Macklemore review: Rapper admits to nerves during NRL Grand Final

YOU wouldn’t think it standing in front of a sellout crowd of 9000, but American rapper Macklemore has admitted to his adoring Brisbane fans that last year’s NRL Grand Final performance made him “nervous”.

BRANDISHING a rainbow flag on stage Macklemore congratulated Australia on passing same-sex marriage as he kicked off the Australian leg of his Gemini tour in Brisbane last night.

The passionate pro-marriage equality rapper caused a stir when he was in Australia last September, performing his song ‘Same Love’ at the NRL Grand Final as a declaration of support for the ‘Yes’ campaign.

Speaking about it for the first time on Australian soil, he admitted the controversy made him feel uncomfortable.

“There was some controversy around me coming out here, a little bit of controversy ... some people, some former politicians were saying some things. I don’t really get nervous about things like that, but I was a little bit nervous,” he said.

“Not only did we play the song that people were talking about, that small amount of hatred, that small level of noise was overpowered by an overwhelming amount of love.

“Personally I want to say congratulations to all of Australia at taking one step towards equality for all human beings regardless of who they choose to love. Love wins!”

Armed with ponchos and gumboots a sellout crowd of 9000 — the biggest Australian audience for Macklemore’s Gemini tour — gathered at Brisbane’s Riverstage outdoor venue despite the threat of rain.

Macklemore satisfied fans both new and old with all of his best-known songs including ‘Dance Off’, ‘R. I. P’ and ‘Thrift Shop’.

He told the crowd he went straight to the tattoo parlour and the local op shops when he arrived in Brisbane on Thursday.

He also announced his wife’s pregnancy to roaring applause, declaring that toddler Sloane, the inspiration behind several of his songs, would have a new brother or sister next month.

The Gemini tour will play sold-out shows in Sydney this weekend, and Melbourne on February 6 and 7 before hitting New Zealand.