Rex Orange County's Memorable Comeback Lights Up Margaret Court Arena
Photographs by Sara Regan
On the evening of Thursday, September 28th, the iconic Margaret Court Arena was set aglow by the infectious energy of Rex Orange County. Despite being unwell, Rex Orange County, also known as Alexander O'Connor, delivered a concert that was nothing short of fantastic. With an array of colourful lights, confetti, and an upbeat opening act by Grent Perez, this performance was a success that will be remembered by all who attended.
Kicking off the night, Grent Perez delivered a high-energy opening performance that set the perfect tone for the evening. Grent Perez's genre and vibe seamlessly aligned with Rex's, introducing the audience to the mood of the evening in a way that felt like a natural progression. One of the most notable aspects of the evening was the use of lighting towards the end. As the concert was nearing its end, the stage was bathed in a ray of rainbow colours. At this moment, confetti fell down upon the cheering crowd, creating an atmosphere of pure euphoria. Rex Orange County's engagement with the audience kept the crowd entertained. Despite being sick, he poured his heart and soul into every song, connecting with his fans on a personal level.
The concert's highlight came when Rex Orange County returned for an encore performance of "Pluto Projector," a song that went viral on TikTok. Due to the popularity of the song, it was a fitting send-off and was evidently a crowd favourite. After the cancellation of Rex’s Australian tour in 2020 and 2022, he made sure to give the audience a range of his songs from his discography. He treated the crowd to a diverse selection of songs from his albums “Pony,” “WHO CARES?,” “Apricot Princess,” and “Bcos U Will Never B Free.” But he didn’t forget his roots, acknowledging his long-time fans by performing some of his older singles.
Regarding the set, a blue moon with a face adorned the left side, while an orange sun with an equally endearing expression graced the right. Halfway through the performance, the stage was transformed with disco balls covering the wall of the stage, radiating light out onto the audience. The live band accompanying Rex Orange County did an incredible job. Their tight-knit performance, complemented by the sound of a live trumpet, left the audience in awe. Rex engaged with each band member throughout the night, which heavily demonstrated how close they were as a band. Despite not being entirely sold out, the crowd's enthusiasm filled the arena. Their unwavering support and loud cheers bounced off the walls, proving that Rex’s music has a passionate following in Melbourne.
Rex Orange County's performance at Margaret Court Arena was nothing short of a memorable experience. He delivered a concert filled with love, energy, and a rainbow of emotions. With stunning visuals, an incredible live band, and a setlist with range, this evening was a night to remember. His triumphant return to Australia was not a letdown, which would be further emphasised by all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance. Grant Perez's vibrant opening act only added to the overall thrill of the night, making it a truly unforgettable experience for all.