Beabadoobee (Beatrice Kristi-Laus), has been coined a Gen Z icon, and I didn’t fully realise this until walking into The Tivoli on Sunday for her long -awaited Brisbane appearance. This was the most packed out show I’ve been to at this venue since pre-pandemic times, and on closer look it seemed that most of the crowd was a good ten years younger than me. Now, I’m not sure if it’s a gen z thing, or a characteristic of Beabadoobee fans, but this audience took this show extremely seriously. They get there hours and hours before the doors open. Then, they lock on to their spot in the sweaty crowd, like their lives depend on it. Their shoes seemed to be glued to the ground, as they refused to let anyone in front of them. Even a small 4ZZZ reviewer with a press pass who just wanted to, temporarily move closer to take a photograph.

While this zealous vibe was slightly intimidating, it was hard not to catch the excitement and enthusiasm from these fervent young fans. Especially, when the opening fuzzy chords of 10:36, one of the popular singles off the Filipino/British artist’s successful sophomore album Beatopia, blast into the venue.

On the morning of the show, there’s been news via her socials, that the star is incredibly ill after a non-stop Australia and New Zealand tour. Brisbane is the final gig, and Beabadoobee is worn out, fair enough. Despite telling fans that “my throat is on fire lol”, the singer/songwriter’s vocals are pretty much flawless. Her high, sweet, clear voice croons through the slushy crunch of the guitars, in a perfect melodic combination. She’s cheerful and fun on stage, and regularly interacts with the crowd. During the set, she puts down her guitar and sits with the front row, or jumps up and down waving to the crowd on the balcony. It’s easy to see why Beabadoobee is such a successful touring artist. Her live show is high energy, her stage presence is the perfect mix of self-assured, and down to earth.

Released earlier this year, Beatopia is the 5th release via British indie label Dirty Hit, and Beabadoobee’s second long player. It’s also the most genre bending of her releases, featuring bossa nova beats, acoustic ballads, and even a spoken word psychedelic soundscape in the album’s opening track Beatopia cultsong. But of course, there are her customary grunge pop ear worms too, such as the smash hit Talk, which goes absolutely off when she launches into it, unannounced after a slow song. As well as playing most of the songs off her new album, Beabadoobee shreds out older hits like She Plays Bass, as well as Care, and Together, from her debut album Fake It Flowers, to the delight of her adoring audience.

Although I watched this gig from the very back of the venue, and it was at times difficult to see the stage, it just didn’t matter in the end. Beabadoobee is a charming performer, with insanely catchy tunes. The infectious energy of her fans, screaming, crying, hugging, and singing along word for word, is even more charming, and I’m truly glad that she stopped in little old Brisbane, and that I was there to witness it.

- Alex Campbell.