The bizarre moment Jon Stevens performs an emotional rendition of INXS’ Never Tear Us Apart in the stands at Flemington Racecourse… but NO ONE is there to see it
Jon Stevens performed an emotional rendition of the classic INXS song Never Tear Us Apart at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday afternoon.
But due to COVID-19 restrictions on mass gatherings, no one was in the crowd at Flemington Racecourse to sing along with him, resulting in a surreal performance.
Nevertheless, the 59-year-old rock singer put on an undeniably powerful show.
On stage: The bizarre moment Jon Stevens performed an emotional rendition of INXS’ Never Tear Us Apart in the stands at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday as part Melbourne Cup festivities
Jon and his band performed in the grandstand, an area usually reserved for punters, along with an eight-piece string section and a solo saxophonist.
Despite having no audience, the New Zealander wowed audiences across the country with his rendition of the song – a favourite at weddings and public events.
Fans watching at home flocked to Twitter to praise his performance, including one who wrote: ‘Jon Stevens – just always gets it right.’
Empty venue: But no one was in the audience to join singing along with him and cheering him on at Flemington Racecourse, on Tuesday
Giving it their all: While the global COVID-19 restrictions prevented the crowds from attending the Melbourne Cup, it didn’t stop the 59-year-old from putting on an incredible performance
‘Bravo @10SportAU with Jon Stevens reprising the late great Michael Hutchence with Never Tear Us Apart on the concourse of the Club Stand @FlemingtonVRC leading to the surreal Melbourne Cup of 2020. Great selection, brilliant rendition!’ another said.
Jon Stevens actually sounds really good,’ a third viewer wrote, while a fourth said his performance ‘just saved the whole day. Won by six lengths.’
The global pandemic meant that organisers of the Melbourne Cup had to get creative with the pre-race entertainment.
Performing: Jon and his band performed in the grand stand, an area usually reserved for punters, along with an eight-piece string section (pictured)
Iconic: There was also a solo saxophonist at the venue to perform the iconic solo in Never Tear Us Apart
‘Jon Stevens saved the whole day!’ At home fans flocked to Twitter to praise the singer for his performance – despite there being no crowd at the venue, including one who wrote: ‘Jon Stevens – just always gets it right’
As part of the show, singer Pete Murray led a celebratory moment marking the 160-year journey of our greatest race by performing Found My Place from Byron Bay.
The Masked Singer winner and Neighbours star Bonnie Anderson also performed the Australian national anthem live from Flemington.
Delta Goodrem is set to perform her aptly named latest track, Solid Gold after 4pm.
Singing: Masked Singer winner and Neighbours star Bonnie Anderson will perform the Australian National Anthem live from Flemington