Live Review: Teddy Swims

Teddy Swims

Rod Laver Arena

 

A barefoot Matt Corby glides onto the stage, guitar in hand as the audience erupts into thunderous applause. He casually begins to sing, and as his voice fills the arena the audience are hushed into silence. He is captivating and enchanting all at once and a sensational singer to watch.

Mentioning the audience that he’s a little chuffed to be playing such a huge arena, and he shows his excitement during his short set. Playing a number of his hits, Corby shines with stand outs ‘Resolution’ and ‘Brother’, and while there may be some nervous energy in the performance he delivers the hits with relative ease.

As the lights go down, Teddy Swims appears on a platform, a single light illuminating him. Opening with ‘ Not Your Man’ he instantly has the attention of the crowd. Dressed in a white shirt and black shorts, he saunters the stage like he owns it, the audience enraptured.

Running through a number of hits including ” She Loves the Rain”, ” Need You More” and ” Black and White”, Swims is charismatic, cheeky and very entertaining. Before launching into ” Small Hands” he talks about his experience as a Dad, joking that his five month son is a loser because he can’t walk. In these moments, we see a vulnerability to Swims, behind all the ink and bravado there is a gentle man with a big heart. He may be cheeky and charismatic but his song writing proves he is indeed a deep individual with a talent of turning his pain into art, his vulnerability into success and hit songs.

Bringing out Tones & I the audience is treated to the live debut of their brand new single ” Gone, Gone, Gone” – released only this week, Swims compliments Toni on how great she looks before they blow the audience away with amazing vocals.

Teddy Swims was born to be on stage, that’s for certain and it’s evident by his pure joy throughout the show that he is pinching himself every moment. He is engaging, with an unforgettable voice and  the kind of charisma that can’t be manufactured in a television reality show- he has star quality that is infectious, raw and authentic.

The show’s production pulls absolutely no punches either with pyro, fireworks and a confetti cannon.

Teddy Swims has fast become a favorite with Australian audiences, and as he closes the show with ‘ The Door’ the stadium is singing in unison. As the house lights go up, on thing is for certain, Swims is a talented performer that puts on a solid show.

Words and snaps by Amanda Lee Starkey

 

News: CAST REVEALED FOR CLUEDO

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CAST REVEALED FOR CLUEDO

THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE MURDER MYSTERY BOARD GAME NOW A NEW STAGE PLAY FEATURING RHYS MULDOON, RACHAEL BECK, GENEVIEVE LEMON, OLIVIA DEEBLE AND GRANT PIRO.

The Australian cast has been revealed today for the premiere of Cluedo, the world’s favourite murder mystery board game which is coming to life on Australian stages from January 2026.

 

The cast for the game of whodunnit that’s gripped generations will include Octavia Barron Martin (Les Misérables) as the Cook, Rachael Beck (Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music) as Mrs White, Laurence Boxhall (Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap) as Mr Green, Lib Campbell (The 39 Steps) as Yvette, Olivia Deeble (Home & Away, Little Lunch) as Miss Scarlet, David James (Sound of Music, Muriel’s Wedding) as Professor Plum, Nat Jobe (Shrek the Musical, Aladdin) as Bobby, Genevieve Lemon (The Piano, Sister Act), as Mrs Peacock, Joshua Monaghan (Bell Shakespeare’s Coriolanus) as Mr Boddy, Rhys Muldoon (House Husbands, Rake) as Colonel Mustard, and Grant Piro (Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None) in the role of Wadsworth.

Based on the fan-favourite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie, Clue and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game that is the 5th highest selling board game of all time, Cluedo is the ultimate whodunnit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.

Tickets for the much-loved play are on sale for performances at Brisbane’s QPAC in January, Comedy Theatre in Melbourne in February 2026, Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide from March and Theatre Royal Sydney from April 2026.

Cluedo will be directed by Luke Joslin, who most recently directed the critically acclaimed and sell-out production of Grease for Crossroads Live, and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, which recently completed a successful season at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne.

Cluedo – also known as Clue in the US – has played on stage in the US and the UK to great success and sell out shows.

The film Clue is regarded as a cherished cult classic and featured a stellar cast including Tim Curry, Lesley Ann Warren, Christopher Lloyd and Madeleine Kahn.

Audiences will join the suspicious and slightly eccentric dinner guests Mr Green, Colonel Mustard, Mrs Peacock, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet and Mrs White as they arrive at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Professor Plum in the library with the wrench? One thing’s certain, everyone has something to hide.

