It was a muggy evening in Brisbane, but the air inside the Princess Theatre buzzed with a different kind of heat…anticipation. The murmurs of an eager audience floated through the venue, setting the stage for what would become an unforgettable night. Moments later, the chatter turned to delighted uproar as Tom Cardy’s ‘Business Man’ set the mood, and we were off, headfirst into a night that felt less like a gig and more like a family reunion, Lawrence-style.
Opening the evening was Jaron Jay, whose blend of soul and pop served as a heartfelt love letter to the genres. Each song was met with a warmth and enthusiasm that proved this crowd was here to connect, not just spectate. Jaron’s voice, rich and effortless, was the perfect prelude to what lay ahead.
As the lights dimmed, Lawrence’s signature ‘Family Business’ banner unfurled, flapping with an energy that matched the crowd’s growing excitement. Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, making their Australian debut, didn’t leave us hanging for long. A cheeky pre-recorded PA announcement filled the theatre, their voices joking, “Welcome to Family Business. All of our representatives are busy right now. Please enjoy this selection of songs about family and business.” The crowd roared. They knew they were in for something special.
Launching into their set with a whirlwind of charm and soul, the siblings guided us through the entirety of Family Business with an effortless groove, weaving in newer tracks like ‘Confident I’m Insecure’ and the fan-selected ‘Freckles.’ Clyde and Gracie’s musicality was second to none, their sibling synergy palpable in every harmony and quip exchanged between songs.
One standout moment came during ‘Funeral,’ performed as a stripped-back piano-and-vocals duo. Clyde’s delicate, melancholic piano paired perfectly with Gracie’s raw, emotive vocals—a poignant reminder of the emotional depth this band can tap into. But just as the tears began to well, the mood shifted with an acoustic interlude that swung between tender and jubilant. The highlight? ‘Something in the Water,’ first performed quietly and then reprised with the full band, lifting the crowd to ecstatic heights.
‘The Weather’ brought a deeply human moment, as Clyde dedicated the song to those affected by the LA wildfires, his sincerity matched by a gorgeous saxophone solo that sent shivers through the room. And then, there was the three-part harmony experiment for ‘Don’t Lose Sight,’ where the crowd, divided by sibling order—oldest, middle, youngest—sang together, stacking harmonies that could rival a gospel choir.
The encore felt like an intimate chat with Clyde, who spoke candidly about the challenges of navigating the music industry as independent artists. His gratitude toward the audience was heartfelt, his words hitting home as he reminded us that support for artists goes beyond streaming numbers. It was the perfect setup for a grand finale that brought everyone, band, crew, Jaron Jay, on stage for a euphoric rendition of ‘Whatcha Want.’ The sight of everyone dancing together encapsulated the very essence of the evening: pure joy, shared among family, friends, and fans.
For their first-ever Australian tour, Lawrence brought the goods and then some. Their ability to blend polished musicianship with heartfelt storytelling made the night unforgettable. As the crowd spilled out onto the streets, it was clear Brisbane had fallen head over heels for Clyde and Gracie. Let’s hope they don’t leave it too long before their next trip Down Under.
