Suzanne Vega – Perth | Boorloo, 26 Sep 2026

Suzanne Vega – Perth | Boorloo, 26 Sep 2026
Regal Theatre, Subiaco, Western Australia
Reviewed by Scarrrlet Black
Photography by Pete Gardner

Hear the Flutter of her Wings

When this writer received notification from the word on high (the Editor) the review for Suzanne Vega (Vega) was hers, honestly the writer was flung back to a time when there were four teenage besties, all singing their hearts out to ‘Tom’s Diner.’ One had memorised the lyrics so well that it would be surprising if she could not rattle them off verbatim at 50 years old (please do not do the math).

Life having moved on from that time meant a deep dive into Vega’s back catalogue as well as her current album ‘Flying with Angels’.

Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the legend in the Regal Theatre, it was a surprise to find there was no support act and it truly was ‘just a threesome’ (sounds dirty – ‘insert Beavis and Butthead “he he” here’), which created this intimate lounge atmosphere.

Arriving on stage in trademark black and caramel lustrous hair, Vega stepped out with Gerry Leonard on guitar who, with a blue streak brightening the right side of his silver hair, could’ve easily blended in with the audience who, for the most part, was of a similar era.

It would be easier to list the artists that Leonard hasn’t collaborated, produced, or performed with. A veritable who’s who, including the late Sinead O’Connor, David Bowie and many others.

Arriving on time with a quick greeting, Vega placed a black top hat atop her head and went straight into ‘Marlene on the Wall,’ a nod to Marlene Dietrich.

99.9F, Caramel and Gypsy, followed by The Queen and the Soldier, brought Stephanie Winters to the stage. Winters, a professional ‘touring cellist,’ Wellbeing / Executive Coach, and ‘TED Talk’ performer, renowned for her skill and beautifully rich sound, slotted in seamlessly alongside Vega and Leonard with the black cello and black jaunty leather cap, rounding out the group and elevating this incredible sound experience.

The available background information alone on certain songs is fascinating, but hearing these insights (from the horse’s mouth, so to speak) felt like a genuinely human connection in a time when we are increasingly isolated.

Up next was from the current album was ‘Speaker’s Corner’ which was written just prior to the United States election in 2025. Vega shared she had thought at the time the last four lines of the song would be obsolete by the release date but unfortunately were strangely and disappointingly more relevant now than ever:

The speaker’s corner, there it stands
In politics and song
I guess we better use it now
Before we find it gone.

There’s no doubt which side of politics Vega stands on.

Although the setlist was mostly similar to the earlier New Zealand and Australian performances of the last three weeks, Vega threw in a few surprises for the encore that absorbed into our collective memories.

Extremely popular hits ‘Luka’ and ‘Tom’s Diner’ finished the show with the crowd enjoying their synchronised swaying and clapping. Although the crowd stayed seated for most of the show, a few dedicated fans were ready to take on the judgemental looks of others by standing as Vega left the stage.

The roars of ‘encore’ along with the requisite stamping of feet, brought Vega and her crew out again and a request from the audience as to what they wanted to hear to be followed by a discussion with Leonard on ‘options’ from behind an obvious hand.

An anecdote relating to Lou Reed brought a cover of ‘Take a Walk on the Wildside,’ which is not that ‘wild’ these days. It was a passable yet unremarkable cover the audience enjoyed.

A couple of songs, then my personal favourite, ‘Blood Makes Noise,’ brought a dynamic end to the concert and highlighted the ‘edge’ Vega has and makes her such an interesting, versatile singer-songwriter.

Vega’s voice, whilst matured, is still a force. Silky, poignant, and resonating vocals entice you to walk alongside her as her remarkable journey continues.

The audience rose, clapped, hooted and hollered as the trio bowed, blew air kisses, and left the stage. Lights came up and regardless of the small crowd jam getting out, all knew they enjoyed their evening thoroughly, plus with any luck would be home and tucked up by 10pm.

Suzanne Vega and her chosen duo are talented musicians who complement each other in unique ways and are perfectly suited to bring the hallowed past back and into the present with their ongoing and thoughtful contributions, allowing the audience to glimpse behind the veil that often shroud artists of this caliber.

Set list:

Marlene on the Wall
99.9 F°
Caramel
Gypsy
The Queen and the Soldier
When Heroes Go Down / Lipstick Vogue
Flying with Angels
Speakers’ Corner
Chambermaid
Left of Center
I Never Wear White
Some Journey
Luka
Tom’s Diner

Encore:
Walk on the Wild Side
Small Blue Thing
In Liverpool
Blood Makes Noise

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries