This blog post is all about my Jelly Roll concert review in Sydney, Australia.
If you told me a few years ago that I’d be at a sold-out Jelly Roll concert in Sydney, surrounded by mullets, trucker hats, and a crowd singing country music at the top of their lungs, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.
I didn’t even imagine I’d be living in Australia for a start, never mind seeing one of my favourite country artists live and in the flesh.
But on November 4, 2025, that’s exactly where I found myself.
And it turned out to be one of the best live shows I’ve seen in a long time.
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- James Johnston Review: A Country Night at the Barracks, Sydney
- ‘Biblical’ Oasis Concert Review: Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles
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Why Jelly Roll’s Sydney Show Was So Special
This was Jelly Roll’s first-ever performance in Sydney as part of his Beautifully Broken Tour, and it was clear from the moment he stepped on stage that both he and the crowd were ready to make it a night to remember.
It was also my first time seeing Jelly Roll live, though I’ve been a big fan since his hits started dominating country radio.
The energy in Qudos Bank Arena was electric. The audience was very Aussie, think Ringers Western shirts, Wrangler jeans, cold beers in hand, and plenty of mullets and moustaches.
The atmosphere was rowdy in the best way possible, with long lines for the bar, excited chatter, and the kind of collective anticipation that only builds before a truly great show.
Shaboozey: The Perfect Support Act
Before Jelly Roll even hit the stage, Shaboozey got the crowd going with an incredible set.
I’ve been a huge Shaboozey fan ever since his viral hits took off, and he was every bit as good live as he sounds on the radio.
His blend of country, hip-hop, and Americana set the tone for the night, a reminder of how much the genre has evolved.
The crowd sang along to “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and “Drink Don’t Need No Mix,” and the energy was through the roof.
Shaboozey has that kind of stage confidence that makes him look both effortlessly cool and approachable. And judging by the cheers around me, I wasn’t the only one who’d love to see him return for his own headline show someday.
An Unforgettable Opening and Closing
One of the most striking things about Jelly Roll’s performance was how theatrical it was.
He opened the show on a secondary stage at the back of the arena, surrounded by a fiery house-like structure as he launched into “I’m Not OK.”
90 minutes or so later, he closed the night on that same stage with “Save Me.” This time with pouring rain falling over him as the crowd sang every word back.
It was powerful, emotional, and the perfect bookend to a show that balanced heart, grit, and entertainment.
Standout Moments and Emotional Highlights
There were a lot of incredible moments during the set, but one that stood out was when Jelly Roll dedicated “Halfway to Hell” to a fan in the front row who had been sober for two years, while also telling the audience of his own struggles throughout his life.
He thanked him for his courage and even told his crew to bring the fan and his family backstage afterward. It was raw, emotional, and a beautiful reminder of the way Jelly Roll’s music connects with people.
There were also some unforgettable collaborations throughout the night. Shaboozey returned to the stage for “Amen,” opening act Drew Baldridge joined for a fun rendition of “Friends in Low Places,” and Jelly Roll even brought out UFC fighter Alex Volkanovski to sing “Need a Favour.”
It was a night of chaos in the best way possible.
Stage Design and Production
I’ve seen a lot of big-name concerts in my 28 years on this earth, but this one had some of the best production value I’ve seen in years.
From pyrotechnics and lighting to the use of two separate stages, the transitions were flawless.
What I was most impressed by on the night, was that between sets, there was never any downtime. Not once did the music and performances stop from when things got started at 7pm.
Drew Baldridge opened on the main stage, DJ Chill kept the energy up during changeovers, Shaboozey followed, and then Julia Cole performed a short acoustic set while the crew prepared the stage for Jelly Roll’s big entrance.
It was a brilliant idea, and one I’d love to see rolled out in other tours.
A seamless flow of music from 7pm to 10:30pm with zero dead air. The pacing made the night feel like one continuous celebration of country music.
Jelly Roll’s Connection with the Crowd
One of the most charming things about Jelly Roll is how genuine he seems.
He talked often between songs about his journey, his gratitude, and how surreal it felt to be performing in Australia for the first time.
He didn’t just stay glued to the stage either. He walked through the crowd, swapped hats with a fan, read out signs, and waved to fans across the arena.
It’s rare to see an artist of his size engage so personally with the audience, and you could tell people felt that.
Jelly Roll Setlist Highlights
There were plenty of crowd-pleasers and surprises throughout the night.
Along with fan favourites like “Need a Favour” and “Son of a Sinner,” Jelly Roll also sprinkled in covers from artists like Avicii, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Keith Urban, a nod to both his influences and his Australian audience.
But the highlight for me was still “Save Me.”
Hearing 20,000 people sing that chorus back to him under a simulated rainstorm was one of those goosebump concert moments I’ll never forget.
Jelly Roll Concert Review: Go and See Jelly Roll Live
Going into the show, I expected a great night of country music, but I didn’t expect such a production.
The visuals, energy, and emotional connection made this one of the most memorable concerts I’ve ever attended.
If you ever get the chance to see Jelly Roll live, do it.
Between his incredible voice, powerful storytelling, and down-to-earth personality, it’s worth every cent.
The Beautifully Broken Tour proved exactly why Jelly Roll has become one of the biggest names in country music today, and why Sydney fans will be counting down the days until he returns.
After that sold-out night in Sydney, it’s safe to say that Australia fell in love with Jelly Roll and can’t wait to have him back down under in the very near future.
RELATED Jelly Roll Concert Review blog posts to read:
- Luke Combs Concert Review: Accor Stadium, Sydney, Australia
- Ridin’ Hearts Festival Review: Megan Moroney Rocks Sydney
- James Johnston Review: A Country Night at the Barracks, Sydney
- ‘Biblical’ Oasis Concert Review: Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles
- Misneach Festival Sydney Review: An Irish-Aussie Takeover
This blog post is all about my Jelly Roll concert review.
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
