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REVIEW There are not many musicians whose careers span more than three decades that can still tour and hit the high notes, so I was apprehensive of how Cher’s Wollongong concert would pan out on Tuesday night. I knew there would be sequins and wigs but completely underestimated just how many, and how much charisma the 72-year-old could still command on stage. Read more: Spot yourself arriving at the Cher concert in Wollongong The pop-diva literally floated in on a Roman-style podium at the WIN Entertainment Centre, singing Woman’s World before launching into Strong Enough. Surrounded by young, energetic dancers Cher shimmied in time and not once looked out of place. Her charm continued as she chatted with the audience about funny life anecdotes like the time she had to sing in strip clubs with ex-husband Sonny Bono, and on her 40th birthing being told she was “too old” to be in a film. It was almost like a stand-up comedy routine, no doubt taking many in the audience back to the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour era – very entertaining, nonetheless. “Seventy-two sucks,” the star told the crowd. “Whoever tells you they feel more fulfilled and smarter than they ever were is bullsh*t … but one of the things I did want to say is what’s your granny doing tonight?” The costumes dazzled from Indian inspired fluorescent saris, to 1970s bangs with bell-bottoms, a nod to Pocahontas, to more sequins, revealing bodysuits, a religious Madonna and a variation on the iconic “V” leotard as featured in the original Turn Back Time film clip of 1989. Comments heard from fans throughout the night were how stunning this goddess grandma looked. The set list spanned Cher’s entire career from an I Got You Babe duet with a hologram of Sonny; Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves; to the hits from movies she’s appeared in like Welcome To Burlesque, Shoop Shoop, and Fernando. Dance routines in between songs allowed extra time for costume changes (and perhaps a rest), along with nostalgic video clips of the star, Cher’s enthusiasm never seemed to wane, an indication the joy of performing is what keeps her doing what she’s doing.

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