City and Colour, Nathaniel Rateliff and Alex Lahey in Sydney

January 21, 2025

On the wet, dreary evening of January 16th 2025, Sydney’s iconic Hordern Pavilion was alive with the promise of an unforgettable night as City and Colour headlined a stellar lineup featuring Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats and Alex Lahey. With a near-sold-out crowd buzzing with anticipation, the atmosphere was electric from the get-go.

The night kicked off with Alex Lahey, whose indie-rock charm and infectious energy set the perfect tone. Their honest lyrics and raw, gritty guitar riffs resonated with the audience, pulling us all into their world. Lahey’s playful banter between tracks only added to their relatability, making them the perfect opener for what was to come.

Alex Lahey @ Hordern Pavilion 16th January 2025

Next up, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats turned the Pavilion into a full-blown party. From the moment they took the stage, the band’s upbeat rock and blues-infused vibes had the crowd moving.

Rateliff’s commanding presence and powerhouse vocals were complemented by tight instrumentation and heavenly harmonies from the band. Tracks like “S.O.B.” and “You Worry Me” were instant crowd-pleasers, with hips swaying and hands clapping throughout the set.

It was clear this was a band built to perform live, and they delivered an exuberant, soul-lifting experience.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats @ Hordern Pavilion 16th January 2025

Finally, the main event: City and Colour. Having seen Dallas Green and his band multiple times before, I had high expectations, and once again, they did not disappoint. Opening with a blend of newer, upbeat tracks and dipping into fan-favorite classics, the setlist was meticulously curated to take the audience on a journey.

Green’s unmistakable voice soared through the venue, often reducing the crowd to awed silence. His ability to convey raw emotion with each note is nothing short of magical.

The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with every member seemingly lost in the joy of the music. Between songs, Dallas charmed the audience with his quick wit and heartfelt storytelling, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the large venue.

City and Colour @ Hordern Pavilion 16th January 2025

Standout moments included breathtaking renditions of “The Girl” and “We Found Each Other In The Dark” that left the crowd in collective awe. As the final notes faded, the applause was deafening, a testament to a performance that was nothing short of transcendent.

Review by Aidan Willis. Photos by Peter Dovgan.