In a ragged Melbourne arena gig, Lorde shows she is both a veteran and still figuring it out

Sydney Morning Herald

by Marcus Teague, Tony Way

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In a ragged Melbourne arena gig, Lorde shows she is both a veteran and still figuring it out

Lorde’s recent performance at Rod Laver Arena during her Ultrasound World Tour showcased her as both an established artist and someone still evolving in her craft. The concert, part of her promotion for *Virgin*, her new breakup-themed album, featured a raw and experimental vibe with a DIY-styled stage setup that felt intentionally unfinished—like she was still building her show. This approach mirrored the emotional depth of her music, which explores themes of grief and transformation. Lorde’s willingness to be vulnerable in front of the audience added a personal touch, as she incorporated unique props like climbing speaker stacks, disrobing during a song, and interacting with fans in creative ways. The first half of the show highlighted tracks from *Virgin* alongside her earlier hits from *Pure Heroine*, resonating deeply with the crowd. Lorde’s stage presence was dynamic, with moments where she seemed to channel her inner struggles through her performance. While some songs from her 2021 album *Solar Power* fell flat, the show roared back to life with fan favorites like *Liability* and *Green Light*, ending on a high-energy note with a euphoric finale featuring *Ribs*. Lorde’s ability to

Verticals

worldaustralia

Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/22/2026