Grandson – Gig Review & Photo Gallery 10th December @ Jive, Adelaide SA

Grandson
Jive, Adelaide SA
December 10^th, 2024
Support: Killed By Cupid

There’s a unique magic in those rare, intimate gigs that feel like a secret, shared with only a lucky few. I’ve been lucky to experience this magic a few times, like the night Public Enemy and Cypress Hill gave an impromptu performance in a small Adelaide dive bar or when Ceschi played a Melbourne house party after Good Things Fest in 2022, not long before launching Codefendants.

I can now add Grandson’s last-minute secret show at Jive to that list.

When Sum 41’s Australian Farewell Tour was cancelled due to Deryck Whibley’s illness, supporting Canadian/American Artist Grandson turned a sudden gap in his schedule into an exclusive and unforgettable performance. For Adelaide fans, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see an artist who is already making waves, up close and personal.

For those unfamiliar, Grandson is the pseudonym of singer, songwriter, and rapper Jordan Edward Benjamin. Blending elements of hip-hop, punk, rock, pop, and electronic music, Grandson crafts politically and emotionally charged songs that are as thought-provoking as they are infectious. His music, which often explores themes of social justice, mental health, and personal struggles, evokes comparisons to artists like Sage Francis, Ceschi, and even Post Malone, whilst remaining uniquely original.

Jive’s dim lighting and quirky décor set the perfect tone for a secret show. The stage, glowing in moody red and blue, felt more like the backdrop for a local band in a hidden dive bar than an international artist used to arenas. A small but eager crowd quickly packed the front, their buzz of excitement creating an electric anticipation in the air.

Opening the night was Killed By Cupid, the solo project of Jesse Cumes, serving up a set of heavily modulated vocals and emo electro-pop straight out of the mid-2000s 3OH!3 era. Songs of heartbreak and teenage angst, backed by auto-tuned vocals and a drum machine, connected with a loyal group of fans who danced, sang along, and clapped after every track.

By the time Grandson took the stage, with guitarist Jack Siegel and drummer Tobias Kelly, the atmosphere shifted completely. From the moment he launched into his set, the small yet passionate crowd at Jive was captivated. Known for his intense and often dark themes, Grandson paired his music with incredible energy and humour, bringing an unexpected warmth to his performance. Reflecting on his career, he humbly shared anecdotes about playing small venues like Jive and joining Linkin Park on their 2025 world tour, where he’ll play to crowds of up to 65,000.

Musically, Grandson is a force of nature, seamlessly blending elements of hip hop, punk, blues, electronic, and pop hooks. His performance of ‘Riptide’, co-written with Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, turned the intimate venue into a singalong worthy of a stadium, before slowing the pace down to perform ‘Heather’ amongst the crowd, where he sang shoulder to shoulder with his fans.

What made this night truly special wasn’t just the music—it was the connection. Between heartfelt moments of reflection and roaring crowd interaction, it was clear that this was an artist who values the people supporting him, regardless of the venue size.

Tracks like ‘Dirty’ and ‘Stick Up’ brought an infectious energy that had the room bouncing, before closing with another singalong with ‘Blood // Water’. Once the band exited the tiny stage, I was left in awe of what I had just witnessed, and  wasn’t expecting an encore when the crowd began chanting “we want one more”.

But within moments of the chant beginning, Grandson returned to deliver a surprise cover of John Farnham’s ‘You’re The Voice’, paying homage to Australian culture, and ensuring a final singalong to erupt. “That makes me so happy,” Grandson shared with a smile, before leaving the stage, a sentiment shared by all attendees.

Grandson is no star in the making—he’s already paved his career with multiple acclaimed releases, international tours, and sold-out venues. What made this show extraordinary was the opportunity to witness such a dynamic and versatile artist in such an intimate space. This wasn’t just a gig; it was one of those rare moments that the lucky few will look back on years from now, remembering how truly special this night was.

Setlist

6:00
Something to Hide
Oh No
Darkside
Overdose
Stigmata
Riptide
WWIII
Heather
Dirty
Stick Up
We Did It
Blood // Water
You’re The Voice (cover)

Review & Photo Gallery by Daniel Hill @no.quiet.photography
Please credit Wall Of Sound and Daniel Hill if you repost photos.

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