“A timely milestone performance that brought a spirit of positivity, life and love to Brisbane in the midst of a tragic event that shocked the nation.”
Grammy Award–winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin was scheduled to perform on The Steps at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt just one day after the tragic events at Bondi Junction in Sydney.
Out of respect for those affected, the decision was made to cancel the Sydney performance and postpone it to a later date. The visit marked one of Franklin’s first major appearances in Australia—an opportunity he had long anticipated. In a statement shared on Instagram, Franklin said he learned of the attack while having dinner with his team in Sydney and expressed his deep sorrow for the community impacted by the tragedy.
The Brisbane show, however, proceeded as scheduled on Thursday, less than a week before Christmas. Despite the collective shock and sadness felt across the nation, there was a strong sense of expectation for a night of hope, underscored by the powerful and uplifting messages central to Franklin’s music.
The evening opened with support act Soli, a soulful Ethiopian-Australian R&B and Christian artist personally invited to join the tour. Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Soli wrote:“Theeeeee Kirk Franklin wants lil ol’ me to go on tour with him!!!! I’ve been a Kirk fan for as long as I can remember. This is a really, really special moment for me.”Her smooth vocals and faith-driven lyricism provided a calming and heartfelt introduction to the night.
Following a series of announcements, Franklin took to the stage with “Love Theory”, from his critically acclaimed 2019 album Long Live Love. Commanding the stage, he danced with unmistakable influences of Michael Jackson and James Brown, moving energetically as the band’s tight-knit synchronicity and three powerhouse backing vocalists set a vibrant tone for the show.
Midway through the performance, Franklin delivered a deeply moving tribute. Seated at the keyboard, he performed a medley dedicated “for Sydney,” blending the hymn “Amazing Grace” into his 1998 release “Lean On Me.” The song—an interpretation of the Bill Withers classic—features collaborations with Bono, Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, Tamela Mann, and R. Kelly. The dedication continued as Franklin invited the audience to illuminate the Fortitude Music Hall with their phone lights, transitioning into “Heal the World,” written and performed by Michael Jackson.
The atmosphere was palpably emotional, with quiet sobs echoing throughout the venue as audience members comforted one another. The collective voices of the crowd created a powerful backdrop for Franklin’s spoken prayer, in which he expressed hope that the evening would remind listeners that God remains sovereign and that all things can work together for good.
The mood soon lifted as Franklin launched into an upbeat celebration of his extensive catalogue. In a spontaneous moment, he left the stage to perform among the crowd, at one point being lifted onto a supporter’s shoulders while continuing to sing—an unforgettable display of connection and joy.
As the show appeared to conclude, the crowd’s chants of “one more song” filled the venue. Responding to the call, Franklin returned to the stage for not one, but multiple encores, drawing thunderous applause. Reluctant to leave, Franklin continued engaging with fans, responding to song requests and inviting crowd participation before finally being prompted to close the show.
The evening concluded with an unexpected expression of gratitude as members of the audience rose to perform the traditional Samoan song “Ua tasi lava oe”— You are special. The song is typically reserved for significant occasions and farewells, conveying deep appreciation and honouring its subject as irreplaceable. Performed acappella, the harmonies serenaded Franklin as he remained seated on stage, visibly moved by the tribute. In his closing remarks, he offered heartfelt goodbyes and reassured the audience repeatedly, saying, “I will be back.”
Overall, the Brisbane performance was an uplifting, spiritually rich, and musically dynamic experience—uniting excellence, emotion, and community. Fans have since expressed their eager anticipation for Kirk Franklin’s promised return to Australia.
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