Warrnambool singer-songwriter Didirri has performed in a gig that treated fans to some of the first live music many had heard in months.
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Didirri Peters performed in the Dart and Marlin courtyard on Sunday for the Warrnambool leg of his three-show tour.
"It's really nice to be back," he told The Standard.
"I think we've kind of earnt this after a long time in lockdown.
"It's been really good to be back on stage. This is what I'm good at and I've not had a break this long since I was about 14."
Didirri was living in Melbourne during the more than 100 days in lockdown, performing in various live virtual concerts from his bedroom.
"I was happy doing that but it's just not the same (as an in-person performance)," he said.
"Seeing people's faces, feeling their energy - it's just a different vibe."
Warrnambool was the last leg of the tour which comes off the back of Didirri's second EP Sold for Sale and festive single It's The Season.
The talented musician played a show at Castlemaine Bridge Hotel on December 13 and another two at 170 Russell in Melbourne the following Friday.
He said the best part about being back on stage was seeing people's reaction in real time.
"When you release an EP and you get on stage and the crowd starts singing lyrics that weren't singles, that's pretty special," Didirri said.
"Seeing a crowd of eyeballs and seeing them react or connect with a song is so different to seeing people's comments pop up on a live stream."
It was the second time Didirri had performed at the Dart and Marlin.
He said it was always "nerve wracking" playing at home.
"You could play in front of thousands of people and not get nervous but it's a lot more nerve wracking in front of 100 people in your hometown," he said.
"It's great to have got a few shows in before next year. We weren't sure if people would be eager to get out or tentative (following the coronavirus lockdown) but we've sold out of every show which is great."
Due to coronavirus restrictions, a small number of guests were seated in the Dart and Marlin courtyard.
Didirri said it had been a nice change of pace playing to a more intimate crowd.
"When everyone's seated it's quite romantic, it's nice," he said.
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