1980s pop superstar Cyndi Lauper is touring for the last time. The first Australian stop of her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour was at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on 2 April 2025 where she delivered an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. As a longtime fan of her music I approached the evening with a mix of excitement and nostalgia and just a bit of sadness, and I was not disappointed.
Cyndi’s entrance was met with thunderous applause, and she immediately launched into “She Bop,” setting the tone for a night of high-energy performances and heartfelt moments. Her voice, as distinctive and powerful as ever sounded out through the venue: our girl has not lost it after all these decades.
The setlist was a well-curated journey through her illustrious career. Highlights for me included “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,” which transported me back to my childhood, and her soulful rendition of “I Drove All Night,” which showcased her vocal range and emotional depth.
Two of my favourite tracks from her She’s So Unusual album – “When You Were Mine” and “Money Changes Everything” were both performed with a precision that matched the studio production from the early 1980s. Cyndi needs no fancy tricks or autotune.
A surprise duet with Melbourne’s own Tones and I on “Time After Time” was a standout moment; their voices blended beautifully, adding a fresh twist to the classic hit.
Cyndi’s storytelling between songs added a personal touch to the concert. She shared anecdotes about her early days in the industry, her inspirations, her family and her journey over the decades. She told us that, thanks to Molly Meldrum, she was famous in Australia before she was famous anywhere else. She also shared that she almost moved to Australia in the late 1980s but “lacked courage” to move so far from her family.
These narratives provided insight into the person behind the music and created an intimate connection with the audience – despite it being in an arena. She said this was her first arena tour since 1986, and she wanted it to be special for us. And it was. Cyndi’s candidness and humour made the massive arena feel like a cozy gathering among friends.
Visually, the concert was a feast for the eyes. Her costume changes were delightful and innovative, reflecting her evolution as an artist while staying true to her unique aesthetic.
The emotional pinnacle of the evening came during her performance of “True Colors.” Standing alone on a satellite stage in the centre of the arena, illuminated by a single spotlight and flying a flowing rainbow scarf, Cyndi delivered a rendition that left many, including myself, teary-eyed. It was a poignant reminder of the song’s enduring message of acceptance and authenticity.
For the final number, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, a vibrant polka dot backdrop featuring the artist Yayoi Kusama (whose blockbuster exhibition is in its final weeks at the NGV in Melbourne) was shown, and Cyndi and her band donned matching polka dot costumes. The Veronicas, who were the support act for the evening, joined Cyndi on stage for the final number and turned the arena into a massive dance party. The energy was infectious, and it felt like a fitting celebration of a song that has become an anthem for generations.
As the final notes echoed and confetti rained down I was struck by the realisation that this was more than just attending a concert; it was experiencing a piece of music history.
This concert was a five-star experience in every sense. Cyndi Lauper’s farewell tour is a testament to her remarkable career and the indelible mark she has left on the music world. If this truly is goodbye, she is undoubtedly leaving on the highest of notes. Which we all know she can deliver.
This concert was a five-star experience in every sense. Cyndi Lauper’s farewell tour is a testament to her remarkable career and the indelible mark she has left on the music world. If this truly is goodbye, she is undoubtedly leaving on the highest of notes.
