Night at the Barracks brings live music back to North Head, Manly

David Campbell, Lucy Durack and Jessica Mauboy are among 20 performers who will come together for a live music concert at Manly’s North Head.

It’s the epitome of Sydney’s night-life resurgence – live music at Manly’s North Head, with Sydney Harbour as its backdrop.

David Campbell, Lucy Durack and Jessica Mauboy are among 20 performers for Night at the Barracks, a musical showcase running under the stars at North Head from February 24 to March 27.

Not only will it inject life back into Sydney’s recently dormant entertainment industry, it will create jobs for more than 650 performers and event professionals – exactly what is needed right now, Campbell told The Saturday Telegraph.

“It’s going to be a really great night. It’s a beautiful, historic place and I’m just thrilled to be a part of this really big welcome back,” he said.

“Let’s put some music on. By that time in February we will be living through a great summer, we’ve come through the Covid times, come through the pandemic and can celebrate the good times with live music coming back again.”

David Campbell and Lucy Durack will both perform at North Head as part of the Night at the Barracks event in early 2022. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Campbell said while Covid lockdowns gave us “all the emotions, all the time”, he felt on the luckier side, still able to work, while so much of the industry couldn’t.

“There are a lot of people who haven’t had the advantage that I have … trumpet players, drummers, singers or crew members that have just been out of work for 18 months – they’re the ones I’ve been really concerned about,” he said.

“Yes, people know that Tina Arena and Jimmy Barnes will get back on stage, but it’s the people that build the stages that have had to pivot and they’re the jobs we don’t want to lose, so hopefully that we’re all coming back out, that for me is the most exciting part.”

Campbell, who has had three million views on TikTok for his videos, most of which are dancing with Today Extra co-host Belinda Russell, said he’s never been stopped in public as often as he has since the pair started their funny dance routines.

“I have never been stopped more than in the last five months actually, and it’s always by men my age or older and they tell me to keep up the dancing on TikTok,” he laughed.

Recently reunited with his south coast-based rocker dad Jimmy Barnes and wife Jane, Campbell said they will be sure to make up for lost time with a big, loud family Christmas for 40 or 50, all together again at last.

“They looked great, I think he’s about ready for his booster,” he said.

“It’s been very strange to grow up with somebody who is so highly energised and does so many things like my dad and Jane has done, and then watch them locked down and not do any of a million things they usually do.

“And to watch them pivot … you can see their bond as well, but they were getting each other through this.”

David Campbell and Lucy Durack (centre) with other performers (from left) Davide De Giovanni, Mia Thompson, Cameron Boxall and Thomas Egan. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Wicked star Lucy Durack is someone else who can’t wait to get back on stage, with the Melbourne mum to perform with a 45-piece orchestra and opera legend David Hobson.

“To perform with a 45-piece orchestra is such an absolute luxury – especially now. I feel like I really appreciate to even hear an orchestra, let alone a live orchestra and let alone being able to sing with one,” she said.

“This is what we’ve all been missing.

“Between various lockdowns I went and saw one or two things at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and it was really emotional because we were all like: ‘Wow’. I think we appreciate the experience of life so much more.

“Live music just cannot be replicated and to have the opportunity to go to such a beautiful venue with such a massive orchestra … I think it will be overwhelming, but in a good way.

“I think the last few years has given us a whole new appreciation of things, and I hope I can hold on to that new-found appreciation and not go back to take anything for granted.

“That would be a nice silver lining that will come out of this is – so in a way, I think this event is going to be really more special than ever.”

Tickets start from $69 and go on sale on November 19 at Ticketmaster. For more information visit nightatthebarracks.com.au

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]