Greek singer Thanos Petrelis performed to a sellout crowd on the weekend in Melbourne ahead of what was meant to be his final show in Canberra on Friday.
But the thirst for Greek entertainment is so strong that a second show has been announced for Melbourne’s Kinisi at Trak.
Crowds flocked to the venue on Saturday to see the laiko singer who rose to fame from humble beginnings.
A construction worker by trade in his early years, Petrelis became widely known to Greek audiences thanks to reality show Fame Story, finishing third in the 2002 competition.
The visibility he gained thanks to the show launched his singing career, marked by a 10-year-long partnership with acclaimed songwriter Fivos which produced hits like ‘Adiorthoti’ and ‘Eihe to hroma tou ouranou’.
Petrelis made sure to include those in his Saturday night sold-out performance alongside a selection of laiko classics that had people dancing till the early morning hours.
The 47-year-old has openly stated that catering to Greek audiences abroad has become his priority in the past few years.
“My aim is to not be part of a ‘heavyweights’ tour. I prioritise [concerts] abroad as they’re run under pretty much the same conditions as in previous years,” he said during a charity gala appearance at the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago, in the US.
Petrelis started his Australian tour from Sydney, followed by Adelaide, with Melbourne being his third show.
He will perform in Canberra on Friday 17 February, before returning for a second Melbourne show on Saturday 18 February.
Young women were spotted amongst the laiko singer's most dedicated fans. Photo: Con Deves.
Photo: Con Deves
Photo: Con Deves
Photo: Con Deves
Young women were spotted amongst the laiko singer's most dedicated fans. Photo: Con Deves
Photo: Con Deves