Photography : Jeremy Deputat //

Eminem’s ‘Rapture Tour’ has been earning rave reviews as it makes it’s way through Aus + NZ. Here’s a recap of all the best action from Friday night’s show in Sydney.

Boogie

Fans who got in early were warmed up by the supremely talented Compton rapper and rewarded with an electric opening set. The dispersed crowd would have filled the Metro Theatre several times over and despite the early tee off, Boogie delivered the goods with particularly strong performances of ‘Silent Ride’ and ‘Self Destruction’.

Eminem invited Boogie back on stage to perform their track ‘Rainy Days’ in front of the seventy-thousand strong crowd. Em might not be ready to pass the torch just yet but this was certainly a statement of intent from the Shady headliner. Boogie’s got next.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dUMedOr864

Royca Da 5’9

Royce da 5’9 was on point throughout and gave the impression that he’s more comfortable with his (gold plated) mic in hand than without. The rap veteran donned a Gangstarr cap and had the growing crowd nodding along to the DJ Premier produced classic ‘Boom’ as well as a handful of heaters from his latest album The Book Of Ryan.

Hilltop Hoods

The Australian OGs definitely got the memo, taking reminiscent fans through their impressive back catalogue of Hottest 100 high-flyers. ‘Chase That Feeling’ and ‘Nosebleed Section’ got the crowd onside quick smart and the old-timers were gracious in humbly commented on their realisation that this was the biggest show of their careers.

A brief awkward moment following a request for everyone in the crowd to remove an article of clothing for the next song quickly subsided when the boys accelerated into a ‘Crosby Sweater’ segue and truth be told I think even Fisher would be struggling to get that many snapbacks and singlets in the air that quickly.

Eminem

The legendary Detroit lyricist got the ball rolling with ‘Greatest’ and set the tone for his dynamic, intense, catch-your-breath set. The 45 year old crams more words into a minute than some rappers have on their whole album and Eminem ensured his set had something for everyone with hits from all eras of his illustrious rap career. ‘The Real Slim Shady’ had the entire stadium heaving and at least four bleach blonde boy wonders in the crowd enjoying their moment in the limelight. ‘Like Toy Soldiers’ had everyone damn near in tears. And ‘Forever’ had me reminiscing on the back of the school bus flexing on my friends and swapping songs via Bluetooth.

Eminem took two opportunities to shout Sydney out during ‘Stan’ which the local crowd lapped up and Skylar Grey’s mesmeric guest appearance was another highlight. The long-time collaborator and singer put in a spellbinding individual performance including show-stopping renditions of classic Dido, Rihanna and Beyonce hooks. Big boots to fill, but she was more than up to the test and very worthy of the chorus that rang out to wish her a Happy Birthday.

During an extended version of the unmistakable ‘Lose Yourself’ riff, a group of friends a only a few rows away in homemade ‘Killshot’ tees – who I first noticed turning up to ‘Mo Bamba’ a few hours earlier – savoured the moment before (you guessed it) losing it. In truth, Em bodied his set like he bodied that Birdbox extra and issued another reminder of his credentials as a contender for best in the game.