More than 25,000 music fans had a date with Destiny's Child last night, when
the American R&B pop group played in Sydney. If there was ever a chance
for Sydneysiders to collectively "shake their booty" this was it.
The band's best known member, Beyonce Knowles was front and centre in a gold
sequined outfit when the trio arrived on stage at the Sydney SuperDome in Homebush.The band opened with their classic hit Say My Name and played a pulsating, sexy set which covered hits from across their career including their latest single, Lose My Breath. Amid wild dancing and screaming from fans, singer Michelle Williams said, "Hey Sydney, we don't want to see nobody sitting down".
Many of the young women at the concert said the band music represented a new form of "girl power". "They first came out when we started partying together as young, independent women," said Salli Ward, 23, of Newcastle. Like so many female fans attending the concert, Ms Ward watched the show with a group of her close female friends. "Beyonce is a favourite for most people, but as a group they're awesome," said Kristen Yea, 23, also of Newcastle.
Male fans were also thrilled to see and hear the members of Destiny's Child up close. "They are good looking, talented girls - it's exciting to be here," said Laurence McCleary, 32, of Seaforth. "Intelligence and talent - that combination is certainly bootylicious," he said. Apart from the music itself, the concert was also a magnet for fashion watchers. "It's all about the outfits," said Karen Gomes, 25, of Cherrybrook.
Last night's Sydney concert was part of a world tour which will take Destiny's Child to countries including Norway, Italy and Britain. The sold-out Sydney showwas a reflection of the popularity of the trio, especially Knowles, famed for her rump-shaking dance style. Knowles made an in-store appearance in Sydney last week to promote a perfume range.