I went to see Jelly Roll live at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on the opening night of his first-ever Australia & New Zealand headline tour and yes – it was every bit as electrifying, raw and unforgettable as I’d hoped.
First off: this wasn’t just a concert, it was a triumph. Jelly Roll, aka Jason DeFord, has already smashed through boxes: from prison to mainstream acclaim, from gritty hip-hop beginnings to chart-topping country-rock crossover. His 2024 album Beautifully Broken debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Country Albums charts, thanks to songs like “I Am Not Okay”, “Liar” and “Heart of Stone”. Make no mistake – he’s not showing up to play it safe.
Walking into the arena: full house, buzzing. The crowd knew what was coming – or maybe we didn’t know exactly what to expect, but we were ready for something big. From the moment he rolled onstage, there was kinetic energy: he didn’t tiptoe, he charged in. High-energy, yes, but more than that: deeply felt. He has this stage presence that doesn’t just entertain – it invites you in.
One of the standout things for me: his connection with the audience. He wasn’t just performing songs; he was telling a story, a journey. At one point he pointed out individual fans holding signs of sobriety, drug-free messages, personal banners and invited them into the moment. He offered to sign their banners at the end of the night. It felt intimate, despite the massive venue. A “pinch-me moment,” as some fans said. He thanked the crowd often, genuinely, like someone who realises how far he’s travelled and wants to bring everyone on board.
Then there was the set‐up: two stages, one at the back, the back one framed out and lit aflame in more ways than one. The fire effects- not cheeky props, but full-on spectacle. And the finale? Water streaming down like a shower and Jelly Roll soaked to the bone. I don’t get wet at concerts- he did. That visual alone could’ve been enough to make the night worth it.
Musically: he moved between blunt, honest hip-hop roots and country-rocking hooks. The songs about brokenness, hope, transformation, those hit deep. And yes: he threw in covers and nods to us Aussies (ACDC, Keith Urban) – lapping up a bit of local flavour, a little homage to the rock and country icons we know. It felt like he wanted to celebrate us, not just bring his show here. Drew Baldridge joined him for sing-along, which added an extra layer.
Emotionally this was a night that touched more than just ears. For people in the crowd who connect with his lyrics ; struggles, redemption, second chances. I saw jaw-drops, tears, people singing every word, fists in the air. I cannot overstate how much heart this guy poured into the performance. It felt less like a spectacle and more like a communal catharsis.
And yes, the small touches: the drummer doing a “shoey” (yes, he drank from a boot, assisted by Jelly Roll pouring it in his mouth), the banter, the vulnerability when Jelly paused and just spoke. There were moments when the music paused and the story got real – sobriety, redemption, not giving up. It stirred something.
If I had to note one “work in progress” it would be: at times the transitions felt a little raw, but you know what? That’s part of the charm. The performance was overall polished, wasn’t an over-produced show (by my standards); it’s gritty, honest and vibrant. It fits the man and his journey.
Walking out of the arena I felt charged – hopeful, energised, a little raw. Jelly Roll showed up not just to perform, but to share something, to rally, to lift. The crowd left buzzing. For Melbourne at least, this felt like the beginning of something memorable for his career here.
Would I recommend seeing him live? Absolutely. If you’re someone who loves music with spine, heart, genre-blending bravado and emotional truth – this is your show. And yes, I’m already looking forward to what he does next in Australia.
In a nutshell, Jelly Roll at Rod Laver was wild, moving and genuine. A rock-country-hip-hop mash-up of redemption and rebellion, of fire and water, of fists in the air and tears in the front row. You walk in for a show, leave with something more.
Jelly Roll will be performing again tonight at the Rod Laver Arena and across Australia in November. Final Tickets are available.
SUPPORT ACT 2: SHABOOZEY
Shaboozey’s set felt like a swagger-drenched statement. He sauntered onto that stage like he’d already made peace with the fact that everyone in the room would remember his name by the end of the night. There’s something intoxicating about the way he blends country grit with hip-hop pulse – like a cowboy who traded his horse for a Cadillac and a pen full of poetry. From the jump, his energy snapped through the air. The bass rolled deep, his voice carved through the mix and the crowd, half curious and half converted, was instantly all in. Songs like “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” turned the arena into one big southern dive bar with neon lights and no last call.
What I loved most, though, was the way Shaboozey carried himself between the chaos – grinning, storytelling, toasting the crowd like we were his old friends back home. There’s charm in his confidence, but also warmth; he’s not performing for ego, he’s performing for connection and when he dipped into those genre-bending grooves that only he could pull off, you could feel the collective grin ripple through the place. He’s got this modern outlaw vibe—part philosopher, part party-starter – and it works. By the end, sweat was flying, people were shouting lyrics they’d only just learned and I caught myself thinking: this guy isn’t just the future of country rap – he’s its revolution in boots and denim.
If you’re catching him in this support slot, my advice is: don’t rush to the bar. Stay for his full run-through. Let the mix of boots, beats and everything in between soak in. Because he’s doing something interesting – mashing genres yes, but more importantly, telling stories that feel raw and vivid and alive.
SUPPORT ACT 1: DREW BALDRIDGE
Drew Baldrige walked onto that Rod Laver Arena stage like he’d been born under the spotlight and yet, somehow, it felt like he was singing right to each of us. There’s a certain ease about him that’s impossible to fake; he doesn’t perform at you, he performs with you. His voice – warm, a little smoky around the edges – filled the space with something that felt more like a sunset than a sound. Songs like “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” and “Rebound” hit that sweet spot between small-town nostalgia and universal emotion.
What I enjoyed most though, was how utterly present Drew was. He laughed, smiled between songs, and told stories that made the whole arena feel like his front porch back in Patoka, Illinois. He was genuinely happy to be here. There was sincerity dripping from every note sung and that’s what made his set feel so magnetic. When he thanked the crowd, it wasn’t a routine shout-out – it was gratitude you could see in his grin. I walked away thinking: this is what live music should be. Not just polished vocals or perfect lighting, but connection – real, human, unfiltered.
So yes: if you’re there early, grab a drink, settle in for Baldridge’s full run. you’ll be glad you stayed and you’ll walk into the night feeling like you heard something true.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank revolutions per minute, Live Nation Australia and Jelly Roll for the Press Accreditation.
About the Writer: Originally hailing from Western Australia, Jeana Thomas now thrives in the vibrant city of Melbourne. Amidst the hustle of her role in a prominent teaching hospital, she also navigates the dynamic world of entrepreneurship as the owner of a medical transcription company. Beyond her professional endeavours, Jeana finds solace and joy in the rhythm of music, the allure of travel and the artistry of photography, with a particular passion for wildlife photography.
About SAM: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to over 200 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth Melbourne), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP and P!NK with reviews shared by the likes of Suzi Quatro, Belinda Carlisle, Roxette, Tina Arena, UB40, Delta Goodrem, Leo Sayer and Tina Arena on social media. The founder has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N’ Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS), and over 70 other artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
