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It’s been 20 years since Hanson first got together as a band, and 15 years since the smash hit ‘Mmmbop’ reached our ears. Given the time period, it’s a shock sometimes to remember the Hanson brothers are all in their mid-twenties to early thirties. Amidst the 90s band resurgence that Australia has seen in the year 2012, it was Hanson’s turn to shine, taking the stage at Enmore Theatre in Sydney for another packed out show.
Matt Wertz was the support act for the night, taking to the stage armed only with his acoustic guitar. No doubt it’d be unnerving to be the support for such a huge act, but Wertz took it all in his stride, winning fans over with his smooth vocals, energetic strumming and easy and amusing banter. Joking about trying to become the 4th Hanson brother, Wertz had many females in the audience screaming loudly for him and eating out of his palm by the end of the show - with a rousing chant demanding him to take his shirt of echoing through the theatre at some stage. Big on audience participation, Wertz made sure the crowd was singing along word for word with him, particularly in the choruses, at one point making a joke about the simplicity of his lyrics. Simple lyrics or not, Wertz is a great singer-songwriter, with his slightly raspy vocals earning him many fans by the end of the set.
With Wertz warning the crowd there was a half an hour wait for the act of the night, this didn’t deter any of the energy from the waiting fans. With foot stamping, random squealing and excited voices at an all time high, by the time the lights on the stage dimmed and the three Hanson brothers took the stage, the whole Enmore Theatre erupted with screams of joy. I’d like to think I am a pretty seasoned gig goer by now, and I have literally never heard screams so loud in my life before.
Bursting into ‘Waiting For This’ the first song from their latest album Shout It Out it’s safe to say the song title was absolutely fitting. With big grins on their faces, and harmonies and notes pitch perfect the brothers set the pace for the rest of the night. Treating the audience to an older classic song next, ‘Where’s The Love’ got the already moving audience even more excited – with many great interpretive dance moves being pulled out.
It’s hard to pick a highlight from the night – the whole hour and a half set was simply amazing. While still sometimes holding the boy-band stereotype, after seeing Hanson live, it’s hard to not walk out with an absolute admiration for their musical skills. All harmonies were perfect, a note was barely sung out of tune, and each demonstrated great instrumental ability on their respective instruments, with Isaac ripping out guitar solos, Taylor’s hands flying over the keys, and Zac bashing out on the drums.
Youngest brother Zac demonstrated his equally as amazing vocals on ‘And I Waited’ before covering The Beatles‘Oh Darling’ – a simply amazing rendition of the song. Huge accolades should be given to anyone who can play the drums with such a fervent energy while still being pitch perfect, before holding one of the longest notes I’ve probably ever heard in a live gig. The guys were also great at getting the audience involved, and looking genuinely happy to be there. Taylor jumped to great heights while playing the harmonica in hit song ‘If Only,’ which was met with great enthusiasm from the audience – with the floor beneath my feet literally feeling like it was shaking. Before finishing the complete song, they inserted a little rendition of ‘Let’s Get It On’ that led to many more screams and a female behind me sounding like she was hyperventilating.
‘Mmmbop’ was also another obvious crowd pleaser, with everyone in the audience singing their hearts out. Latest song ‘Give A Little’ was also great to see live and had the audience dancing - with Taylor telling the crowd it was about trying to find girls on the dance floor and being intimidated by them - surely not a problem any of the charismatic brothers have ever faced.
After an encore song, the brothers made sure they drank in the whole atmosphere, smiling widely and bowing for the crowd, looking somewhat shocked and overwhelmed at the absolute mayhem that they had caused in the theatre. Promising to be back soon, Hanson left to deafening cheers and squeals and even some tears from an adoring Australian fanbase. I’m not ashamed to say it: It was probably one of the best live concerts I’ve been to this year. No joke.