Calum Scott headlined ACL Live at The Moody Theater on April 12 for his “Avenoir Tour,” with Nashville-based openers Pretty Jane taking the stage first. The five-piece indie rock group delivered a sound made for long midnight drives, though they mentioned that their tour bus hasn’t always shared the love for the state. They joked about a “Texas curse” where every time they cross the state line, something on the bus seems to break down.
Despite the mechanical issues, their set was seamless. They showed a great mix of talent, especially when the bassist doubled on sax for a few songs to add a soulful layer to their indie sound. Since this was their final night on tour with Calum Scott, the performance was particularly personal. They played a song about the lead singer’s mom, and the way that “home” changes when you’re constantly on the road, which he admitted always makes him cry. The room remained quiet and attentive, especially when the pianist took over lead vocals. Pretty Jane made sure their final night on tour made a lasting impression on the Austin crowd.
All eyes were on the stage as Calum Scott came out wearing a matching rhinestone jacket and trousers. It is incredible to think his career began because his sister secretly signed him up for Britain’s Got Talent, where he won the hearts of people around the world with his cover of “Dancing On My Own.” Since his viral start, he has developed a powerful stage presence, leaning into the emotional weight of his songs and turning a section of the show into what he calls his “crying corner.” Calum Scott spoke about his goal as a songwriter to bring more love into the world and gave his mom full credit for his music taste, specifically the influence that led to his Whitney Houston “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” collab.
The set moved through a wide range of feelings, from playing a song for his future child, called “Mad,” that had the audience reaching for tissues, to premiering a brand-new track called “Stay.” He eventually told the crowd it was time to get crazy, jumping right into “Where Are You Now” and “Whistle.” Calum also mentioned his interest in country music, even putting on a cowboy hat to perform “One More Drink.” He closed the night with crowd favorites “You Are The Reason” and “Dancing On My Own,” thanking the fans for using his music in their love stories and calling it the highest compliment he could receive. It was a beautiful reminder that while he may have started as a viral sensation, his heart and connection to the fans are what truly make him a star.
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