Drake launched his Anita Max Wynn Tour in Perth Australia. This tour marks his return to Australia for the first time since 2017. The opening concert served as a platform for Drake to address his critics particularly following a high-profile rap feud with Kendrick Lamar.
Dramatic Entrance and Tour Kickoff in Perth: Drake's Message of Resilience to Fans
For his entrance at the Perth concert Drake walked into the arena as the instrumental version of his song "Over My Dead Body" played. He wore a black hoodie with mock bullet holes and theatrical smoke effects. This entrance was interpreted by some fans as symbolic suggesting he was still standing strong despite recent challenges.
Drake's setlist for the opening night in Perth included popular songs such as "Hotline Bling" and "Passionfruit". Canadian producer Future the Prince appeared as a guest during the performance. The Perth concert was the first of 16 scheduled dates for the Anita Max Wynn Tour across Australia and New Zealand.
Ticket Sales and Public Interest in Drake's Anita Max Wynn Australian Tour Performances
Prior to the tour kickoff Drake was observed engaging with fans in Cottesloe and Melbourne. Despite initial strong demand for tickets and the addition of extra shows some tickets for the Perth concerts remained available shortly before the first performance. Tickets were priced starting from $79.90 AUD for general admission and $99.90 AUD for seated options. Standing tickets offering closer views were priced higher at $288.30 AUD. These prices are comparable to his Melbourne show ticket prices.
Drake's Response to Kendrick Lamar Feud During Perth Concert and Tour Commencement
At the end of his first Perth show Drake made remarks that appeared to reference his recent feud with Kendrick Lamar. He declared that despite starting his career in 2008 and facing recent challenges " Drizzy Drake is very much still alive ." This statement was viewed as a direct response to the widespread public perception that he had lost the rap battle with Lamar. The tour name "Anita Max Wynn" is based on an alter ego Drake introduced inspired by his interest in high stakes gambling a possible hint at his resilient attitude amidst public challenges.
Surprise Karaoke Performance in Melbourne and Hints of Upcoming Music Projects
Before the official tour began Drake made an unexpected appearance at a karaoke bar in Melbourne. He performed some of his well-known songs for a small audience including "Pipe Down" "Faithful" "Rich Baby Daddy" and "Trust Issues". This impromptu performance was shared on his Instagram account. Drake also hinted at potential new music releases. He posted an image of Toronto’s CN Tower with a caption suggesting a project with PartyNextDoor might be released soon. PartyNextDoor had previously indicated that an album was nearing completion further fueling fan speculation about a joint project.
Tour Schedule and Supporting Acts for Drake's Anita Max Wynn Performances in Australia
The Anita Max Wynn Tour includes 16 dates across Perth Melbourne Brisbane Sydney and Auckland New Zealand. This marks Drake's first tour in Australia since the Boy Meets World Tour in 2017. While supporting acts for the Australian tour have not been officially announced previous legs of the tour in North America featured 21 Savage and J. Cole. Fans are anticipating potential surprise guests for the Australian shows as well.
Grammy Wins for Kendrick Lamar's Diss Track and Context of Drake's Tour Timing
Kendrick Lamar received five Grammy Awards recently all related to his Drake diss track "Not Like Us". This track targeted Drake directly and was central to their recent public feud. Some observers have speculated that Drake's tour timing in Australia might be a strategic move to shift focus away from Lamar's Grammy wins and the negative publicity from their feud.
Drake's actions and performances during the Anita Max Wynn Tour suggest an attempt to reassert his position in the music industry and connect with his fanbase directly following a period of public and critical challenges.