It’s not often that a grown man is reduced to tears. And while this may not be entirely true as far as I’m concerned, the Michael Franti and Spearhead gig at Thebarton Theatre was a glorious and transcendent experience.

Franti understands deeply the power of music – not just to evoke joy, but also to evoke passion and unity. In fact his genius goes far beyond this understanding – he knows that lulling people into a sense of gloom with songs that convey explicit melancholy can often be futile. He has realised that inspiring rapture and energy with songs that are spirited, anarchic and intoxicating will in turn inspire empathy of longer lasting endurance and momentum. He strides confidently through the dead wood of apathy with a spring in his step and a smile across his face. Franti has identified that if you wallow too overtly in the grief you are trying to transform, you begin to represent that grief.

In town to promote his latest album, Yell Fire!, Franti’s sublime ethos is that a serious issue does not mean we can’t smile, laugh and dance. He has said that the motivation behind Yell Fire! was to make an album that symbolised a connection between people because we have been divided enough.

Franti cuts an arresting figure on stage, bounding around exuberantly, his dreadlocks a striking extension of his fluid motion. He is a natural performer with an impressive voice – diverse and influential. The Spearhead musicians are prodigious – rousing percussion, exceptional keyboard work, acrobatic lead guitar and vivid bass lines.

The stage design and lighting were perfect – palms and ferns were scattered around, alight with primary colours as well as neutral tones. At times the stage seemed to capture sunrise in a tropical rain forest, young beams of sunlight creeping through the foliage.

Thebbie’s organic characteristics ideally suited Franti, and the sound was potent and pastoral. The strong crowd was lively and responsive – I just hope his messages stick. To me, anyone who enjoys a Franti gig is under a derivative obligation to substantively ponder his artistic premise.

Regardless, Franti is a hero, and his gig was an absolute triumph. Sydney percussive roots outfit Blue King Brown supported, with their debut long player Stand Up due out in October.

Michael Franti Photo Gallery