This fast-paced, farcical comedy-thriller is a killer night of entertainment for fans of the board game, lovers of classic mysteries, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh with their larceny.

Grab your trench coat, channel your inner detective, and prepare for an evening of deadly fun!

John Frost for Crossroads Live presents

 

Cluedo

Directed by Luke Joslin

Set & Costume Design by James Browne

Lighting Design by Jasmine Rizk

Music & Sound Design by Sean Peter

 

From January 2026

QPAC Playhouse Theatre, Brisbane

 

From February 2026

Comedy Theatre, Melbourne

 

From March 2026

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide

 

From April 2026

Theatre Royal Sydney

 

Based on the screenplay Clue by Jonathan Lynn

Written by Sandy Rustin

Additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price

Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture

Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE

 

By special arrangement with Clue On Stage LLC

Originally produced at Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope, Pennsylvania, USA

Clue developed by Cleveland Playhouse, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

CLUE and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. (c) 2025 Hasbro. Licensed by Hasbro

 

Tickets on sale now via www.cluedoplay.com.au

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @cluedotheplay for further information and ticketing updates

 

360 ANNOUNCES MASSIVE 43-DATE ‘BACK N FORTH’ 2026 TOUR – HIS BIGGEST REGIONAL RUN YET WITH SPECIAL GUEST PEZ

Fresh off his sold-out capital city tour this year, ARIA award-winning and multi-platinum Australian rapper 360 is set to take it BACK N FORTH across regional Australia in 2026, today announcing an extensive run kicking off in February, joined by special guest and long-time collaborator, PEZ. Set to cover 43 dates next year, this tour promises a high-energy, career-spanning set featuring fresh and familiar fan-favourites, while also marking a full-circle moment for two of Australian hip hop’s most iconic voices.

Commencing on Thursday 5 February in Tamworth next year, the BACK N FORTH TOUR will journey to every pocket of the country, spanning Port Macquarie, Elizabeth Beach, Avalon, Newcastle, the Central Coast, Margaret River, Dunsborough, Gosnells, Shepparton, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Canberra, Werribee, Ulladulla, Wollongong, Torquay, Traralgon, South Morang, Mt Gambier, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Mt Evelyn, Ballarat, Chelsea Heights, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Caringbah, Kellyville Ridge, Dubbo, Bathurst, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Kingscliff, Coffs Harbour, Broken Hill, Mildura, Renmark and Elizabeth, before closing out this mammoth run on Saturday 27 June in Forth, Tasmania.

Tickets for 360’s BACK N FORTH TOUR go on sale to the general public on Thursday 30 October at 9:00am local time from http://www.teamwrktouring.com/tours/360-back-n-forth-tour. Fans can register for presale now from https://www.teamwrktouring.com/tours/360-back-n-forth-tour, with presale kicking off from Wednesday 29 October at 9am local time.

Undisputedly one of Australia’s most iconic and beloved rappers, 360 erupted onto the scene in the early 2000s, going on to blaze trails, storm charts, and also take home multiple ARIA Award nominations and two wins along the way. First turning heads with his 2008 debut album, What You See Is What You Get, it would be in 2011 that 360’s legendary status in the Australian and hip hop zeitgeist was cemented, with his album Falling & Flying ultimately showcasing the talented artist’s genre fluidity, emotive weight and unwavering charisma. Peaking at #4 on the ARIA Albums Chart, Falling & Flying went on to become certified double platinum, and also secured wins at the 2012 ARIA Music Awards for Breakthrough Artist – Release and Producer of the Year. From here, 360 released 2014’s Utopia, 2017’s Vintage Modern and, most recently, his latest record Out of the Blue, which dropped earlier this year. Debuting at #1 on the ARIA Australian Hip-Hop Albums Chart, Out of the Blue offered a resounding reminder of 360’s dexterity, dynamic flow and storytelling alongside magnetic new cuts Chasing Ghosts, Save My Soul and No Place To Go.

With his trademark electrifying stage presence that has seen him enrapture sold out headline crowds, captivate alongside the likes of Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, or dazzle onstage at Lollapalooza, Big Day Out and Splendour In The Grass, 360 remains one of the country’s most in demand acts and musical exports, with his most recent Out Of The Blue capital city tour entirely sold out; and, as 360 reveals, his passion for live performances has not waned despite a lack of down time between his many performances.

