Tones and I’s rise to global fame has been a rather dizzying whirlwind. What started with humble busking along Byron Bay streets has since skyrocketed into major global success.
Following the release of her 2019 single “Dance Monkey”, Tones was catapulted into the spotlight almost overnight, and her hit quickly became one of the most streamed songs of all time.
Recently crowned Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s latest cover star, leading the first-ever ANZ Musicians on Musicians series alongside Empire of the Sun’s Luke Steele, she’s proven herself a powerful force in the Aussie music industry.
At her recent Sydney Opera House Forecourt show (November 30th), she fully demonstrated why she was deserving of this honour.
Credit: Don Arnold/WireImage
The night kicked off with “Cloudy Day” and “Never Seen the Rain”, two tracks that showcased Tones’ musical range. The packed crowd was drawn in immediately, connecting with her powerful voice and vulnerable lyrics.
One of the most striking elements of Tones’ performance was her emotional honesty. She shared candid moments from her life with the crowd, opening up about the pressures of fame. “I’ve been crying when I’ve been backstage,” she said, revealing her vulnerable side. “A member of my band, Jirol, is here tonight. He had to go away for a while.”
Elsewhere, Tones spoke about her desire to separate herself from the typical pop star image. “I’m not Troye Sivan. Not Glass Animals. I’m not a pop person,” she said.
Tones talked perhaps more than she ever has during a show, and the crowd remained supportive throughout. When “Dance Monkey” finally played, everyone erupted, singing along with every word. Tones, too, became immersed in the moment.
The show’s energy was uplifting, especially during the finale, which featured “Fly Away” and a stunning fireworks display.
The crowd left with a clearer impression of Tones’ as a person and artist than ever before; her vulnerability and rawness gave the night a sense of authenticity that was impossible to ignore.
Find out more about Tones’ Rolling Stone AU/NZ cover here.
