Kylie Minogue’s homecoming show last night at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena was bigger than Ben Hur … literally. Afterall, a $25 million budget buys a lot of set.
The ‘Aphrodite Les Folies’ show is one big Roman orgy from start to finish. Kylie gives everything and more in the two-hour show and had a comfort and presence not seen on the previous tours.
While the last two tours were overshadowed by her recent illness for this one she delivered one of the biggest shows ever seen on an Australian stage. This was world class.
When we talk the benchmark of a big show, we generally mean the Rolling Stones, AC/DC or U2. There are elements of ‘Aphrodite’ that would make Bono’s jaw drop to the ground. The water fountain at the end of the show for instance. I have never seen anything so elaborate at an indoor show. Rod Laver Arena became an aquatic centre for this show.
Petite Kylie is larger than life in Aphrodite. The show mixes Greek mythology with Roman debauchery and there may have even been a bit of Charlene Neighbours thrown in towards the end when she wore the white t-shirt.
While the show showcases her current ‘Aphrodite’ album fans were also delivered a notable dose of greatest hits, including a request spot. The crowd last night was given an a Capella version of ‘Put Your Hand On Your Heart’ after she asked for requests. (She sang ‘Tears On My Pillow’, ‘Your Disco Needs You’ and ‘The Loco-Motion’ at the Sydney and Brisbane shows.
She played with some of the original arrangements. ‘Slow’ was done jazz and ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ rocked.
Setlist for Kylie Minogue, Rod Laver Arena, June 14, 2011:
Aphrodite (from Aphrodite, 2010)
The One (from X, 2007)
Wow (from X, 2007)
Illusion (from Aphrodite, 2010)
I Believe In You (from Ultimate Kylie, 2004)
Cupid Boy (from Aphrodite, 2010)
Spinning Around (from Light Years, 2000)
Get Outta My Way (from Aphrodite, 2010)
What Do I Have To Do (from Rhythm of Love, 1990)
Everything Is Beautiful (from Aphrodite, 2010)
Slow (from Body Language, 2003)
Confide In Me (from Kylie Minogue, 1994)
Can’t Get You Out Of My Head (from Fever, 2001)
In My Arms (from X, 2007)
Looking For An Angel (from Aphrodite, 2010)
Closer (from Aphrodite, 2010)
There Must Be An Angel (Eurythmics cover)
Love At First Sight (from Fever, 2001)
If You Don’t Love Me (Prefab Sprout cover)
Better The Devil You Know (from Rhythm of Love, 1990)
Put Your Hand On Your Heart (from Enjoy Yourself, 1989)
Better Than Today (from Aphrodite, 2010)
Put Your Hands Up (from Aphrodite, 2010)
On A Night Like This (from Light Years, 2000)
All The Lovers (from Aphrodite, 2010)