“I’m so keen to hit the road again,” shares 360 looking ahead to his monster 43-date regional run locked in for 2026. “It’s unusual, we’ve recently finished the capital cities tour and normally I would prefer more down time in between tours, but I noticed after about a month I was ready to go out again. I haven’t enjoyed touring like this in the past, so I’m stoked! This is going to be so fun…get me out there!”

 

“It’s a blessing to be able to travel the country doing what I love,” 360 continues. “Not only seeing parts of Australia I haven’t seen before, but getting to perform to fans who haven’t seen me live before, as well as fans who haven’t seen me live in a while! That’s the best part of regional tours, getting to perform in areas that not many artists are coming through. The fans really make the most of it.”

Also set to be joined by a very familiar face in 2026, the BACK N FORTH TOUR will reunite 360 with fellow local hip hop icon (and bestie) PEZ, with the pair’s history spanning back to their earlier career days as a duo under the name Forthwrite. Between 360 featuring on PEZ’s 2008 track The Festival Song through to PEZ collabing on 360’s 2014 single Live It Up and more recently Broken on the new record, the pair also recently joining forces for the sold out Out Of The Blue Tour, with The Live Wire declaring “the show was amazing, and showed that Australia’s hip hop future is reignited with the return of one of the best individual rappers Australia has ever seen”. And you’d better believe that any evening spent with these two prolific artists in the new year will result in nostalgia, storytelling – and a few surprises!

“When me and PEZ are together it’s always hectic and more fun,” 360 shares. “We’ll be bringing out some of our biggest classics as well as older joints we don’t usually get to perform on our own. So, the set will be a fun trip down memory lane.”

Prepare to witness some new cuts and classics that defined a generation across every pocket of the country when 360 heads BACK N FORTH in 2026.

Tickets for 360’s BACK N FORTH TOUR go onsale on Thursday 30 October at 9:00am local time from https://www.teamwrktouring.com/tours/360-back-n-forth-tour

360 – BACK N FORTH TOUR – 2026 TOUR DATES:

Tickets available from https://www.teamwrktouring.com/tours/360-back-n-forth-tour

 

THU 5 FEB 2026 | WESTS TAMWORTH, TAMWORTH NSW

FRI 6 FEB 2026 | FINNIANS, PORT MACQUARIE NSW

SAT 7 FEB 2026 | THE RECKY, ELIZABETH BEACH NSW

THU 12 FEB 2026 | AVALON RSL, AVALON NSW

FRI 13 FEB 2026 | KING STREET BAND ROOM, NEWCASTLE NSW

SAT 14 FEB 2026 | DRIFTERS WHARF, GOSFORD, CENTRAL COAST NSW

THU 26 FEB 2026 | THE RIVER, MARGARET RIVER WA

FRI 27 FEB 2026 | DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN, DUNSBOROUGH WA

