News

News: ED SHEERAN – superstar’s all-new LOOP TOUR starts this Friday in NZ! AU shows on sale now

ED SHEERAN – SUPERSTAR’S ALL-NEW LOOP TOUR STARTS THIS FRIDAY IN AUCKLAND!

FINAL NEW ZEALAND TICKETS ON SALE NOW
​AUSTRALIAN SHOWS KICK OFF FEBRUARY 1

One of the biggest artists on the planet is officially back down under! Global superstar Ed Sheerankicks off his all-new Loop Tour in New Zealand this week, launching his massive latest tour run with an opening night on Friday 16 January at Auckland’sGO Media Stadium.

Spanning 17 stadium shows across Aotearoa and Australia, the Loop Tour marks Ed Sheeran’s long-awaited return to our shores and the beginning of a bold new chapter in his exceptional live career. Following years of record-breaking tours and historic global performances, fans can expect a spectacular, career-spanning show – new music from his chart-topping 2025 album Play (recent singles ‘Azizam’, ‘Sapphire’ and ‘Camera’); hits from his unparalleled catalogue (Shape Of You’, ‘Thinking Out Loud’, ‘Castle On The Hill’, ‘Perfect’, ‘Bad Habits’, ‘Shivers’ and many more); and the loop-pedal mastery that has made Ed Sheeran one of the most compelling live performers of his generation.

The Loop Tour follows the conclusion of Ed’s extraordinary Mathematics Tour, which sold over 8 million tickets across more than 140 headline shows in 42 countries. Now, with a completely new production and creative vision, Ed Sheeran is once again redefining what a global stadium tour can look like, and New Zealand and Australian audiences will be the first in the world to experience the new Loop Tour.

In 2025, the singer continued to push boundaries by taking his live show to places stadium-level artists rarely – if ever – visit. He performed a historic first-of-its-kind show in Bhutan, followed by an interior India tour, six landmark shows in China, and multiple dates across the Middle East, expanding his global footprint and reaffirming his commitment to connecting with fans everywhere. That same adventurous spirit now arrives in NZ and Australia with the Loop Tour.

Known for commanding stadiums solo, Sheeran’s live shows are celebrated for their intimacy, scale and emotional connection – no matter the size of the crowd.

Joining him on the road is: Vance Joy (all shows AU/NZ); Melbourne star Mia Wray (all shows AU/NZ); all-female Irish collective BIIRD (NZ + Perth); and Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne + Adelaide).

Since his debut over a decade ago, Ed Sheeran has become one of the most successful artists of all time, amassing tens of billions of streams, multiple GRAMMY Awards, countless #1 singles and albums, and a reputation as one of the most innovative and hardworking performers in modern music. His previous tours of Australia and New Zealand have consistently broken attendance records, including historic stadium shows that redefined what a solo artist could achieve on this scale.

For full tour information, head to frontiertouring.com/edsheeran.

Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour starts this Friday – don’t miss one of the biggest live events of 2026!

ED SHEERAN – THE LOOP TOUR
​+ special guests Vance Joy (all shows)
​Mia Wray (all shows), Biird (NZ + Perth), Aaron Rowe (Syd, Bris, Melb + Adel)
​AUSTRALIA + NEW ZEALAND
​JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH 2026
​Presented by Frontier Touring and MG Live

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
​via frontiertouring.com/edsheeran

ALL SHOWS ALL AGES*
​* Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian
​This event is recommended for patrons aged 6+

Friday 16 January
​Go Media Stadium | Auckland, NZ
​Lic. All Ages
​axs.com/nz

Saturday 17 January
​Go Media Stadium | Auckland, NZ
​Lic. All Ages
​axs.com/nz

Wednesday 21 January
​Sky Stadium | Wellington, NZ
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketek.co.nz

Saturday 24 January
​Apollo Projects Stadium | Christchurch, NZ
​SOLD OUT!

Sunday 25 January 
​Apollo Projects Stadium | Christchurch, NZ
​Lic. All Ages
​axs.com/nz

Saturday 31 January
​Optus Stadium | Perth, WA
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketmaster.com.au

Sunday 1 February
​Optus Stadium | Perth, WA
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketmaster.com.au

Friday 13 February
​Accor Stadium | Sydney, NSW
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketek.com.au

Saturday 14 February
​Accor Stadium | Sydney, NSW
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketek.com.au

Sunday 15 February
​Accor Stadium | Sydney, NSW
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketek.com.au

Friday 20 February
​Suncorp Stadium | Brisbane, QLD
​Lic. All Ages
​axs.com/au

Saturday 21 February
​Suncorp Stadium | Brisbane, QLD
​Lic. All Ages
​axs.com/au

Sunday 22 February
​Suncorp Stadium | Brisbane, QLD
​Lic. All Ages
​axs.com/au

Thursday 26 February
​Marvel Stadium | Melbourne, VIC
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketmaster.com.au

Friday 27 February
​Marvel Stadium | Melbourne, VIC
​SOLD OUT!

