Alex Warren, Medium Build @ Entertainment Centre, Adelaide 26/8/2025
It is fair to say that up until recently I had no idea who Alex Warren was until my daughter firmly pointed out that I’m living under a rock and that this guy is actually a big deal on a global scale. She was not wrong either! Alex Warren is a bonafide superstar and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre was packed to the rafters making for one of the hottest tickets in town. I have no doubt that his upward trajectory will continue and playing stadiums next time is not as far-fetched as it seems.
The cold wintery conditions didn’t dampen the spirits or enthusiasm as there was a real excitable energy walking in to the venue. The lines for the coveted tour t-shirt and other goodies was massive. I think the real find of the night was support act Medium Build (aka Nicholas Carpenter) whose songs of growing up and making mistakes endeared themselves on this impressionable crowd.
Back in Australia for the second time in six months he was the perfect fit. Right from the get-go saying “I’m not him” I would have to say this was one the best openers I have seen in a while. Entertaining and relatable songs was what it was all about. Be A Boy and Rage were great opening tunes and a window in to the life of Carpenter, albeit somewhat troubled describing one as a “manuscript for help” taking on greater importance at the end of his last Australian tour. The Tate McRae cover You Broke Me First won the hearts and minds of this crowd and being encouraged to sing it back. Drug Dealer was a reminder about falling in love with a stranger who hadn’t disappointed you yet and complete with everyone’s phone lights on made for quite the aesthetic. His banter and encouragement was just as entertaining as his music. It was a great set finishing on White Male Privilege.
Alex Warren’s debut Adelaide show will be one that won’t be forgotten any time soon. Fans were literally pushed in to hyperdrive sensing the anticipation once the lights dropped and the powerful walk on music of John Farnham’s You’re The Voice sounded. The opening moments of Burning Down fuelled that intensity and were electrifying when Alex Warren took the stage. The streamers fired out looked great and even Alex looked in awe and genuinely surprised by the reaction with Adelaide being right up there as one of the biggest shows on the tour. Before You Leave was next followed by Alex saying “there’s a lot of you” and then acknowledge all the signs in the crowd before conducting a poll asking who was dragged here by their girlfriend/ partner as “it could be the worst seventy minutes of your life”.
So many great songs including the likes of Catch My Breath as Alex pondered the thought “is it my jokes or feverish good looks as I couldn’t sell two hundred tickets six months ago”. The backstories behind his songs are equally as compelling in particular You’ll Be OK Kid and the importance the stories of those who have passed alive. Even Alex commented on how long the intro is to Yard Sale and Never Be Far was played twice due to an unfortunate medical situation. The way he engages with his fans and creating that safe space for them to be whoever they want to be and enjoy the moment is tops. There were loads of signs held up by fans with most going to a bit of effort evening attaching lights to attract attention. Tip of the hat to those fans who drove a considerable distance to catch this show and no doubt totally worth it.
The back end of the set was great with plenty more gold to come with Chasing Shadows, Save You A Seat and Bloodline. The upbeat and uplifting You Can’t Stop This was a whole bunch of fun finishing on another big one with Carry You Home. I think every time Alex looked out to the crowd that there was an overwhelming sense of gratitude but amazement that all these people were here to see him.
The encore was stellar despite Eternity being described as depressing. Adelaide got the nice little bonus of Headlights and despite not liking the song he played it for a friend before finishing on the song that changed his life in Ordinary. This was quite the show, remarkable even and we look forward to what comes next for Alex Warren.
Live Review By Rob Lyon