Nessa Barrett's AFTERCARE WORLD TOUR Hits Melbourne: A Dark Pop Triumph
Live Review: The TikTok sensation commands Margaret Court Arena with raw vocals and magnetic stage presence[citation:1][citation:3]
From Ballarat Rain to Arena Reign
G'day, music lovers. If you caught Nessa Barrett getting absolutely drenched at the Spilt Milk festival in Ballarat just days before, you'd be forgiven for wondering what an arena show might hold[citation:1]. As one punter put it, she "deserved better"[citation:1]. Well, Melbourne's weather (and fans) delivered in spades on Tuesday, 9 December 2025[citation:2]. Trading muddy fields for the iconic floor of Margaret Court Arena, the dark pop princess didn't just dry off—she ignited, delivering a performance that proved she's far more than a viral moment[citation:3].
This wasn't just another tour stop; it was a statement. Having last been in Australia two years prior, Barrett addressed the Melbourne crowd with genuine affection, expressing how surreal and exciting it was to be performing in an arena here for the first time[citation:3]. The relief to be indoors was palpable, with the artist herself joking about Victoria's famously unpredictable "four seasons in a day" after her chilly Ballarat experience[citation:1][citation:3]. The stage was set not just for a concert, but for a coronation.
Warming Up: Thomas Day's Impressive Set
Kicking off the night was support act Thomas Day, who joined Barrett for all her Australian headline dates[citation:2]. For many, including this reviewer, it was a first introduction, and it was a blinder[citation:1].
Day fully utilised his eight-song set to showcase impressive range[citation:1]. He opened with a charged-up version of "Sore Throat," blending ambient synths with punchy, blink-182-esque guitar riffs that jolted the gathering crowd to attention[citation:1]. He expertly shifted gears, sprinkling in acoustic balladry like "Underwear" and "not my job anymore" before building back to stadium-ready anthems such as "VICIOUS" and "lost myself 4 u"[citation:1]. His mission was clear: warm up the crowd. He succeeded effortlessly, winning over a legion of new fans in the process[citation:1].
The Main Event: Nessa Takes the Stage
At 9 pm on the dot—"take notes, every other artist ever," as one reviewer noted—the arena plunged into darkness, and rapturous applause welcomed Nessa Barrett to the stage[citation:1]. Any residual chill from Ballarat was instantly vaporised[citation:1].
She appeared on a small, elevated platform, dressed in a sleek black velvet two-piece adorned with crucifixes, a dark pop aesthetic personified[citation:3]. Flanked by her sharp-dressed three-piece band (Daniel Geraghty on guitar, Max Nudi on drums, and Jeremy Smith on keys), she launched into the dirty synth-bass of "S.L.U.T."[citation:1][citation:3]. The transition was seamless into the moody, soaring hooks of "BABYDOLL" and "heartbreak in the hamptons", establishing an immediate, intimate connection with the audience[citation:1][citation:3].
📍 The Venue: Margaret Court Arena
Part of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Margaret Court Arena is a versatile, world-class venue perfect for major concerts. For this Licensed All Ages show, it provided the ideal intimate-yet-grand setting for Barrett's ascent, a significant step up from her previous Australian visits[citation:2][citation:3].
Setlist Deep Dive & Standout Moments
Barrett's set was a carefully curated journey through her discography, with a firm focus on her latest album, *Aftercare*[citation:6]. The Melbourne crowd was treated to a marathon showing, singing word-for-word from start to finish[citation:3].
🎵 Signature Tracks & Surprises
The setlist was a fan's dream, blending viral hits with deeper cuts:
- Fan Favourites: The arena blissfully sang along to "HEARTBEAT" and danced unreservedly to "DIRTY LITTLE SECRET"[citation:3]. Powerhouse vocal performances on "LOVE LOOKS PRETTY ON YOU" and "die first" showcased her impressive range[citation:1].
- Emotional Depth: Tracks like "gaslight," "dying on the inside," and "GIVEN ENOUGH" displayed her songwriting prowess, tackling themes of manipulation, social pressure, and emotional exhaustion with raw honesty[citation:3].