Saturday 28 February
​Marvel Stadium | Melbourne, VIC
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketmaster.com.au

Thursday 5 March
​Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, SA
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketek.com.au
Live Gallery, music

Live Gallery: Molchat Doma with Buzz Kull at The Forum

Live Gallery: Molchat Doma + Buzz Kull, The Forum, Melbourne

Wednesday December 17, 2025

The three piece post punk/dance rock/avant garde steampunk machine Molchat Doma rolled through Australia in December, bringing their unique blend of electronica to a sold out night at The Forum in Melbourne during a crowded month of live music and festivals.

Opening proceedings was Buzz Kull who later confided to 27 Magazine that this was the biggest tour they’d been involved in. Buzz Kull brought the heat early in an animated set, rich in power, aggression, emotive presentation and variety.

An evening of sonic bliss for the devoted.

 

music, News

THE LAST DINNER PARTY ANNOUNCE WORLDWIDE TOUR + AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND DATES

Following a year of sold-out shows around the globe, The Last Dinner Party are returning to Australia in January 2026, with special guest Sir Chloe joining the tour for shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. 

Tickets for Australian and New Zealand tour dates will be on sale from 10am local time on Friday 12th September.

Secret Sounds members can access tickets via presale from 10am local time Thursday 11 September. Sign up for presale access now via secretsounds.com

Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Australia and New Zealand from 10am local time Tuesday 9 September until 9am Friday 12 September. Plus, Preferred Ticket Access to some of the best tickets will be available from 10am Friday 12 September. Visit priceless.com/music for details.

THE LAST DINNER PARTY
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 2026

Sat 10 Jan 2026 – Red Hill Auditorium, Perth // Boorloo
Tue 13 Jan 2026 – AEC Theatre, Adelaide // Tarntanya Wama
Thu 15 Jan 2026 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne // Naarm
Sat 17 Jan 2026 – ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney // Warrane
Mon 19 Jan 2026 – Riverstage, Brisbane // Meeanjin
Thu 22 Jan 2026 – Spark Arena, Auckland // Tāmaki Makaurau

News

News: BRUNO MARS RETURNS WITH LONG-AWAITED FOURTH SOLO ALBUM, THE ROMANTIC

BRUNO MARS RETURNS WITH LONG-AWAITED FOURTH SOLO ALBUM, THE ROMANTIC

MARKS FIRST SOLO ALBUM IN A DECADE SINCE ​ 6X GRAMMY® AWARD WINNING 24K MAGIC

NEW ALBUM ARRIVING ON FEBRUARY 27 

ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENT HERALDS ARRIVAL OF A NEW SINGLE THIS FRIDAY

PRE-ORDER THE ROMANTIC VINYL EXCLUSIVELY HERE

 

Marking a decade since his last solo project, Bruno Mars is officially returning with his long-awaited fourth solo album, The Romantic, arriving everywhere on February 27 via Atlantic Records. You can pre-order the exclusive first-pressing numbered vinyl now HERE, while supplies last. The announcement heralds the arrival of a new single from the project, which will be available this Friday, January 9.

The new project comes in the wake of Bruno’s continued chart success, with recent singles including the GRAMMY® award-winning “Die With A Smile” with Lady Gaga, which became the fastest song in Spotify history to reach one billion streams and topped the Billboard Global 200 Chart for a record-tying 18 weeks, as well as the pervasive “APT.” with ROSÉ—the latter of which was just crowned the most globally streamed song of 2025 by Apple Music, and scored 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Chart and 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard Global 200 Chart. Beyond its massive global chart achievements, “APT.” also won “Song of the Year” at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, and earned three nominations at this year’s 68th Annual GRAMMY® Awards for “Song of the Year,” “Record of the Year,” and “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.”

