Dean Lewis brought his heart and soul to Auckland’s Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on the sixth show of his Epilogue World Tour, marking the release of his third studio album.
The intimate venue, nestled in the heart of Auckland, was packed with 2,000 fans eager to experience a night of deeply personal and evocative music.
For those who had followed Dean’s journey since his breakout hit Be Alright, this was more than just a concert. It was a moment of connection, a celebration of his vulnerability, and a chance for the audience to pour their own emotions back into the songs that had accompanied them through both the darkest and brightest of times.
The night began with Rachael Fahim, who set the tone with her blend of contemporary Country and Pop influences.
Her sound was a gentle, introspective prelude to the evening, as she shared stories of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery through her original songs.
There was a quiet strength in Rachael’s presence, and her vulnerability on stage was evident. She spoke openly about past relationships, finding humour and empowerment in those moments.
A highlight of her set came when she joked about an ex-lover, saying, He’s married now, and I’m touring with Dean Lewis, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
Her intimate performance, accompanied only by her guitarist and soft, ambient lighting, was a perfect opening act, calming yet emotionally stirring.
Following Rachael’s set, Daniel Seavey, known for his work with Why Don’t We, took the stage with an electric Rock intro that immediately ramped up the energy.
The audience was electrified as Daniel’s intense stage presence and vocal range captivated the crowd. With flashing lights and thumping bass, he unleashed a powerful performance, jumping from one side of the stage to the other, his energy contagious.
His drummer Johannes Gritschacher, played with wild intensity, unleashing a series of mesmerizing solos that synced perfectly with the lighting.
Daniel’s multi-instrumental talents were on full display when he introduced a loop pedal to the crowd, creating live recordings of acoustic guitar, percussion, and even a cello. Building layers of sound that added depth to his already impressive performance.
The crowd was treated to a mix of covers. Babe by Chappel Roan, Sabrina Carpenter’s Taste, and Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody. All infused with his signature style.
His performance reached its peak during Sleeping with the Lights On, when Daniel, shirtless and surrounded by an electrified crowd, became the perfect warm-up act for Dean. His energy had the entire venue buzzing, ready for the main event.
As the clock struck 9 pm, lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into cheers.
A dramatic backlight illuminated the silhouettes of Dean Lewis and his band as a medley of piano notes filled the air accompanied by a spoken word from Dean himself inciting us to remember the good times.
The stage was set with a large tarp, resembling a crumpled letter inscribed with cursive writing, evoking a sense of intimacy. As if we were stepping into Dean’s personal world, about to witness a side of him that only a few had seen before. It was a masterfully orchestrated entrance that set the stage for what was to come.
Dean began with Memories, a song from The Epilogue, that in the live setting, transformed from a soft ballad into an exhilarating performance. His voice was full of passion and energy as he moved from one side of the stage to the other, waving at fans and tossing guitar picks into the crowd.
The energy in the venue was palpable, and it was clear that Dean wasn’t just performing. He was connecting with his fans, offering a piece of himself with each note.
Throughout the night, Dean’s interactions with the audience were one of the highlights. He made it a point to acknowledge the signs in the crowd, reading messages of love and support those fans had put time and effort into creating.
Your music saved me, one sign read. Can I have your guitar pick? asked another, and Dean, without hesitation, obliged, tossing picks into the crowd like they were precious gifts.
It was this generosity of spirit that made the evening feel so personal, like a conversation between friends rather than a traditional concert.
The setlist was a carefully crafted journey, blending songs from The Epilogue with fan favourites from his previous albums, including the emotionally charged Perfect and the stripped-back beauty of With You.
Dean’s raw vocals were complemented by his talented band, creating an atmosphere that was both powerful and intimate.
Highlights included a stunning cover of Coldplay’s Fix You, where Dean invited Daniel Seavey and Rachael Fahim back on stage to join him. The three artists harmonized beautifully, and it was a moment that felt both collaborative and deeply emotional.
The crowd was also treated to a hearth-thumping rendition of Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer.
During Lost Without You, Dean invited a fan onstage to play guitar. Though the fan was nervous and unsure of how to play, Dean coached her gently, assuring her that her simple strumming would still sound beautiful.
The moment was a testament to Dean’s warmth and generosity, as he created an unforgettable experience for this fan. As the song continues, the violinist steps forward for a solo, giving Lewis a chance to move to the centre of the crowd.
There, he performs Half a Man, drawing listeners in with its emotional depth. At the end, Lewis gifted the guitar to the fan. Maybe it will inspire her to start taking up acoustic lessons.
Dean also shared stories between songs, giving insight into the moments that shaped his music.
He revealed how, despite his early success, he had yet to receive offers from major artists like Ed Sheeran but was unexpectedly contacted by Rihanna’s team for a collaboration.
Though that project didn’t come to fruition, it gave birth to the hauntingly beautiful With You, which he performed with emotional depth. This candid storytelling made the concert feel even more personal, as fans were not just witnessing a performance but getting a glimpse into the artist’s life and creative process.
The most heart-wrenching moment of the night came during To Have You Today, when Dean shared the story of how he sang the song at the wake of his friend Mike Taylor, a final request from Mike.
It was at the wake’s performance that he realized that Mike’s wife was in tears and learnt it was her favourite song. Dean’s voice cracked with emotion as he sang this song, honouring the memory of his friend while simultaneously celebrating love and loss.
The performance was intimate, with only a single spotlight illuminating Dean as he sang acoustically at the edge of the stage, the audience hanging on to every word. It was a deeply personal and emotional moment, one that resonated with everyone in the room.
As the night drew to a close, Dean performed How Do I Say Goodbye, one of his most popular tracks, before returning for the inevitable encore.
The crowd erupted as Dean launched into Be Alright, the song that first brought him to widespread attention. The venue was filled with the echoes of fans singing every word, creating a moment of collective catharsis that will stay with everyone long after the concert ends.
Despite The Epilogue being released less than a month ago, the crowd knew every lyric. The songs had already woven themselves into the fabric of their lives, becoming the backdrop to their own personal stories.
Tonight, at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, those songs became more than just music. They became a shared experience, a celebration of connection, vulnerability, and the healing power of music.
Dean Lewis’s performance was a reminder that no matter where we come from, we’re all united in the emotions we share. For one night, his words became the soundtrack to the memories and lives of his fans.
Azrie Azizi
Dean Lewis
Daniel Seavey
Rachael Fahim
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