SAT 28 FEB 2026 | GOSNELLS, GOSNELLS WA

THU 5 MAR 2026 | THE DECK, SHEPPARTON VIC

FRI 6 MAR 2026 | BEER DELUXE, ALBURY NSW

SAT 7 MAR 2026 | TILLY’S, WAGGA WAGGA NSW

SUN 8 MAR 2026 | UC HUB, CANBERRA ACT

FRI 13 MAR 2026 | STUDIO 185, WERRIBEE VIC

FRI 20 MAR 2026 | MARLIN HOTEL, ULLADULLA NSW

SAT 21 MAR 2026 | UNI BAR, WOLLONGONG NSW

THU 26 MAR 2026 | TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY VIC

FRI 27 MAR 2026 | THE DECK, TRARALGON VIC

SAT 28 MAR 2026 | COMMERCIAL HOTEL, SOUTH MORANG VIC

THU 9 APR 2026 | THE GLOBE, MT GAMBIER SA

FRI 10 APR 2026 | WHALERS, WARRNAMBOOL VIC

SAT 11 APR 2026 | THE DECK, BENDIGO VIC

THU 16 APR 2026 | YORK ON LILYDALE, MT EVELYN VIC

FRI 17 APR 2026 | THE DECK, BALLARAT VIC

SAT 18 APR 2026 | CHELSEA HEIGHTS HOTEL, CHELSEA HEIGHTS VIC

FRI 1 MAY 2026 | OLD BUNDY, BUNDABERG QLD

SAT 2 MAY 2026 | HARVEY ROAD TAVERN, GLADSTONE QLD

SUN 3 MAY 2026 | MCGUIRES, MACKAY QLD

THU 7 MAY 2026 | MAGNUMS, AIRLIE BEACH QLD

FRI 8 MAY 2026 | THE WAREHOUSE, TOWNSVILLE QLD

FRI 22 MAY 2026 | CARINGBAH HOTEL, CARINGBAH NSW

SAT 23 MAY 2026 | ETTAMOGAH PUB, KELLYVILLE RIDGE NSW

FRI 29 MAY 2026 | DUBBO RSL, DUBBO NSW

SAT 30 MAY 2026 | KEYSTONE 1889, BATHURST NSW

THU 4 JUN 2026 | RACEHORSE HOTEL, IPSWICH QLD

FRI 5 JUN 2026 | KINGS BEACH TAVERN, SUNSHINE COAST QLD

SAT 6 JUN 2026 | KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL, KINGSCLIFF NSW

SUN 7 JUN 2026 | JETTY BEACH HOUSE, COFFS HARBOUR NSW

THU 18 JUN 2026 | CIVIC CENTRE, BROKEN HILL NSW

FRI 19 JUN 2026 | HONEY BAR, MILDURA VIC

SAT 20 JUN 2026 | RENMARK CLUB, RENMARK SA

SUN 21 JUN 2026 | NORTHERN SOUND SYSTEM, ELIZABETH SA

SAT 27 JUN 2026 | FORTH PUB, FORTH TAS

Interview: Denis Carnahan

By overwhelming demand, the wickedly funny singer, songwriter and satirist Denis Carnahan is making a triumphant return to the stage this summer with his hilarious one-man cult hit musical comedy show, Cricket The Musical.

Ahead of the show we caught up with Denis to talk about all things Cricket.

 

1. “Rising from the ashes of Bazball” is a cracking line – what inspired that headline, and how do you balance genuine cricket fandom with your razor-sharp satire?

With all the hoo-haa and hype around the Ashes and Bazball, it seemed the logical choice for a tour name. I first performed Cricket The Musical in 2019, under the heading “The Debut Season”. Since then I’ve had fun coming up with short, cricket cliche laden names for each season’s show/tour. The 2020 shows were “The T20 Season”, I did three shows in 2021 so it was “The 2021 Hatrick”. I played two cities in 2022 so, it was “2 for 22” etc etc.
As for fandom v satire, cricket is designed for heartbreak and despair. The satire is just my way of dealing with Australia losing to India, and the very real possibility of England winning the Ashes.

2. You’ve called this season ‘filled with controversy and pantomime.’ If cricket were a theatre production, who would play the heroes, the villains, and the comic relief this summer?

Despite having recently retired, English cricketer Stuart Broad would comfortably play the hero, the villain and be the comic relief. He remains a villain to Australian fans, and a hero to English fans. He’s just declared the current Australian squad to be the worst since 2010, and the English Squad to be the best since then. He’d be right at home twirling the handle of his moustache if he had one!

3. Cricket The Musical has been called “better than The Lion King”, from a 14-year-old no less! What’s it like knowing your biggest competition might be both Timon and Shane Warne’s ghost?

I’d be more concerned with Rafiki and Scar than Timon, but it was a high honour that a 14 year old ranked me above him! Shane Warne did feature in a couple of songs when I started the musical, but mainly for his commentary. Since he passed away, I’ve been too sad to have anything in the show about him, and Eddie Perfect’s musical about him covered it all so wonderfully anyway.

4. You’ve spent nearly two decades writing about moustaches, sandpaper, and sportsmanship scandals – what’s been your favourite controversy to turn into a song?

There have been so many, it’s tough to choose. While last year’s Indian shoulder charge and 2018’s Sandpapergate still loom large, the 2023 Ashes series in England had soooo much melodrama and intrigue. Commentators were repeatedly saying “you couldn’t script this stuff”. So why even try? I just sing about exactly what happened, and it writes itself! That whole series has been my favourite, but this season may top it yet!

5. Your show tours alongside the real cricket season. How much of the musical changes as the series unfolds: do you update it in real-time based on what happens on the field?

I’m constantly updating the show. There are a few original songs that I always play to hold the structure together and introduce the characters, but as new drama unfolds on and off the field, that is brought into the show. I’m expecting the last show on the tour in Sydney on Jan 10 (after the 5th Ashes Test), will be 30 or 40 percent different material from the opening show of the season in Perth on November 19, before the 1st Ashes test being played there.

6. You described the Big Bash as “burlesque.” If it really were, which cricketer would you cast as the lead dancer, and what would their stage name be?

