Sam Smith’s ‘Gloria the Tour’ is about to take Australia by storm!
On Australia’s already bustling concert calendar for 2023 it’s Sam Smith’s fast approaching tour and imminent visit to Qudos Bank Arena that stands as one of the most promising.
Set to grace stages across the country as part of their ‘Gloria the Tour’, the powerhouse vocalist and pop star will bring their acclaimed namesake album to one of Australia’s biggest arenas as part of a six-date tour that runs from October 28 to November 8.
The hot ticket status of Smith’s Australian tour, which was announced in January of this year, resulted in the addition of a second date to their Sydney tour, with the singer now slated to perform back-to-back shows at Qudos Bank Arena. Head here for more ticket info.
So feverish was the reaction to ‘Gloria the Tour’ that Smith announced the release of more tickets for all six dates of their Australian run, with both reserve seats and general admission tickets now available even for shows that had previously sold out.
Thanks to American Express, there’s an exclusive invitation to the Amex Afters – an afterparty extravaganza that promises to end the night in style. So get ready for a performance that’s not just big, but absolutely colossal and unforgettable.
Taking place on November 3rd at the Qudos Bank Arena, the after party is reserved for the lucky first 400 ticket holders who register.
It’s the ultimate post-concert celebration, featuring an intimate live performance by a special guest, tons of giveaways, customisable merchandise, delicious refreshments, and countless photo opportunities.
And the best part? Hassle-free transportation back to Sydney and Parramatta CBDs once the night is over.
Speaking of the Australasian tour in a press statement, Smith said “we’re working hard on delivering an incredible show for you all [and] I can’t wait for you to see it.” Such fanfare surrounding Smith’s Australian visit is perhaps to be expected, given the certifiable success story that is their latest album Gloria.
Released in January, Smith’s fourth studio album is home to arguably their most successful single in the form of Unholy.
You’d be hard-pressed to escape the song’s infinitely catchy hook and sultry lyricism upon its release last September, and it rightfully earned both Smith and featured artist Kim Petras record-breaking status.
Unholy saw Smith tie with the likes of Oasis and the Rolling Stones as one of the holders of the most number-one singles in the UK, but the records didn’t stop there. The single reached number one on both Australia’s ARIA Charts and the Billboard charts in the US, with the latter feat making Petras and Smith the first transgender and non-binary singers, respectively, to reach Billboard’s top spot.
Unsurprisingly given its success, Unholy went on to win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at this year’s Grammy Awards, bringing extra sheen to the already glistening tracklist of Gloria. Alongside Petras, the 13-song album features the likes of Ed Sheeran, Jessie Reyez and Calvin Harris, and finds Smith at their most confident and creatively fulfilled.
“30’s almost got me and I’m so over love songs,” Smith sings on album standout I’m Not Here To Make Friends, in a cheeky reference to their past discography and testament to the more free-spirited approach to life and music inherent on Gloria. So joyous is the album that Smith’s namesake tour in Europe and the US was deservedly met with widespread acclaim.
In a five-star review, Rolling Stone described Smith’s tour as a “riotous pop show,” while NME said the run of dates “feel like a new high watermark.”
We can only hope similar efforts are in store for Australia, especially since Smith’s last performance at the Qudos Bank Arena which took over Sydney for 3 MASSIVE nights as part of their ‘The Thrill Of It All’ World Tour in 2018.
Even beyond Gloria, Smith has been busy releasing a smattering of successful singles, including the recent Charli XCX collaboration In The City.
ElseElsewhere, Smith joined the likes of Billie Eilish, Mark Ronson and Dua Lipa on the soundtrack of the ever-buzzy Barbie movie, and joined forces with Madonna for the July single VULGAR. Smith is also a Tiny Desk alum as of this year, following their appearance on the NPR series last month.
All of this doesn’t even account for Smith’s archive of certified hits, from the 2014 breakout single Stay With Me to the James Bond contribution Writing’s on the Wall.
