9 October 2024 – The Brightside, Brisbane – words and pictures by Cassandra Warren
On October 9th, English pop sensation Beth McCarthy kicked off her first-ever Australian tour at The Brightside in Brisbane. The intimate venue was packed with fans from all walks of life, from casual music lovers to those who connected deeply with McCarthy’s authentic and quirky persona. Known for her unapologetic honesty, Beth’s performance was a breath of fresh air, offering both vulnerability and humor that made the night feel incredibly personal.
Opening the show was Lyric, a local artist who captured the crowd’s attention with an emotive and engaging set. Performing songs from her EP Nostalgia, Lyric delved into themes of longing and reflection, with ‘Nostalgia is My Enemy’ standing out as a poignant moment. The emotion she poured into each song was palpable, and the crowd seemed to relate deeply to the raw sincerity of her lyrics.
Lyric – Brightside – photos by Cassandra Warren
When Beth McCarthy finally took the stage, her joy was infectious. Grinning from ear to ear, she warmly greeted her Australian fans and immediately kicked off the night with her 2023 hit ‘What Do You Call It’. Her connection with the audience was undeniable, as they sang along with her, creating a warm, familial atmosphere. Beth’s humor shone between songs, drawing laughter from the crowd and further deepening that sense of intimacy.
Midway through her set, Beth took a moment to sit down at the front of the stage, sharing personal stories about her career and the fears she once had about making it in the music industry. As she performed an emotional song about those doubts, the audience sang along with just as much passion, creating a heartfelt and moving moment in the evening.
Beth McCarthy – Brightside – photos by Cassandra Warren
A touching highlight came during ‘She Gets the Flowers’, when a fan handed Beth flowers mid-performance. The emotional exchange between artist and fan added a special layer to the performance, making it a semi-emotional moment for everyone present.
In true Australian concert fashion, Beth was coaxed into doing a “shoey” with a fan’s tall cowboy boot, much to the crowd’s delight. The playful moment sparked loud cheers and only added to the electric energy of the night.
Beth McCarthy – Brightside – photos by Cassandra Warren
Beth also paid homage to one of her musical inspirations, Pink, with an energetic cover of ‘So What’, during which she wove through the crowd, making sure to connect with as many fans as possible. The audience gave her the space to perform, but the excitement was palpable as she moved among them, creating an up-close and personal experience.
As the set neared its end, Beth performed newer tracks, including ‘IDK How to Talk to Girls’ and ‘She’s Pretty’, interacting with fans throughout. After leaving the stage, the crowd erupted into chants of “Encore!” Beth returned, closing out the night with her latest song, ‘Good Bi’, leaving everyone in high spirits.
Her performance was a seamless blend of humor, emotion, and energy, creating a night full of connection and joy. With her warm interactions and heartfelt performances, Beth McCarthy’s Brisbane show left her Australian fans eager for more.
