Review Scene: Evanescence, Rod Laver Arena, 30th August 2023 by Evelyn Perkins

Evanescence’s 20th Anniversary “Fallen” Tour: A Night of Unforgettable Emotion

The anticipation was noticeable as I braved the freezing rain along Olympic Boulevard, joining a sea of excited fans waiting to witness Evanescence live on stage. It was the 20th-anniversary tour of their iconic album “Fallen,” and expectations were soaring. The closeness among fellow fans waiting in line was heartwarming, a testament to the enduring power of Evanescence’s music.

From the very first note to the closing, Evanescence delivered an immaculate and profoundly emotional show. Amy Lee, the band’s iconic frontwoman, alongside her talented band members, forged a connection so deep that the music felt complete. Every member of the band was in perfect harmony with their instruments, never missing a beat in Lee’s powerful songs.  The connection between them was evident in their physical performance on stage and in the music itself. The connection with the audience was also evident and Lee further ingratiated herself to the crowd when stating proudly that the band was now complete for there was an Aussie in the band, Emma Anzai of Sick Puppies on bass.

Lee’s transformation from a humble, confident conversationalist to a powerhouse singer was incredible to witness. Her confidence radiated onto everyone in the crowd, drawing us into her world. The entire band, as well as the audience, became lost in the music, collectively sharing an ephemeral moment of unity.

The concert began with the evocative “Broken Pieces Shine,” setting the tone for an amazing night. Emotions swelled as they seamlessly transitioned into classics like “Going Under”, “Take Cover”, and “Call Me When You’re Sober” with the entire crowd chanting along to the chorus, hands held high.

Lee’s vocal prowess was nothing short of astonishing. She delivered every note flawlessly, sounding as if her studio-recorded songs had come to life. Her ability to hit every high note with ease left the audience in awe. The band complemented her beautifully, their music a heartfelt dance around Amy Lee’s voice.

The stage came alive with an intricate light show, perfectly synchronized with the music’s beats. It transformed the stage and the entire arena into a living, breathing entity. As the crowd raised their flashlights in unison, the arena was bathed in a warm, comforting glow, further amplifying the sense of unity.

The entire performance was an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime, experience. Regrets were non-existent; it was a night filled with love, friendliness, and music that will be etched in memory forever. Evanescence’s 20th-anniversary tour of “Fallen” was not just a concert; it was an emotional journey shared by fans, a night that will remain a cherished memory for years to come.

Evelyn Perkins

Multiple Grammy wins and two decades on, the debut album Fallen from American rockers EVANESCENCE remains one of the most influential albums of the turn of the century. A critical and commercial triumph, fans can now witness highlights from the gothic beauty of the 2003 debut release and a career spanning set of fan favourites this year, with EVANESCENCE thrilled to announce their return to Australia this August and September celebrating 20 years of Fallen.

Starting life when EVANESCENCE vocalist Amy Lee and co-founder Ben Moody began writing and recording songs in the mid 90s, 2003’s Fallen would go on to score five nominations at the 2004 Grammy Awards, winning Best Hard Rock Performance and Best New Artist, with the album’s symphonic and delicate ballad My Immortal also scoring an additional nomination at the Grammy Awards the following year.

Hitting the top 10 charts in multiple countries upon its release, including Australia and a #1 in the UK, Fallen sold 10 million copies in the US alone, with over 17 million copies sold worldwide and officially reaching diamond certification in late 2022.