There was an air of anticipation as thousands of Perth people eagerly awaited to get under Rihanna’s “umbrella” and “closer” to Chris Brown. Being two of the hottest acts in music right now, it was no surprise that to find yourself walking some distance from your car to the Burswood Dome last night, as cars were banked up all the way to the river. Following a short intermission, Rihanna appeared on top of a large metal pole that had seemingly appeared from nowhere, dressed in, well, not very much at all. As the pole slowly submerged back into the stage the Umbrella star began what was a surprisingly rock heavy set, accompanied by a full band and a guitarist with a striking similarity to Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee, taking every opportunity to rock out a guitar solo.

THERE was an air of anticipation as thousands of Perth people eagerly awaited to get under Rihanna’s “umbrella” and “closer” to Chris Brown. Being two of the hottest acts in music right now, it was no surprise that to find yourself walking some distance from your car to the Burswood Dome last night, as cars were banked up all the way to the river. It struck me as somewhat peculiar, seeing as most of the thousands of adoring fans pouring into the dome didn’t really appear old enough to have a licence.

Following a short intermission, Rihanna appeared on top of a large metal pole that had seemingly appeared from nowhere, dressed in, well, not very much at all. As the pole slowly submerged back into the stage the Umbrella star began what was a surprisingly rock heavy set, accompanied by a full band and a guitarist with a striking similarity to Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee, taking every opportunity to rock out a guitar solo. She even had her entourage sitting and swaying with her on a step as she banged out an acoustic number. Even Chris Brown joined her onstage for this one, although I don’t know how seriously he was taking it, as he seemed to be wearing pyjama pants, no shirt, a wig and scribbles all over his chest.

A surprise entry in Rhianna’s set would’ve had to have been a cover of UK female hip hop artists M.I.A’s Paper Planes, but there were no surprises when she reeled through her classics such as SOS, Shut Up and Drive, and of course the highly anticipated Umbrella. Chris Brown joined her onstage for a duet to her mega-hit single to finish off what was a highly energetic and entertaining night. That is if the constant high-pitched screaming was any gauge.

The armies of doting parents quietly waiting for their respective children outside the Burswood Dome seemed like the only ones who were glad the show was over as the masses slowly started piling out onto the streets, some clutching large glossy images (sadly unsigned) of Chris Brown’s goofy smile.

To add further speculation to the romantic rumours that have swarmed these two even before their tour, they almost shared a kiss onstage following the closing duet, Rihanna pulling away at the very last minute. Maybe next time Chris…

- News.com.au/perthnow