While it’s enough to ensure that their setlist for ‘Gloria the Tour’ will be stacked with tracks that somehow outdo each other, Smith’s influence extends well beyond the stage or studio. Smith broke ground in 2019 by coming out as non-binary, paving the way for both fellow musicians and legions of queer fans to embrace their identities.
“Queer youth are incredibly lucky to have artists like Sam Smith to look up to,” Happy Mag’s Corah Lyndon wrote earlier this year. “[Smith’s] shift is one of self-love and unapologetic queer joy.”
So, seize the opportunity to be part of this monumental musical event.
Secure your spot at ‘Gloria the Tour’, at Qudos Bank Arena, RSVP for Amex Afters, and prepare to be swept away by the resounding artistry of Sam Smith. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this extraordinary musical event. Ensure your presence at ‘Gloria the Tour’ at Qudos Bank Arena by securing your spot here. RSVP for Amex Afters here, and brace yourself to be immersed in the profound artistry of Sam Smith.
For those who missed out initially, worry not. A limited number of tickets will be available on the night itself. Feel free to drop by after the performance and try your luck for a last-minute entry.
To find out more about what events are coming up at Qudos Bank Arena visit our upcoming events page here.
Qudos Bank Arena Partners with Gotcha4Life to Prioritise Mental Health
Qudos Bank Arena, announced Gotcha4Life as its official Mental Fitness Partner. Gotcha4Life, led by its founder Gus Worland, is a renowned organisation dedicated to improving mental health and well-being. The organisation focuses on building mental fitness and fostering emotional resilience with a vision of a future where no one must face mental health challenges alone.
The selection of mental health and well-being as a significant cause to support is in direct response to the findings of a comprehensive staff survey, which underscored the paramount importance of mental health for the team members of Qudos Bank Arena.
Steve Hevern, General Manager of Qudos Bank Arena, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am excited to officially welcome Gotcha4Life to the Qudos Bank Arena family as our official Mental Fitness Partner. It was clear from our staff that mental health was a standout cause for us to support, and the work that Gotcha4Life does in this area led to them being voted as our preferred Mental Fitness Partner. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship and making a difference in this important area.”
During a recent visit to Qudos Bank Arena, Gus Worland, Founder and Director of Gotcha4Life, introduced the Gotcha4Life program to all full-time staff members. He emphasised the significance of this partnership by highlighting the startling statistic: “We lose seven men every day and two women every day, that’s nine Aussies that woke up this morning that won’t wake up tomorrow morning.”
Qudos Bank Arena and Gotcha4Life are both dedicated to promoting mental well-being, providing support to individuals on their journey towards mental fitness, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
The partnership will result in a share of cloaking proceeds dedicated to supporting Gotcha4Life and the delivery of a number of mental fitness workshops delivered to Qudos Bank Arena staff fostering an environment where individuals can openly discuss and address their mental health concerns.
Steve Hevern further explained, “as a business, we understand that building mental fitness is an ongoing journey, and it’s important to create a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to take care of their mental well-being. By working alongside Gotcha4Life, who are experts in the field, we aim to integrate these practices into our business and establish a culture of mental wellness and resilience.”
The Qudos Bank Arena and Gotcha4Life partnership represent a significant step toward creating a society where mental health is a top priority. Together, they aim to provide resources, support, and opportunities for individuals to build their emotional resilience.
Mental Health Month in October 2023 marks the official launch of the partnership, underlining the shared commitment of both organisations to address mental health challenges and to nurture resilience within the community.
