting that there was nothing else happening in Sydney that night (this was a reference to the massive Oasis reunion gig happening across town). This was actually a missed opportunity, as Dempsey admitted that he didn’t know the lyrics to “Wonderwall” and teased us with the opening notes.
Never mind because Dempsey instead played sweeter tunes like Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes.” He then backed this up with a self-proclaimed, “Dirty punk rock song” also known as “Light Pollution” by Bright Eyes. It was obvious that Dempsey was reveling in the naughtiness of playing this gritty tune in such a salubrious setting. He encouraged the audience to sing along, noting that we weren’t 15 beers deep at the Annandale. We’re not sure whether he (or we) preferred to be standing there on the sticky carpet or in the cavernous Hall.
A lovely surprise for the evening came when Dempsey invited Sarah Blasko on stage. The two of them together were veritable vocal powerhouses on Crowded House’s “Distant Son.” Another Aussie classic in INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart” was another set highlight, as this was goosebumps inducing.
Dempsey is renowned for his own well-observed and thoughtful songs about the human condition. But he only played one of his own tunes tonight. “Ramona Was a Waitress” was a quiet joy for him to play in the newly renovated Concert Hall. The last time Dempsey was at this venue was when he played Bowie covers with the Thin White Duke’s own band. Tonight, he didn’t disappoint with his own heartfelt rendition of “Life on Mars.”
The tunes in the set were often light and breezy. These matched Dempsey’s own laidback attitude to the proceedings. He did make a funny quip after “Against All Odds (Take A Look at Me Now),” as he removed his jacket and realised that he’d missed an opportunity to joke about No Jacket Required (the album by Phil Collins).
While Dempsey clearly enjoyed paying homage to all of his fave songs and the many artists that influenced him, the biggest audience reactions were to the classic hits of the 80s. Having songs like Cher’s “Turn Back Time” and the melodic pop of Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer” really resonated and got people singing. So too, REM’s “Losing My Religion” (released in 1991 but still close to the eighties) because Dempsey replaced the mandolin with some very delicate guitar work that was simply perfect.
The Shotgun Karaoke show was a showcase of Dempsey’s vocal versatility and ability to translate disparate tunes onto the acoustic guitar. It was raw and intimate but also deeply resonate. The show saw this confident musician play an intriguing set that proved that while he may be aging like a fine wine, but that his heart and humour are still very young and fun.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
For more information and tickets head HERE.
Reviewer attended 7th November 2025
Header image credit: Ashley Ludkin
