20 July 2023 – 170 Russell, Melbourne – words and pictures by Briarna Dal Col
Noah Cyrus’s Splendour side show at 170 Russell, Melbourne was an absolute treat. Opening her show was her dear friend PJ Harding, who has helped write her EP and other projects. The lights were glowing like sun beams as he showcased a beautiful, dreamy acoustic set with only his voice and a acoustic guitar. His tone was so rich and warm, I would describe it like a summers evening. He took time to talk with the crowd and tell some of the stories behind the process of writing his songs whether that was car rides with Noah or inspired by special moments in his life. To finish his set he covered ‘Heaven’ by Talking Heads.
PJ Harding – 170 Russell – photos by Briarna Dal Col
During the intermission, in glowing firey letters, appeared Noah Cyrus’ name. The audience was absolutely obsessed and living for it, trying to take photos with the perfect angles.
The whole room was buzzing in anticipation. Many fans have waited years for the opportunity to see her live for the first time. You could see the smiles and eyes light up in excitement as the time went closer and closer for Noah to appear on stage. The lights dimmed and ambient music filled the room. The crowd cheered as the band entered the stage. Noah gracefully entered wearing a hooded sheer lace dress, opening with ‘Stand Still’. The crowd instantly was singing along.
Noah Cyrus – 170 Russell – photos by Briarna Dal Col
She seemed to be so at ease and comfortable on stage. Her vocals were hauntingly beautiful and she worked the stage connecting with as many people possible. You can tell how much she appreciates everyone’s support. She is such a caring person making sure everyone was ok and hydrated and to let her know if they needed anything. For her song ‘Again’ she dedicated it to her friend XXXtentacion, who passed away in 2018. “RIP X, we love you“.
Halfway through she invited PJ Harding onto the stage for a special acoustic set. It was there second time actually performing together despite having wrote many songs together, “This is something, we have never experienced together, so this is so special“. Noah even made an Aussie impression of ‘August’, singing it it an Aussie accent to match PJ who is also Australian. Together their voice blended so well with harmonies made for heaven.
Can we take a moment to acknowledge that she played her song ‘July’ in the month of July??? Although it is a very sad song. Noah played a slightly more upbeat rendition of it, with more of a country twang to it. July is a very personal song to me. July is my birthmonth, but also a song that about being scared to move on. Its a song for the overthinkers and the people who have so much love to give.
Noah Cyrus – 170 Russell – photos by Briarna Dal Col
After ‘July’ she exited the stage, thanking the audience for coming along. Everyone cheered and chanted for one more song. She came back and delivered not one but three songs! They were ‘Lonely’, ‘Make Me Cry’ and ‘The End of Everything’.
For Noah’s first ever headliner tour in Australia it really was so special. It felt super intimate and personal. She really talked with her fans like they were her friends and took time be to introduce the name of each of the songs she was going to sing. Overall, everything from the production to the band (whose guitar solos were just incredible) to Miss Noah Cyrus herself was so beautifully executed. If you missed her show you can catch her at Splendour on the Grass on Sunday 23rd of July.