Bruno continues to prove himself as one of the most influential forces within the music industry. In January 2025, he became the first artist in Spotify history to surpass 150 million monthly listeners, ranking him among the platform’s top global artists. In October 2022, he became the first artist in RIAA history to earn six Diamond-certified singles. As of 2026, he has reached at least seven RIAA Diamond certifications for songs including “Just the Way You Are,” which is now the highest-certified song in history at 21x RIAA Platinum, “Uptown Funk” (with Mark Ronson), “Grenade,” “That’s What I Like,” “When I Was Your Man,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and the “The Lazy Song.” His debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, is the longest-running studio album by a solo male artist on the Billboard 200, with over 345 weeks on the chart. He has secured nine Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles and has spent a total of 30 weeks atop the Global 200 with his 2024–2025 hits.

Stay tuned for more from Bruno in 2026!

 

ABOUT BRUNO MARS: 

Bruno Mars is a 16x GRAMMY®-winning global superstar, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and one of the most-streamed artists in the world. Known for his showmanship and chart-toppers, Bruno has set a number of records throughout his career, including becoming the first artist ever to hit 150 million monthly listeners on Spotify, appearing on two of the fastest songs to reach one billion streams (for “Die with a Smile” with Lady Gaga and “APT.” with ROSÉ, and achieving the highest-certified song in RIAA history with 2010’s “Just the Way You Are”). Since launching a string of hits beginning in 2009, Bruno has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Beyond his work as a soloist, Bruno is a member of the duo Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak. In addition to his 35 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including nine number one singles, Bruno is the recipient of 16 GRAMMY® Awards (including “Album of the Year” for 24K Magic), 14 American Music Awards, and seven MTV Video Music Awards. His 24K Magic World Tour was among the highest-grossing tours in history, and within the top ten highest-grossing of the 2010s.

 

News

News: Thunderstorm Artis – Heartfelt Hawaiian Singer-Songwriter Announces Debut Australian Tour For March 2026

BA Presents
THUNDERSTORM ARTIS
Heartfelt Hawaiian Singer-Songwriter
Announces Debut Australian Tour For March 2026

Hawaiian singer-songwriter, Thunderstorm Artis will be bring his stunning live show to select Australian venues in March 2026.

Prioritising intimate spaces where his warm, emotive voice and evocative storytelling can resonate deeply and the raw connection of his music offers the audience a sense of meaning and belonging.

It takes a lot to be remembered as a contestant on a TV singing show where often times the drama is more important than the talent – but every now and then, someone special comes along. Among all the copycats, wanna-be’s and those seeking their 15 minutes, when a real artist shines through and resonates, they hit a chord with the viewers and create a true fan base that remains long after the show credits roll.

Thunderstorm Artis is most definitely one of the latter. A finalist on the US versions The Voice and American Idol, he has gone on to achieve over 28 million global streams via 300,000 monthly listeners and build an incredibly loyal social media following.

A singer-songwriter whose music blends Americana, folk, pop, soul and island roots into heartfelt narratives of love, loss and personal growth, Thunderstorm Artis is known for his warm, emotive voice and evocative storytelling, crafting songs that invite you to reflect, connect and feel deeply.

His artistry is rooted in authenticity, drawing inspiration from his own life and a desire to bring hope and light to the human experience.

TOUR DATES
Thurs, March 5: Pelly Bar, Frankston
Fri, March 6: Bells Beach Brewery, Torquay
Sat, March 7: The Leadbeater Hotel, Melbourne
Wed, March 11: UC Hub, Canberra
Thurs, March 12: Six String, Erina
Fri, March 13: Brass Monkey, Sydney
Sat, March 14: Heritage Hotel, Bulli
Sun, March 15: The Stag, Newcastle
Wed, March 18: Press Basement Bar, Tamworth
Thurs, March 19: Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
Fri, March 20: Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
Sun, March 22: Crowbar, Brisbane

Tickets available from
www.bigapachee.com.au/batours 
Thunderstorm Artis – “Life Is For The Living”
News

News: BIG SPECIAL (UK) share new single “SLUGLIFE”

SHARE NEW SINGLE
“SLUGLIFE”

OFF THE BACK OF SOPHOMORE ALBUM RELEASED IN JULY
VIA SO RECORDINGS/CIVILIANS
STREAM
PHOTO CREDIT: ISAAC WATSON  |

With no signs of slowing down, BIG SPECIAL share new single “SLUGLIFE” – a gritty burst of energy, capturing Joe Hicklinand Callum Maloney at their most unfiltered. An almost relentless run of new music since their surprise second album NATIONAL AVERAGE., this track stands as a vivid reminder that the duo aren’t easing up for a second – premiered via BBC 6 Music‘s Steve Lamacq.

The new single follows “PLAINTIVE NATIVE” (BBC 6 Music, B-List), “DRAGGED UP A HILL (and thrown down the other side)”, and their collab with Sleaford Mods on the “The Good Life“, appearing alongside Game Of Thrones/Star Wars actress Gwendoline Christie in a captivating one shot video.

