Savage Garden's I Want You was a song that defined the end of my teenage years and turned me into a big fan. I had no idea what a "chic-a-cherry cola" was but I sang along enthusiastically every time and ran to the dancefloor whenever I heard those opening chords. The Aussie duo's debut self-titled album reached number one in Australia and top ten positions in the UK and the US and featured the hit singles, the aforementioned I Want You, To The Moon and Back and Truly Madly Deeply, which remains one of the most beautiful love songs of all time in my opinion. Their sophomore album, Affirmation, was also met with critical and commercial success. It included the singles The Animal Song (which appeared on The Other Sister soundtrack), I Knew I Loved You and Crash and Burn (which is possibly my favorite Savage Garden song).
The duo split up in 2001 and vocalist Darren Hayes subsequently launched his solo career. His first solo album, Spin, was released in 2002 followed by The Tension And The Spark in 2004 (the lead single, the cheeky Pop!ular, was Hayes' most successful single as a solo artist, reaching the top of the US dance charts). His next project, This Delicate Thing We've Made, was an double disc album that The Guardian referred to as "sonically...exquisite [with] shimmering, subtle electropop that pairs finely judged bleeps and beats with gorgeous banks of harmonies". His fourth studio album, Secret Codes And Battleships, was released in 2011. The first single was Talk Talk Talk which included a cover of Madonna's Angel as the B-side.
Hayes then took an 11 year hiatus before releasing the critically acclaimed and deeply personal Homosexual in 2022. The Independent gave the album a 5 star review, asserting that "the title...is a proud and simple reclamation of the word that once scared Hayes" while the "densely packed, slow-burning songs (most of which clock in over five minutes) tell a longer and more complicated story, one that goes back to his childhood" with nods to 70s and 80s icons and personal influences such as Donna Summer, George Michael and Madonna.
I was thrilled when he announced that he would be embarking on a world tour, titled The Do You Remember Tour, in 2023 with a setlist spanning his illustrious career. He performed at Town Hall in NYC this past week and I loved every minute: truly, madly, deeply. NYC-based DJ and singer, Bright Light Bright Light, was the opening act and it was such a joy to see him perform live, having only experienced his amazing DJ skills at the always enjoyable Romy and Michelle Afternoon Tea Dances at Club Cumming.
As for Mr Hayes, he looked incredible as he took to the stage in an all-black ensemble: tailcoat, lacy shirt, leather pants and knee-high platform boots (there were some costume changes throughout the show which culminated in an all-white 80s-esque suit for the encore). He also sounded incredible and had some impressive moves (those hips did not lie) that really roused the crowd. The audience was enthralled from the opening notes of the first song until the encore. Most importantly, it was clear that he was sharing and celebrating his authentic self with the audience - and loving every minute.
The complete setlist was as follows:
Homosapien
Affirmation
The Animal Song
Insatiable / Forget Me Nots
All You Pretty Things / Step Into The Light
To the Moon & Back
Two Beds and a Coffee Machine
I Don't Know You Anymore
Poison Blood
I Knew I Loved You
Do You Remember?
Homosexual (Act One)
Let's Try Being In Love
Pop!ular / Showing Out (Get Fresh At the Weekend) / All Around Me
Break Me Shake Me / Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life
Hey Matt
Crash and Burn
Truly Madly Deeply
Encore:
I Want You
The Best Thing
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