Kids put your goddamn phones away and enjoy the show. That was the message from American hip hop artist Macklemore when he hit the stage at HBF Stadium on Monday to perform the first of two sold out shows in Perth.
The constellation of distracting mobile phones, emanating from mostly young people filming much of the show, is one of the more infuriating aspects of modern-day gigs.
Macklemore told the Perth crowd to put their phones away.Credit: Sarah Brookes
And it seems not just for concertgoers but the artists themselves.
“This is not an opera, this is not a play this a mother f--ing hip hop show, so please stand up,” Macklemore told the crowd.
“There is a lot of cell phones, get a couple of pictures and videos, put that on Instagram, let your friends know and then put your phones away.
“I want to see your beautiful faces. I want to be here with you and live in the present moment. If I’m going to be staring at phones I’m going to be pissed off.”
Macklemore connects with the local audience.Credit: Richard Clifford
Fans let out an ear belting cheer but mostly ignored the edict.
Seattle-born Macklemore launched into the gospel-inspired Chant, his track with Australian singer-songwriter Tones and I from his latest studio album Ben.
That was followed by Thrift Shop, the 2012 song that catapulted Macklemore into the stratosphere. The song with Ryan Lewis reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was soon dubbed the first song since 1994 to top the Hot 100 chart without the support of a major record label.
Not one to shy away from difficult political topics the 40-year-old delved into his support for the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
“Why do I feel uncomfortable speaking up for equality, why do I feel uncomfortable speaking out against genocide, lives should never be lost. I am an advocate and proponent of love and liberation for all people.
“As Nina Simone said it is an artist’s responsibility to reflect the times that they are in, and I would not be doing my job if I didn’t use this microphone to speak the truth.”
It was an obvious segue into Macklemore’s new single Hind’s Hall, a protest song that calls for a ceasefire in the Israel–Hamas war.
It was a sombre moment in an otherwise energetic set with the artist accompanied by an accomplished live band and backup dancers.
Macklemore is dynamic on stage intertwining his newer music with fan favourites like Same Love, Glorious, Downtown and Good Old Days.
These days as an increasing number of the biggest names in music leave Perth off their world tour list in favour of Vegas-style shows based in multiple cities on the east coast the crowd was energetic even on a sleepy Monday night.
Seven-year-old Macklemore dreamed of one day being on the stage, microphone in hand he’s hit the big league and earned himself an army of fans.
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