For more information about Gotcha4Life, please visit: https://www.gotcha4life.org
Gotcha4Life does not provide crisis intervention or counselling. Please see the list of services that can help here: https://www.gotcha4life.org/help-resources
ABOUT ASM GLOBAL
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Visit asmglobal.com
ASM GLOBAL (ASIA PACIFIC)
From its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, ASM Global operates a network of venues that includes:
Entertainment and Sports Arenas – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney; RAC Arena, Perth; Brisbane Entertainment Centre; Newcastle Entertainment Centre; Aware Super Theatre at ICC Sydney; BCEC Great Hall, Brisbane; Cairns Arena: Bangkok Arena and EM Live Theatre, Bangkok (under development), Coca Cola Arena, Dubai; Kai Tak Sports Park Indoor Arena (under construction), Hong Kong; Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur; and Jeddah Arena, Saudi Arabia (under development),
Live Performance Theatres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain,
Convention & Exhibition Centres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Newcastle, Sydney, Christchurch, Kuala Lumpur, Shenzhen, Bahrain (under construction), and Jeddah (under development), and;
Stadiums – Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium, Hong Kong (under construction) and a significant ownership of VenuesLive, the operator of Accor Stadium, Sydney; CommBank Stadium, Parramatta; Optus Stadium, Perth and Central Coast Stadium, Gosford.
For more information, visit asmglobal.com
ABOUT TEG
TEG is a global leader in Live Entertainment, Ticketing and Technology. Every day TEG connects fans to experiences and customers with brands. We are proud partners of some of the world’s largest and most iconic venues as well as leading event promoters globally. TEG operates worldwide out of seven country offices and includes Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Ticketek UK, Ticketek New Zealand, Ticketek Malaysia, Ticketek Philippines, Eventopia, Softix, TEG Live, TEG Dainty, TEG Sport, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, SXSW Sydney, TEG Theatrical, MJR Presents, TEG Lifelike Touring, TEG TES Live, Brickman, TEG Rockefeller, Rugby Live, TEG Europe, Propaganda, TEG USA, Qudos Bank Arena, FAN+, VIP NOW and Ovation.
Qudos Bank Arena Announces CSR Partnership Program with Foodbank NSW & ACT, Gotcha4Life, and Starlight Children’s Foundation
On 17 October 2023 – Qudos Bank Arena, officially announced its new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) community program with partners Foodbank NSW & ACT and Gotcha4Life. The announcement follows a comprehensive staff survey, revealing that mental health and sustainability are of paramount importance to Qudos Bank Arena’s team members, which compliments an extension of the Arena’s long-standing partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Since its inception in 1999 in preparation for the Sydney Olympics, Qudos Bank Arena has been dedicated to making a profound impact on the local community and this program will deliver a range of benefits to CSR Partners including monetary and inventory donations – including publicity activities, ticketing, and experiences.
Steve Hevern, General Manager, Qudos Bank Arena, stated, “Qudos Bank Arena is committed to driving positive change within the local Sydney Olympic Park community through focused CSR initiatives, aligning with the leadership demonstrated by the ASM Global Acts. We are delighted to announce Foodbank NSW & ACT, Gotcha4Life and Starlight Children’s Foundation as our official CSR partners. We believe these partnerships will not only benefit our business and team members but also have a significant positive impact on our community.”
Sustainability is a core business value for Qudos Bank Arena, and our partnership with Foodbank NSW & ACT exemplifies this commitment. The Arena recently donated surplus food during the Tony Robbins event in September 2023 and plans to work closely with Foodbank to further identify surplus food for repurposing for the benefit of both the environment and those in need. Teams from the Arena and naming rights partner Qudos Bank, recently volunteered at the Foodbank Distribution Centre to undertake the packing of 591 hampers, totalling 8,535 kgs of food supply, in support of Foodbank’s impressive goal to assemble 40,000 Christmas Hampers over the ensuing months.
John Robertson, CEO, Foodbank NSW & ACT; “We are very excited to be joining Qudos Bank Arena as their new sustainability charity partner. Together, we will work to reduce food waste by redirecting surplus food from every major event at the Arena to people in our communities who need it most. We’re so grateful to also receive proceeds from their annual cloaking room program and look forward to seeing the positive impact of the partnership on the lives of Aussies doing it tough in our communities.”
Qudos Bank Arena is thrilled to announce a significant partnership with Gotcha4Life, a leading organisation dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing. Founder and Director, Gus Worland, recently visited the Arena to introduce the Gotcha4Life program to all full-time staff, which was very well received. This partnership is set to officially launch this October, coinciding with Mental Health Month.
