Live Review: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Thundamentals, XP

Devoted fans gather close to secure a spot for Macklemore as the rapper XP takes the stage solo. Thundamentals have complete control of the general admission area; arms wave side to side, up and down. Those of us in the stands remain seated, but impressed. They belt out their triple j Like A Version cover of Brother by Matt Corby, which receives a warm response. A great moment is when the rapping duo yell "I say four, you say..." and the young children sitting next to their parents scream back, "20!"

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis hit the stage with guitarists, percussionist, trumpeter, dancers and a spectacular projection show. All those seated are now standing. There's no room for music snobbery here, this is a cheesy show for young and old. Macklemore sucks you in quickly with his funny stories and likeable personality. He tells us that today he took his one-year-old daughter for a walk down the streets of Melbourne city and when he stopped to tie her shoelace she looked at him and spoke her first words, "Thrift Shop", (the title of one of his hit singles). He laughs and pulls on a leopard print jacket and dances to the song.

He also has a serious side and drops powerful Black Lives Matter-inspired White Privilege II under a bright red light that looks like a distress signal. He talks about the mass shootings and attacks in the US, Europe and the Middle East, saying that the media and politicians push hate and fear out into the masses. He says, "I don't care about the colour of your skin, your sexual orientation, who you pray to, which bathroom you use or what your passport says, I only care about what your heart says." And then the crowd sing along to marriage equality tune, Same Love. He looks like a PC, family-friendly Eminem.

All leave the stage and we watch a clip that tells the absurd story of a child born to Samuel L Jackson and Lady Gaga who grew up to create the best dance party in the world. Macklemore then returns to the stage in a white sparkly jumpsuit and purple sequined cape, with a spiky blonde '80s mullet wig for Europop track And We Danced. The night ends with a song that even those who usually avoid mainstream radio would know: Downtown. This is a show all about fun and entertainment. They put on a highly entertaining show and share some important political messages. Respect.