There are few Australian artists who have managed to permeate the global music zeitgeist quite like Troye Sivan has. The Perth-raised singer and actor's brand of pop – unapologetically queer, tender, electric – has become something of a phenomenon since his third studio album, 2023's Something To Give Each Other, was released last October. It's sun-drenched and bittersweet, dreamy and wide-eyed. A love letter penned to the joy of human connection – in all its candid forms.
Like many Australian musicians, Sivan has mostly cut his teeth overseas, having just wrapped up the mammoth 'Sweat' tour in the US, which he co-headlined with UK pop singer Charli XCX. But November marked a significant homecoming; the first time Sivan would headline a series of shows on home turf in almost five years. We simply couldn't miss the chance to see him live, at his final night playing on the steps of the Sydney Opera House last Friday. It was a moment it seemed even Sivan couldn't quite believe.
The night was dark, stormy, wet. But a palpable excitement was in the air. Wrapped like ghouls in sheer ponchos, we trudged through the rain to the Sydney Opera House forecourt, taking our places amongst a crowd of thousands; rain and anticipation hanging thick in the air.
I've always thought the best concerts happen in the rain; phones and pretension get put away. And I was proven right as soon as the lights dimmed, the music began to thump, and an LED screen lowered to the concert stage, flashing in red block type 'TROYE'.
Flanked by his now-signature dancers from CDK Company, who worked with Sivan on his Gap "Get Loose" campaign as well as his Got Me Started and Rush music videos, Sivan was instantly magnetising. For someone relatively new to commanding the stage in front of audiences of this size, he seemed at ease, a natural. He cracks jokes between songs ("I'm going to dance my tiny little ass off"), makes light of trip ups ("Oh wait there's another verse, I forgot!").
Gliding through choreography and melody, Sivan arrives at an uproarious applause. Hands and bodies sway in the air. The rain subsides and a final bow is taken. And one final song? Of course, it's Rush.
Read our interview with Troye ahead of his Australian tour, or reflect on his best style moments.
Feature image: Jordan Munns for Live Nation Australia