“A song about living low to the ground and going slow. Feeling guilt for needing a bit of time to pull yourself up by your boot straps. It’s about working through the self hate that can come through hard times.” says Hicklin on “SLUGLIFE”.

BIG SPECIAL’s ascent has been nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a single release and a packed headline debut at Camden’s Dublin Castle in 2023, to a sold-out O2 Forum Kentish Town and a devoted national following. Their work is rooted in stark honesty, razor-edged humour, and the emotional weight of lived experience – qualities sharpened during lockdown, when the pair reignited their creative drive and reshaped their sound with raw conviction.

As their audience grows and their voice deepens, BIG SPECIAL remain committed to the craft, the community, and their brotherhood that has carried them from obscurity to one of the most compelling rises in British music.

“SLUGLIFE” is out now and streaming everywhere via SO Recordings/Civilians.

Previous praise for Big Special:
“A vital, gripping debut album” CLASH ★★★★
“A dizzying mix of hard and delicate” – DIY ★★★★1/2
“a real piece of art; sheer brilliance from start to finish” – DORK ★★★★★
“brimming with energy, invention, humour, lived experience” – MOJO ★★★★
“as with all new waves of music, there are bands who stand out by bringing in creative and disparate influences. Big Special is one of those bands and Postindustrial Hometown Blues is their gospel.” – New Noise ★★★★1/2
“a heady dose of heart and reality” – NME ★★★★
“a record that’s more complex, more human, and more interesting than anyone could have expected.” The Line Of Best Fit
“puts Big Special on the map of great duos producing some of the best music around at the moment…” Louder Than War, 4.5
“an incredibly well-rounded selection of heart-thumping tracks” Northern Exposure, 9/10
News

News: TIGERS JAW RELEASE GRIPPING NEW SINGLE “GHOST”

TIGERS JAW
RELEASE GRIPPING NEW SINGLE
“GHOST”

FROM NEW ALBUM
LOST ON YOU
OUT MARCH 27TH
VIA HOPELESS RECORDS
Tigers Jaw Photo, credit Nicole Busch –

Tigers Jaw today shared “Ghost,” the gripping and soaring latest single previewing the band’s anticipated new album Lost on You due out on March 27th via Hopeless Records.

“The genesis of ‘Ghost’ was a chance run-in with a person I grew up with,” Ben Walsh explains. “A run-in that would have been warm, welcomed and cherished at one point in my life held no significance after the slow steady passage of time and growing apart. The quick flash of memories with this person felt like a glimpse into a past life, or like seeing a ghost. Some people don’t stay in your life forever and that’s OK, but it’s very interesting which memories get dredged up when you see a once familiar face.”

“Ghost” follows lead single “Head is Like a Sinking Stone,” released in early December to praise and support from Rolling Stone (Songs You Need to Know), Alternative Press, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, The Needle Drop, and more.

Lost on You is available for pre-order HERE.

Lost on You–produced/engineered by their longtime collaborator Will Yip (Turnstile, Movements) at his famed Studio 4 in Philadelphia–is a continuation of what we’ve always loved about Tigers Jaw. There’s the powerful and pounding rhythm section, the great melodic leads that shift from instrument to instrument, and, as always, the interchanging and overlapping vocals. And while this record is decidedly from the present, it is deeply embedded in their history. There are many moments that would feel just as at home sung along to at the defunct Scranton venue Test Pattern as they would in the huge halls of Philadelphia’s Union Transfer, a venue probably ten-times as large that they are now able to sell out. This is not surprising. The scene’s present moment owes a lot to Tigers Jaw; their contributions have helped pave the way for this entire world, and still the group continues on.
TIGERS JAW – GHOST (LYRIC VIDEO)
Lost on You Tracklist:
1. It’s ok
2. Primary Colors
3. Head is Like a Sinking Stone
4. Anxious Blade
5. Baptized on a Redwood Drive
6. BREEZER
7. Ghost
8. Staring at Empty Faces
9. Light Leaks Through
10. Roses + Thorns
11. Lost on You
News

News: THE RASMUS Nth Rd Confirmed as Special Guests as Australian Debut

THE RASMUS
Nth Rd Confirmed as Special Guests as Australian Debut Tour Nears
Shows in Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne This Jan/Feb

Undeniably rock stars since their debut album Peep went Gold when they were just 16 years old, The Rasmus have built a legacy that now stretches across 11 albums, 17 top 10 singles and headline arena and stadium tours around the world.
The fact that they have never set foot in Australia has not been lost on the band — or their fans. That long awaited moment is finally about to be remedied, with The Rasmus arriving down under for their first-ever Australian shows in just a few days.

