MKTO clearly had a good time on our shores last year, because they’re heading back in September and extending their trip. During their first tour of Australia in 12 years, the American pop duo stuck to the major capitals, but this time around they’re playing more capitals, some regional centres, and even heading across the ditch to see our Kiwi cousins.
“We’re super excited to still be able to do shows with music we put out years ago,” MKTO enthused. “Even more excited to add New Zealand to this run as well as more cities in Australia. Places that showed us love from the very beginning. Can’t wait to see everybody and have a good time!”
You can guarantee you’ll hear “Classic,” plus a host of other pop gems, at the following shows:
I could feel the excitement in the air as Guy Sebastian kicked off his 100 Times Around the Sun tour in Mulubinba/Newcastle last night. Fans posed for photos next to posters outside the venue and quickly changed into their new merch, showing the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for big global artists. It’s been a long time since I’ve been around that kind of buzz, and it really set the scene for one of the most memorable concerts of 2025.
Sam Fischer’s backdrop reminded us that he is “the guy who sings This City,” and he drilled that point home by starting and finishing his support slot with that global smash. However, he’s so much more than that. He’s a charismatic performer with one of the best voices I’ve ever heard live. When you can impress someone like Guy Sebastian with your vocal chops, you know you’re doing something right. He’s also an incredible songwriter who used his time to introduce us to several new tracks. It takes a special artist to capture an audience there to see someone else with songs they don’t know, but I barely heard a murmur as Sam delivered his fantastic music. He told us he’d never visited our city before, but after such a warm reception, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s planning a return visit.
It’s been around three and a half years since Guy toured the country, and from the moment he graced the stage, I could tell how much he’s missed it. He opened with new songs “Get It Done” and “100 Times Around the Sun,” noting how thrilled he was to share this material with fans. While the new tracks clearly meant a lot to him, he struck that delicate balance. Although the night celebrated 100 Times Around the Sun, older tracks like “Who’s That Girl” and “Battle Scars” provided early sing-along moments for anyone not yet familiar with the 2025 album.
I relished hearing the new material, because I’m convinced Guy’s songwriting is only getting better. It benefits from the wisdom that comes from finding love, experiencing loss, and living life with all its highs and lows. Smart arrangements with Guy sitting at the piano or strumming a guitar ensured we could hear and appreciate every lyric. His backup singers, including the exceptionally talented Gary Pinto, Carmen Smith, and Vince Harder, complemented his incredible voice perfectly. I got goosebumps listening to them harmonise.
Guy told us he was throwing everything at this first show, and he really wasn’t kidding. He welcomed Sam Fischer back to the stage for “Antidote,” which they wrote together for Guy’s 100 Times Around the Sun album. These two talented vocalists put on a masterclass. Guy probably panicked a few security guards when he made the impromptu decision to come down to the audience and take some personal requests, but it proved to be one of the show’s many highlights. While the band wasn’t familiar with Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses,” Guy performed a little a capella version for a couple who danced to this country hit at their wedding. I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the house after Guy performed “Unchained Melody” for a woman still grieving the loss of her partner.
Guy tugged at the heartstrings again when he invited his young son Archie up to sing. Guy told him he might want to perform something easy for his first time in front of a large audience, but he fearlessly threw himself into “I Have Nothing.” What a beautiful, pure voice Archie has. The look of pride on Guy’s face as he joined his son in Whitney Houston’s classic was something I’ll never forget.
Through his 23 years in the business, Guy has released 10 studio albums and 61 singles, including 23 top 20 hits. That’s a lot of ground to cover, and likely why this show ran so long that Guy repeatedly thanked us for sticking with him. However, even though it was a weeknight, none of us were in a rush to go home. Instead, we were excited to party with Guy for as long as he was willing. A medley of “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” “Like It Like That,” “Like a Drum,” and “Come Home With Me” was a smart choice for pre-encore, giving fans another opportunity to sing along and see Guy bust some moves.
But of course, we weren’t done. “Before I Go” was powerful and haunting, an impactful choice before Guy took things right back to where it all began. “Angels Brought Me Here” sounded a little different with its ’90s boy-band-inspired makeover, but I ate it up. With one more song in the tank, Guy invited us to stand and have a dance. We all soaked up the moment, clapping and singing along to “Choir,” our voices joining in appreciation for this special show.
Guy Sebastian’s 100 Times Around the Sun tour continues through April and May. Tickets for the remaining dates are available from the links below.
After visiting Australia for the first time last year, Larry Fleet is wasting no time returning to our shores. The soulful American country artist will be back on Aussie soil for shows this August to celebrate the February release of his fourth album, Another Year OIder.
“On my first trip to Australia last year, I honestly didn’t know what to expect or how everyone would react to my music, but before I was even off the stage I was already planning on coming back as soon as I could,” Larry enthused. “The Australian people made me feel at home with how engaged and a part of the show they were. Singing every lyric, it’s almost like they did their homework to not only make sure that they had a good time, but that we did as well. And if there’s one thing I learned, it’s that Australians know how to have a damn good time.”
