Gregory Alan Isakov brings the Appaloosa Bones Tour to a sold out Forum Melbourne crowd

Written and Captured By | Hannah Robinson

Returning to Australia for the first time since 2019, Gregory Alan Isakov gave his all to a sold out Forum crowd.  The South African-born American singer-songwriter is touring his sixth album, Appaloosa Bones, which was released last year. Gregory was accompanied by an incredibly skilled band of musician friends whose finesse could only have come from years together. The talent was overflowing from Jeb Bows, Steve Varney, John Paul Grigsby and Max Barcelow, who Isakov claims is the “best drummer in the world”. All six men showed their multifaceted skillset switching between various instruments throughout the show.

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The night was divided into two sets, which Isakov wondered if it were an Australian thing or what happens when you don’t bring a support act. Either way it meant the crowd got more of him, so they seemed happy. After opening with the beautiful daydream that is Before the Sun, the first set was a more upbeat, full band mixture of Appaloosa Bones and older tunes. Fans eagerly awaited every song and knew their favourites from the first notes. Feet couldn’t stay still and smiles were never gone from this devoted crowd as they looked on in awe.

The second set was more stripped back and intimate with Gregory and his band all centre stage sharing one microphone. This set a beautiful for scene as couples held each other and everyone swayed to the likes of The Stable Song, Silver Bell and closing with All Shades of Blue before a bow and a wave on the way off the stage. But of course all was not done, the group returned for a powerful performance of Amsterdam and Caves to satisfy the listeners until next time they return.

The night was truly for the love of music. With listeners who know how to truly appreciate the craftsmanship of the people on stage, and an artist and his band who all know how to let the music come alive, living and breathing for itself. The tour continues in Adelaide, Fremantle and Sydney, before Isakov returns to the US to share his talents closer to home.

Photos By | Hannah Robinson