It was back to The Apex for my second visit in four days. This time, it was the Australian actor and singer known for his hits in the late 80s and early 90s who brought his infectious energy and charisma to the stage, captivating the audience from start to finish.
Donovan’s often maligned vocals were spot on, and his impressive stage presence had the crowd on their feet, singing and dancing along to his classic hits. Along with the early S/A/W stuff, his setlist also included some of his theatre numbers, showcasing his evolution as an artist over the years.
The atmosphere in the venue was electric, with fans coming together to enjoy the music and relive the nostalgia of Donovan’s heyday. The Apex provided the perfect setting for the show, with its intimate layout allowing for a truly immersive experience for the audience. Especially the lady who threw her discarded bra onto the stage!
In between songs, Donovan engaged with the crowd, sharing stories and anecdotes from his career and private life, creating a personal connection with his fans. His down-to-earth personality and genuine appreciation for his audience shone through, making the performance feel more like a private concert among friends than a traditional gig.
Overall, the show was a night of pure entertainment and joy. His talent as a performer and his ability to connect with his audience truly set him apart, leaving everyone in the audience with a smile on their face and a song in their heart.
Highlights for me were obviously all the S/A/W numbers and his rather touching duet with his dad, Doug Willis. He had some old video footage from 1961 with his dad singing Frank Sinatra’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” With perfect timing on JD’s part, the duet was brilliantly emotional.
Another highlight was spending time with my youngest sister, who seemed to enjoy as much as me and made a few friends along the way. Although one of them seemed a tad sinister, arguing that knowing where Jason and his children were every minute of the day didn’t make her a superfan.
A lot of you may regard JD and his like as cheese, but you know what? Cheese is wonderful.