Tickets for Larry’s tour went on sale this morning, so don’t waste too much time snapping up yours. Click the links below to get your hands on some!
No matter how much I try to keep my finger on the pulse of modern music, some releases inevitably slip through the cracks. That’s especially common with international albums. Unless they’re the blockbusters everyone’s heard of, I often miss them while I’m focusing on the local scene. So UK band Amber Run weren’t on my radar until I heard about the local tour celebrating 10 (and a bit!) years of their 2015 debut album 5AM. However, considering this is their first Aussie tour and they’re playing intimate venues, it looks like I’m not the only one.
My advice readers? Make up for lost time. 5AM is such a great alt-rock album, and Amber Run will play it in full at their upcoming Aussie shows. If I hadn’t already committed myself, I’d buy some spontaneous tickets after hearing it just a handful of times. It’s that good.
Amber Run kick off their 5AM shows in Eora/Sydney next Friday, so take a listen and snap up some of the remaining tickets!
Bachelor Girl are breathing new life into their breakthrough debut album Waiting for the Day with the upcoming release of Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions. Set for a June release, it’ll feature fresh takes on all the songs you know and love from that album featuring a who’s who of Aussie talent.
“We (somewhat audaciously!) began to ask some of our favourite Aussie artists and friends if they would lend their voices and/or instrument to our bucket list project,” explained Bachelor Girl’s frontwoman, Tania Doko. “What started with one, became 13 artists on this 15 track Redux album, and we could not be more chuffed they enthusiastically said yes.”
We get a little taste of what’s in store with this reimagined version of “Treat Me Good” featuring Jessica Mauboy. It’s a little poppier than the original, but Jess’s voice sounds fabulous on the track. And if it introduces this song to a new generation, so much the better!
After Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions drops, Bachelor Girl will hit the road and play a few intimate shows. Expect stacks of singalong moments at the following gigs:
New York acts Prince Daddy & the Hyena and Macseal are teaming up for a double-headline tour this July. Both acts are visiting Australia for the first time and playing some of the country’s coolest intimate venues.
I have to shout out the promoter Destroy All Lines who have put together some fantastic double- and triple-bills for up-and-coming and niche acts of late. They’ve made sure fans can see these bands who probably couldn’t tour Australia under their own strength. They just don’t have the following to make it feasible. But pair them up and it’s all systems go! I must admit, I wasn’t across either band before the press release hit my desk, but I’ve been listening to them both all day. Prince Daddy & the Hyena’s punk-rock sound has my heart, but Macseal also make fantastic indie-rock music. Take a listen, because of this tour goes well they’re going to graduate to larger venues next time around.
Prince Daddy & the Hyena will be here promoting their highly anticipated fourth album Hotwire Trip Switch, which drops on April 17. Macseal only just released their EP Macseal on Audiotree Live last December, which gives you a taste of how good they are on stage. Find out for yourself when Prince Daddy & the Hyena and Macseal hit local venues later this year.
Most of us fondly remember the first act that we loved independently of our parents. We discovered them on our own and they spoke to us as individuals, meeting us as the people we were becoming, not the children still tied to the adults who raised us. They’re there for us at a time we needed them to forge our own identities. If we’re very lucky, they’re still there for us in the years that follow. For me that band was the Counting Crows. As a 13-year-old, I enjoyed singing along to “Mr. Jones” but I felt truly seen by “Round Here.” Yes, I was an angsty little thing! I got a copy of August and Everything After in my Santa sack and had it on repeat until Recovering the Satellites dropped in 1996. With the release of Hard Candy I was a little older and finally able to start seeing Counting Crows in concert. I developed a new respect for their artistry with every subsequent show, marvelling at the way frontman Adam Duritz could play with melodies and lyrics to make the songs I knew well feel fresh. That experimentation wasn’t to everyone’s taste, but I was here for it.
It was a case of first-world problems when I missed the last tour due to a holiday in Western Australia. So I was thrilled when Counting Crows announced they’d be a part of the ill-fated Bluesfest lineup for 2026. I counted my blessings when mercifully they weren’t a casualty of the collapsed festival. Before one of my favourites, I finally saw Kingswood. I say finally, because the Naarm/Melbourne act has been around for nearly 20 years, yet for some reason our paths had never crossed. Their blend of country, rock, and blues was the perfect foil for Counting Crows. Every member of the band has serious musical chops. I loved hearing the members harmonise and Fergus Linacre and Alex Laska trading off lead vocals. They had so much energy. It was the perfect entrée for the evening’s entertainment.
From the first notes of new track “Spaceman in Tulsa,” there was a different energy about this Counting Crows gig. It sounded so true to the album, a celebration of this new chapter. I thought perhaps Adam was sticking to the script just because this was a new song, but as the band moved into older numbers like “Hard Candy” and their breakthrough hit “Mr. Jones,” Adam stayed faithful to those recordings, even encouraging us to sing along as he held the mic aloft. We were all sharing a moment here, and it was glorious. Of course, Adam can never resist a little experimentation, but I think this show had a perfect balance between those sing-along moments and more creative sections.
