Photography and Review: Darren Chan
On a cool spring evening, Rod Laver Arena was set ablaze — literally and figuratively — as Tennessee powerhouse Jelly Roll brought his blend of country soul, hip-hop grit, and gospel heart to a sold-out Melbourne crowd. It was part rock show, part revival, and all heart.
The night opened with Drew Baldridge, the Illinois-born country artist known for his big-hearted lyrics. Backed by a dynamic live band, Baldridge wasted no time winning over the crowd with crowd-pleasers like “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” before throwing in a few Aussie-flavoured surprises — a roaring cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” and a gritty take on Cold Chisel’s “Working Class Man”, which drew a deafening singalong from the crowd.
Between acts, DJ Chill turned the arena into an impromptu block party, spinning everything from Snoop Dogg to Lynyrd Skynyrd and keeping the crowd buzzing.
Next up was Shaboozey, the Virginia-born trailblazer currently redefining modern country with hip-hop swagger and crossover hits like “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”. His set was tight, confident, and effortlessly cool. With a full band behind him, Shaboozey moved between smooth R&B flow and Southern grit, earning cheers and appreciation from new fans.
On the rear stage, rising Nashville star Julia Cole made a surprise cameo — her strong vocals and relaxed stage presence delivered her music in pure Nashville country style.
When the lights dropped and the flaming house frame ignited at the back of the stage, Jelly Roll appeared like a man stepping out of his own story. Opening with “I Am Not Okay,” the raw honesty in his voice hit hard — and the crowd was his from that moment on.
From there, the set moved through an emotional delivery of “Heart of Stone,” “Get By,” “Liar,” and a mashup of “Take Me Home, Country Roads / Lonely Road.” Each song was a confession — gritty, grateful, and honest.
Midway through, Jelly welcomed Shaboozey onstage for a powerful rendition of “Amen,” the two artists trading verses like old friends. Later, Drew Baldridge returned for a massive, beer-raising cover of “Friends in Low Places” that turned Rod Laver Arena into one big honky-tonk choir.
Between hits like “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” “Halfway to Hell,” “Bottle and Mary Jane,” and “Son of a Sinner,”Jelly balanced pain and praise, struggle and salvation. The fire and pyro might have been spectacular, but it was his authenticity that burned brightest.
A covers medley — “Sweet Home Alabama,” “How You Remind Me,” “Party Up,” “Flowers,” and “Young, Wild & Free” — A Night to Remember started to show Jelly’s energy waning.
Jelly Roll took to the rear stage alone for the finale “Save Me.” As rain began to pour down over him creating an unfiltered cinematic moment — he sang like a man laying everything bare – the crowd fixated on every word. It was Jelly’s symbol of redemption and why his story resonates so deeply with so many people.
It was powerful, emotive, and honest show that blurred genres and boundaries — proof that Jelly Roll is on the journey to redefining himself and his music.