Joining The Rasmus on all Australian dates will be Melbourne’s Nth Rd, one of the few bands to emerge in recent years set to make a genuine and lasting impact. Known for their incredibly well crafted songs, Nth Rd draw influence from a heavier, more substantive place; fusing familiar rock sensibilities with downtuned nu metal and metalcore riffage, all set against intricately woven atmospheres.
With deeply personal and existential lyrics exploring loss, memory, change, introspection and claustrophobia, and a live show praised for its energy and engagement, Nth Rd are the perfect mood setter for an unforgettable evening with The Rasmus.

**********
The best bands are the ones that keep surprising you time and time again, in the most thrilling of ways. This is something that the Rasmus, a 6x Platinum and 8x Gold-certified band, have been doing since their major label debut in 2003. If you take a deep dive into their catalogue, you will hear a kaleidoscopic collage of heavy guitars set against futuristic electronics, as well as pop hooks that can find their way into the heart of the most stoic of critics. As a direct result, they’ve become Finland’s greatest musical exports, selling millions of records worldwide and winning award after award.

“I find it comforting that our most recent album has pretty much the same message as on our first album released in 1996,” says frontman Lauri Ylönen. “It is to defend and praise the ones who are different from the masses and proudly being themselves as they are. It has been our philosophy from the very beginning.

“I’ve always felt like an outsider not fitting the norm. I’ve been called a weirdo, misfit and a freak. That used to make me angry but not anymore. It’s become my source of strength and confidence. I’ve realised the power of it. All the people I find exciting and inspiring are somehow strange. We, the Weirdos, unite and feed off people’s judging attitudes. The fact is they’re just afraid of us. Afraid of our capability to create new and change the future. Are you a Weirdo? Join us…”

A Rasmus concert is not just a great rock show, it’s a celebration of individuality, a call to arms for every misfit hiding in the shadows.

Fri, Jan 30: The Triffid, Brisbane
Sat, Jan 31: Manning Bar, Sydney
Sun, Feb 1: Max Watts, Melbourne

Tickets from
thephoenix.au
News

News: CKY Gold Coast Two Piece, Atticus Chimps, Confirmed To Open All Shows This January.

CKY
Gold Coast Two Piece, Atticus Chimps,
Confirmed To Open All Shows This January.

CKY are the flag bearers for big, raw, authentic, earth-shaking rock liberated from useless pretence. They burned it all down, with a raucous, anarchic rock sound soaked in the skate-punk culture that birthed them; and a hard-partying lifestyle onstage and off that left decimated relationships and reputations in its wake.

Boasting a collection of killer rock anthems like 99 Quite Bitter Beings, Flesh Into Gear, Escape From Hellview and Familiar Realm, CKY’s music is a huge part of the infamous Jackass TV series as well as just about every skate and surf compilation of the era and covered by the likes of modern superstars, Polyphia, leaving a highly influential imprint on the current punk/alternate scene.

Following the infamous incident that forced the cancellation of their participation in the co-headline tour with Alien Ant Farm, the band are finally making their way to Australia in January for 3 very special shows.

Supporting them on all shows are Gold Coast, two piece Atticus Chimps. A rock & roll juggernaut, Atticus Chimps are bursting at the seam with passion and intensity, blending punk, grunge, hard rock, stoner rock, pop and the sounds that defined the ’90s and early ’00s. The band’s formation were largely influenced by a desire to hear the kind of music that they believe is absent in today’s modern rock landscape.

TOUR DATES
Friday, Jan 23: Max Watts, Melbourne
Saturday, Jan 24: Crowbar, Sydney
Sunday, Jan 25: Crowbar, Brisbane

Tickets via
www.thephoenix.au
News

Live Gallery: Cog

Cog

Supported by Headsend and Hammers

The Northern Hotel, Byron Bay

20th of December, 2025

 

Cog arrived at the Great Northern this weekend for the Byron Bay leg of their ‘Walk the Line’ tour. Supported by Headsend and Hammers, it was a night of alternative metal, progressive rock, funk, reggae, and psych sounds, often driven by thick basslines and atmospheric guitar work.

The crowd was enthusiastic, clearly excited to see one of their favourite bands play a mix of the songs that shaped Australia’s alternative rock scene of the early 2000’s, and their new single ‘Walk the Line’ released earlier this year.

Photos by Tim Ludlow.

MUSIC ARTS MEDIA