Live Review: Cody Johnson @ RAC Arena, Perth

There is something undeniably special about watching live music happen before your eyes—the nervous anticipation beforehand. The scream after the stage goes black. The sight of the band punctuating the stage with their presence.

When it’s an artist like Cody Johnson, though, it all feels a bit different. 

With Johnson, the RAC Arena, normally home to massive arena tours and high-energy pop acts, was transformed into a warm, down-to-earth celebration of country music. With a crowd packed full of fans, some who had travelled from far and wide to witness his first headline show in Australia, the room was electric with anticipation.

Cody Johnson, or CoJo as he’s affectionately known by fans, has spent years building a reputation for his unshakeable authenticity.

With an unrelenting commitment to his craft, his growing fanbase around the world is a testament to the power of country music that is rooted in storytelling and soul. Perth’s reception was nothing short of heartwarming. The room felt alive. Like the tight-knit community of country music fans in Perth, fans in the room had finally been given their time to shine. 

As I made my way to the venue, it was clear that CoJo’s appeal had spread far beyond his Texas roots. Boots, belts, and cowboy hats were the attire of choice for the night as if the whole of Australia had joined together to celebrate the genre and the man who’s slowly becoming one of its biggest stars. There was a sense of community from the get-go. Whether you were from a small country town or the city, it didn’t matter. Everyone was there for the same reason: to see a genuine talent bring his music to life.

I brought along a friend who had never experienced country music before, and I could see her feeling slightly uncomfortable at first. The unfamiliar sounds and rhythms of the genre took her out of her comfort zone. But as the night went on, her face softened, and I watched her become absorbed in the performance, a smile growing as she leaned into the infectious vibe of the room. It was a powerful reminder that country music has a way of uniting people, no matter where they come from or what they’re used to. Something that CoJo referenced later in the night. 

The night opened with a solid line-up of support acts: Cole Swindell and Ashley Cooke from the States, alongside Queensland’s Wade Forster. Each brought their own charm to the stage, warming up the crowd with their easy-going country anthems. But it was clear that all eyes were on the main event. As soon as Cody Johnson stepped onto the stage, the place erupted. 

One of the first things that struck me was how right it felt. There was an immediate sense of warmth in the crowd. It wasn’t just about the music. It was the energy, the connection between the artist and the audience.

That’s Texas set the tone, and the crowd was immediately drawn in. As Johnson followed up with Me And My Kind, you could see the crowd nodding along, singing in unison. It truly felt like a gathering of like-minded people celebrating the music they love.

The vibe in the room was peaceful but charged, and as the night unfolded, the connection between Cody and the crowd deepened. You could feel it in every note. His delivery was authentic and down-to-earth, and as he played songs like Dance Her Home, the crowd was fully engaged, tapping their feet and singing along. There was an unmistakable sense of unity in the arena. Couples were swaying, and even those who hadn’t been country music fans were starting to feel at home.

After performing How Do You Sleep At Night? and With You I Am, Johnson took a moment to address the crowd. His gratitude was evident as he reflected on his journey.

“The last time I was playing here, I was playing in front of my good friend Mr. Luke Combs,” he said with a smile. “I’ve made some really good friends here; I’ve made some family, in fact. Well, I’m here to tell you this: to look out at all of you tonight and know that you came to hear me play my songs means the world to me, and I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

It was a touching moment, and it made it clear just how much this night meant to Cody Johnson. His humility and appreciation for the crowd were palpable, adding to the sense that we were all experiencing something special together. The performance wasn’t just about him on stage. It was also about the shared energy between the artist and the audience.

As he powered through his setlist, songs like Dear Rodeo and Nothin’ On You brought the crowd together in a way only country music can. The energy in the room was absolutely electric. The song’s infectious rhythms had the crowd dancing in their boots, and it was clear this was a highlight of the night.

But it wasn’t all fast-paced fun. The slower, more introspective songs like Take It Like A Man and Human showcased Cody’s ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level. These were the moments where you could hear a pin drop, and you could see the audience absorbed in every word. Songs like Georgia Peaches and The Fall followed, continuing the journey through Johnson’s catalogue with ease.

As the night drew to a close, Cody Johnson’s performance felt like a culmination of everything that had come before it. The encore included Diamond In My Pocket, a fitting track to close out a night full of unforgettable moments. 

With his performance, Cody Johnson proved that love for country music is alive and well in Australia. While this marked his first headline show in Perth, it’s clear this is only the beginning for him here.

The night was a testament to his authenticity, his connection with his fans, and his ability to bring people together through music. Getting that many people going on a Thursday night in Perth is no easy feat. But Johnson rose to the challenge and then some. I’d say we’d welcome him back anytime.