Part of his 'The Epilogue World Tour', the concert was a testament to the Australian singer-songwriter's ability to turn intimate, personal stories into universal anthems. With a blend of heart-wrenching ballads and anthemic pop tracks, Dean Lewis managed to strike a delicate balance between vulnerability and energy, leaving an indelible mark on everyone in the room.
The night began with a performance by Sofia Camara, an up-and-coming artist whose soulful sound resonated well with the crowd. Her set, though short, was a perfect way to ease into the atmosphere of the evening.
Camara's rich and textured voice captivated the audience as she performed her own original songs. Although some in the crowd were likely unfamiliar with her music, her effortless stage presence and emotive delivery made an impression. By the end of her set, there was a clear sense of anticipation for what was to come. Sofia’s performance was a welcome prelude to Dean Lewis’s headliner show.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd's chatter quieted, the unmistakable energy of anticipation filled the air. Dean Lewis stepped on stage to thunderous applause, immediately drawing the audience’s attention. His tall frame, casual attire, and approachable demeanour made him feel less like a star and more like a friend, a quality that has endeared him to fans worldwide.
When the opening notes of ‘Empire’ rolled through the speakers, the crowd erupted into cheers. The song, one of his best (in my totally non-biased opinion), set the tone for the evening—a journey of self-reflection and catharsis.
It’s a track that, despite its relatability and pop sensibility, is brimming with emotional depth, and Dean’s delivery was nothing short of stirring. The lyrics “And even though it’s wrong, you’re still all I want” echoed around the venue, with fans singing along in perfect harmony. It was a moment where the connection between the artist and the audience was palpable, and it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember.
Dean Lewis’s strength as an artist lies in his ability to turn personal experiences into universal, anthemic tracks. He has a unique knack for exploring themes of heartbreak, self-doubt, and longing, while also offering a sense of hope and resilience. Throughout the evening, he performed a mix of songs from his 2018 debut album A Place We Knew as well as newer material, showcasing his growth as an artist and his unwavering commitment to creating meaningful music.
He also performed a new song called ‘I Hate That It’s True’, which is yet to be released, surprising the audience with a more mature and rhythmic sound than what his fans are used to.
After singing tracks like ‘7 Minutes’, ‘Chemicals’ and ‘With You’, he asked the audience if they knew ‘That’s So True’ by Gracie Abrams. When the crowd cheered, he immediately started singing and interacting with the audience giving high fives to everyone in the first rows, making this experience memorable to everyone.
During his performance of ‘Stay Awake’ he was given a Newcastle flag, which he wore proudly during a couple of songs, making the audience cheer when they recognised the iconic black and white stripes.
A standout moment came when Lewis performed 'Half a Man', a deeply personal track about self-doubt and the realisation that it’s okay to not have everything together. (Also, it was the fifth song I cried to in this concert).
Before launching into the song, he shared a brief anecdote with the audience, admitting that it was one of the most challenging yet rewarding songs he had written. His vulnerability resonated deeply with fans, many of whom had likely experienced similar struggles.
As he sang, “But how am I supposed to love you when I don’t love who I am,” the crowd responded with emotional support, and for a brief moment, it felt as though the song was as much for them as it was for him.
Another standout track was ‘Waves’, one of his most famous hits. Its driving beat and relatable themes of regretting a lost relationship filled the room with an infectious energy.
It’s a song that speaks to the longing for reconciliation, and when the chorus hit, the crowd responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. This track and others like ‘All Your Lies’, demonstrated the depth of Dean’s song writing ability and his capacity to write songs that evoke both heartache and healing in equal measure.
While most of the set was driven by emotionally charged songs, there were moments of levity that injected energy into the show. Tracks like ‘Stay Awake’ had an anthemic quality, with the crowd clapping and singing along.
These were moments where Dean’s ability to transition between introspective, quiet moments and big, celebratory choruses was on full display. The dynamic flow of the set kept things engaging, and the audience was never left to languish in a single emotional tone for too long.
What truly set Dean Lewis apart in this performance was his connection with the audience. He frequently shared personal stories, offered brief insights into his songwriting process, and expressed genuine gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career. His warm, unpretentious demeanour made it feel like the show was a conversation rather than a performance.
Dean’s banter between songs was also a highlight. His Aussie charm and wit shone through as he reflected on his experiences travelling the world, the challenges of writing music, and the emotional weight that accompanies creating such personal work. His ability to balance humour with sincerity created an atmosphere of comfort, making the audience feel like they were not just watching an artist, but interacting with a friend.
One of my favourite moments of the show was when he sang his famous cover of ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls (again, I’m not biased whatsoever, and I don’t have a tattoo on my arm about this song…). He was not alone in this cover as he invited Michael Aldag on stage to sing with him.
Dean Lewis’s concert in Newcastle was a captivating evening filled with emotional highs and lows, relatable songs, and a palpable sense of connection between the artist and his audience. From the intimate delivery of 'Half a Man' to the crowd-rousing energy of 'Waves', the show was a testament to Dean’s ability to convey vulnerability through music while offering moments of joy and celebration.
Dean Lewis’s remarkable ability to blend personal storytelling with universal themes of love, loss, and resilience is what makes him a standout artist in today’s music scene. This performance solidified his status as a rising star, one who can captivate both large crowds and intimate spaces with equal power.
With his undeniable talent and engaging stage presence, it’s no surprise that his fan base continues to grow—and nights like this only prove that his place in the global music scene is well-earned, making this night unforgettable for everyone.