- Major Surprises: Barrett shocked the crowd by picking up a bass guitar, adding a new layer of cool to her performance[citation:3]. She also debuted a brand new, unreleased song titled "HIGH ON HEAVEN," which pointed in a slightly groovier, rockier direction[citation:1][citation:3]. A stunning cover of Portishead's "Glory Box" was a perfect fit for her aesthetic[citation:3][citation:5].
- Theatrical Flair: During "EDWARD SCISSORHANDS," clips from the iconic film played on the big screen, enhancing the song's haunting narrative[citation:3].
The main set closed with the titular track, "AFTERCARE," before Barrett returned for a powerful three-song encore, finishing the night on the high-octane energy of fan-favourite "P*RNSTAR"[citation:3][citation:5].
Vocal Prowess & The "Awkward" Charm
There is no question: Nessa Barrett is a powerhouse vocalist[citation:1][citation:7]. Throughout the night, she was never off-key, seamlessly moving between breathy intimacy and powerful, soaring belts[citation:1].
Her stage presence, however, offered an intriguing contrast. While utterly confident and "suave" during songs, her between-song banter revealed the 23-year-old artist still growing into her arena stature[citation:1]. Reviews noted a down-to-earth, sometimes awkward charm, filled with genuine "umms," "yeahs," and the occasional unprompted "slay"[citation:1].
This wasn't a detriment for most fans. As one review pointed out, it served as a "humble reminder that we are watching a new-ish 23-year-old artist in her comeuppance, performing to what are essentially her peers"[citation:1]. The slight awkwardness made her relatable, and what she may have lacked in polished chat, she more than compensated for with the sheer quality of her musical performance[citation:1].
The Verdict: Is Nessa Barrett the Real Deal?
In an era of pop spectacles with dancers and elaborate sets, Barrett's show is a deliberate statement. As one review perfectly captured, the AFTERCARE WORLD TOUR is "mainly just a girl fronting a band"[citation:3]. There are no bells and whistles—and she doesn't need them[citation:3].
The strength lies in the fundamentals: exceptionally crafted dark pop songs, a stellar, tight-knit band, and Barrett's own magnetic presence and vocal talent[citation:1][citation:7]. The Melbourne show proved she can translate the intimate, emotional core of her music to an arena scale without losing its authenticity.
The final word: Nessa Barrett knows what she's doing[citation:7]. The Margaret Court Arena concert was a definitive showcase of an artist on the rise, transforming from a TikTok sensation into a compelling and credible headliner. This is likely just the beginning of a very strong career[citation:1][citation:7]. Do not let her be the music industry's "dirty little secret"[citation:1].
The Artist's Journey: Watching Nessa Barrett command the stage at Margaret Court Arena was a lesson in artistic resilience. Her path, from viral videos to weathering a rain-soaked festival set and ultimately thriving in a major arena, underscores a key truth. Lasting success in the spotlight isn't about a single viral moment or a stroke of 77luck—it's built on raw talent, the hard work of honing your craft, and the genuine connection you forge with your audience. Barrett's Melbourne performance demonstrated she's investing in all three.
Gig Culture & The Aussie Entertainment Landscape
Nessa Barrett's successful arena debut is a testament to Australia's vibrant and supportive live music scene. We're a country that loves a live show, from the local pub gig to the stadium spectacular. For artists, nailing an Australian tour is a rite of passage, and for Barrett, overcoming the "four seasons in a day" challenge to deliver a flawless show has surely earned her respect Down Under[citation:3].
Of course, the entertainment options in Australia are as diverse as our landscapes. After the final encore fades, many look for other ways to keep the night's energy going. For some, that includes enjoying other forms of digital entertainment. If you're looking to unwind after a big gig, exploring popular platforms like 77luck for a few rounds of Aussie pokies can be a fun diversion. As always, the key is engaging responsibly and ensuring it's just one part of a balanced lifestyle centred on great experiences like live music.
Set your alarms for the next tour—if the AFTERCARE tour is this good, the next one will be unmissable. In the meantime, you can catch her at remaining Spilt Milk festival dates or in Brisbane on December 16th[citation:2].
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