Gus Worland, Founder and Director of Gotcha4Life, “We are thrilled to partner with the team at Qudos Bank Arena. With our shared goals of bringing people together to connect and creating more opportunities in the community for our youth to build their mental fitness, we believe this partnership will be a key enabler not just within the QBA community, but beyond. Together, we will work towards creating a future where we can all be supported to build our emotional muscles, so no one worries alone.”
Qudos Bank Arena is also delighted to continue its collaboration with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, an organisation that has been bringing joy to the lives of seriously ill children for decades. Qudos Bank Arena initiated its partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation in 2017 when it was selected as one of the charities to receive support after being voted in by the Arena staff. Over the past six years, the Arena has proudly donated a total of $110,000 that was gifted for a wide range of events. Through these efforts, Qudos Bank Arena has positively impacted the lives of 2,820 children during the course of our enduring relationship with Starlight to date.
Louise Baxter, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Qudos Bank Arena is a spectacular Venue with a wonderful team who are passionate about creating exceptional experiences. Seriously ill Starlight children and their families have enjoyed the joy and happiness of so many wonderful events and entertainments at Qudos Bank Arena. We are so thankful to the amazing Qudos Bank Arena team for their ongoing support of Starlight – helping us to brighten the lives of sick kids when they need it most and create lasting happy memories. Because happiness in childhood truly matters.”
In December, Qudos Bank Arena plans a special experience for a two-year-old named Happy Harry and his family during The Wiggles concert. This unforgettable experience will include a meet and greet with The Wiggles themselves, made possible with the collaboration of Accor, who is providing accommodation for Harry and his family.
In addition to the monetary donations, further opportunities are also being explored to support its CSR partners, such as donating event tickets and prizes, hosting events, complimentary function room hire, and encouraging its staff to volunteer and/or undergo workshops with its CSR partners. Qudos Bank Arena is excited about the future and the positive impact that these new CSR partnerships will bring to the community.
Photos and Video by Aaron Leslie
ABOUT ASM GLOBAL
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Visit asmglobal.com
ASM GLOBAL (ASIA PACIFIC)
From its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, ASM Global operates a network of venues that includes:
Entertainment and Sports Arenas – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney; RAC Arena, Perth; Brisbane Entertainment Centre; Newcastle Entertainment Centre; Aware Super Theatre at ICC Sydney; BCEC Great Hall, Brisbane; Cairns Arena: Bangkok Arena and EM Live Theatre, Bangkok (under development), Coca Cola Arena, Dubai; Kai Tak Sports Park Indoor Arena (under construction), Hong Kong; Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur; and Jeddah Arena, Saudi Arabia (under development),
Live Performance Theatres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain,
Convention & Exhibition Centres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Newcastle, Sydney, Christchurch, Kuala Lumpur, Shenzhen, Bahrain (under construction), and Jeddah (under development), and;
Stadiums – Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium, Hong Kong (under construction) and a significant ownership of VenuesLive, the operator of Accor Stadium, Sydney; CommBank Stadium, Parramatta; Optus Stadium, Perth and Central Coast Stadium, Gosford.
For more information, visit asmglobal.com
ABOUT TEG
TEG is a global leader in Live Entertainment, Ticketing and Technology. Every day TEG connects fans to experiences and customers with brands. We are proud partners of some of the world’s largest and most iconic venues as well as leading event promoters globally. TEG operates worldwide out of seven country offices and includes Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Ticketek UK, Ticketek New Zealand, Ticketek Malaysia, Ticketek Philippines, Eventopia, Softix, TEG Live, TEG Dainty, TEG Sport, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, SXSW Sydney, TEG Theatrical, MJR Presents, TEG Lifelike Touring, TEG TES Live, Brickman, TEG Rockefeller, Rugby Live, TEG Europe, Propaganda, TEG USA, Qudos Bank Arena, FAN+, VIP NOW and Ovation.