The set was inspired. Counting Crows is a band with relatively few big hits. While they’re happy to tick them off for casual radio listeners, they’ve got time to deliver plenty of those favourites that more hardcore fans just don’t expect. The set is always changing, dependent on the vibe of the band and the audience. I was thrilled to hear so much from the fabulous 2025 album Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets! Then there were songs I’ve long held close to my heart like “Angels of the Silences,” “Goodnight Elisabeth,” and the stunning closer “Holiday in Spain.” You expect a band to fill your cup with a song that you already adore. It’s more surprising when they can floor you with a song you’ve ignored. “Washington Square” has never hit me before, but I felt it last night.
Counting Crows are such a good band. Five original members are still waving the flag, bringing a sense of camaraderie which is so special to witness. Adam is a force of nature, a little less angsty than he used to be but no less passionate. I got a little thrill every time Charlie Gillingham stepped out from behind the keys and picked up the piano accordion. David “Immy” Immerglück can seemingly play any instrument, but his turns on mandolin were highlights. I had so many moments though where I just marvelled at the sound as I bopped along in my seat.
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Adam so humble, so grateful, as I did last night. He’s always been a man of few words, preferring to let the music speak for him. But he took a moment to pause and thank us for the support through all the years that has allowed him to continue making music. It was heartfelt, an acknowledgement of the magic we all felt in that room. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all my Counting Crows shows, but I have no hesitation in saying last night was the best of the bunch. Like a fine wine, they just seem to get better. Tickets to the rest of the Aussie The Complete Sweets! shows are rare, but if you can get yourself to a show I promise you won’t regret it.
On paper, country star Brad Cox and rock act The VANNS don’t seem like natural bedfellows, but they’ve just released a fantastic new song and announced they’re touring together. Listening to the single “Gas Craic” reminded me that both acts have superior storytelling skills. Its lyrics are some of the best I’ve heard. And I love how the voices of Brad and Jimmy Vann sound in harmony. The track’s a surprise packet, but it’s pretty brilliant.
“Gas Craic was one of the first songs to come together in the writing process of our third record,” The VANNS said. “It was written relatively quickly after our tour in the UK and the song encapsulates some memorable moments from that tour.”
The VANNS will join Brad Cox on his next Aussie tour, which kicks off in Boorloo/Perth this July. The Mastercard presale kicks off at 2 pm today, ahead of the Live Nation presale from 2 pm tomorrow and the general sale from 3 pm on March 27.
One of Australia’s most prolific artists, Katie Noonan is preparing to release her 30th studio album, Alone but all one, later this year. Her latest single “This Isn’t What I Signed Up For” gives us an early taste of the new music. This is such a beautiful song. Katie always sounds incredible, but the subtle piano and string arrangement really showcase her sumptuous vocals and bittersweet lyrics.
“This album is for anyone who’s gone through a life shift – not just separation, but grief, uncertainty, or quiet reinvention,” Katie explained. “It’s music for sitting with things. For remembering we’re not alone, even in solitude. It’s personal, but I hope it will resonate in a way that becomes collective.”
Katie will release Alone but all one on June 26. She’ll give us a little time to sit with the songs before embarking on an album tour around some of the country’s best theatres. Mark Wilkinson will join her at all shows except for the Eora/Sydney and Wooditup/Margaret River dates. Tickets are on sale now.
Sometimes you just need a little reminder of how good an album is. When sorting through my emails, my first thought when I saw news of Jet Age’s 25th anniversary was “Fuck off.” Twenty-five years; are you kidding me? My next thought was, “Let’s give it a listen.” Age hasn’t wearied this Superjesus album friends. There are the hits like “Over You” and “Gravity” of course, but really every track is a gem.
“We felt so much pressure going in to make Jet Age because of the success of Sumo and the departure of our founding member, guitarist Chris Tennent,” frontwoman Sarah McLeod recalled. “We needed to prove to ourselves that we could stand on our own two feet without him. As he was my writing partner I was terrified the magic pathway to creativity would be broken, but it was not broken at all, it was actually strengthened by fresh collaborations with new guitarist Tim Henwood.”
Trust me, fire up your favourite streaming platform and revisit this one to pump yourself up for Superjesus’ anniversary tour happening in the middle of the year.
“Playing for this tour feels like plugging straight into history,” said Superjesus drummer Ben Todd. “These songs still hit hard, and bringing Jet Age back to life night after night is going to be an absolute blast. We have the chance to honour a record that shaped so much of what the band is, while feeling how alive these songs still are after 25 years. See you on the road!”
The Art and The After will join the Superjesus for these special Jet Age anniversary gigs. Tickets are on sale now for all shows.