Last season the lead dancer would have to have been Mitchell Owen. Going from being a kid on the hill at Bellerive Oval kitted out in Hobart Hurricanes gear, to being the match winning local hero scoring a record equalling century in a record breaking run chase to win their first title. Fairy tale stuff! Apparently his nickname is Temu Mitch Marsh, but I don’t know if that works any more.
Grace Harris would have to be the lead from the WBBL. Complaining her bat is broken then saying “stuff it, I’ll hit it anyway” and proceeding to hit a six, holding the broken handle aloft victoriously as the blade of the bat twirled away through the air. Glamorous Grace, the Bat Smashing Ace?

7. Your songs have been played across ABC, Fox Sports, and Triple M. What do you think makes sport such a perfect muse for musical comedy?

Anyone that follows any sport knows the madness it can bring out of seemingly sane people. I’ve felt that madness. I’m not alone in having stayed up all night then cried over wins and losses by people I’ve never met, who are playing what could easily be described as a silly, silly game with absurd, archaic, yet venerated rules, over 10,000 miles away. There is no better muse!

8. From the ‘Farce of the Wandering Bairstow’ to ‘Mitchell Johnson’s Moustache,’ your humour walks a fine line between cheeky and cutting. Have you ever had a player confront you about one of your parodies?

So far I haven’t had any negative reactions. Mitchell Johnson referred to my love song about his moustache in his speech after winning the Alan Border Medal, so I don’t think it upset him.
Whenever I’m writing, I always have in the back of my mind singing what I’m writing directly to the people/person involved. That tends to keep it respectful! I’ve played at a lot of sporting functions, often singing roast songs about the people that are there. I figure by the time a cricketer comes to my attention, they’ve stood in front of someone bowling 150kmh, won and lost hundreds of times, had 1000 on field sledges thrown at them, and had unpleasant things written about them in the press and social media. A little bit of musical comedy would be water off a duck’s back.

9. Cricket The Musical brings together songs, sketches, and caricatures – if you could immortalise one current cricketer as a cartoon character in your show, who would it be and why?

Another tough one! With all his quirks, mannerisms, unorthodoxy, OCD pads-box-bat tapping routines, and extravagant leaves, Steve Smith would make a fabulous cartoon character, but I think Travis Head would be the one. He’s such a throwback to a bygone age of sportsmanship, belligerence, aggression and off field social life. That moustache would be drawn like Yosemite Sam’s and put him just ahead of “Smudge” Smith.

10. After touring Australia this summer, what’s next? Are we likely to see Rugby: The Opera, Tennis: The Tragedy, or even Bazball: The Sequel?

I’ve been doing Rugby League The Musical as a season review show every year for almost a decade in Sydney, often venturing into regional NSW and Qld. There’s a lottttt of scope for a similar musical review for the AFL too. A while ago I was doing weekly political satire songs for Fairfax. The dream would be to meld them all together somehow. Although, taking Cricket The Musical to The UK, India or South Africa would be a lot of fun!

 

So prepare yourself to boo the villains and cheer the heroes as Cricket The Musical brings songs to life on stage, with videos, sketches and caricatures celebrating the many controversies of this summer’s matches. Tickets are now on sale available at cricketthemusical.com.au

CRICKET THE MUSICAL:

Perth – Nov 19, 20, Studio Underground, State Theatre

Brisbane – Dec 2, The Old Museum, Bowen Hills

Adelaide – Dec 14, Lion Arts Factory, CBD

Melbourne – Dec 27, 28, The Show Room, Arts Centre Melbourne
Sydney – Jan 3, 4, 9 & 10 – The Bridge Hotel, Rozelle

TICKETS: cricketthemusical.com.au

DIESEL EXTENDS HIS ‘BY REQUEST’ TOUR ADDING 21 SHOWS FOR 2026

Off the back of the extraordinary success of his current 15 date regional BY REQUEST tour of Australia, beloved singer-songwriter and musician Diesel is set to extend his epic run, adding 21 shows for Jan, Feb, March and April 2026. Offering a one-of-a-kind conversation between artist and audience, Diesel’s, BY REQUEST tour opens the door for fans to shape the night, with the tour set to continue delivering career-spanning, hit-filled evenings powered entirely by audience requests.

Kicking off with three shows in Tasmania from January 30, the extended tour will then move through to NSW, QLD, NT, SA, ACT and VIC, before fittingly finishing up with a hometown show at the iconic Sydney Opera House on April 26.

Tickets to the BY REQUEST ’26 tour will go on sale to the general public on Thursday October 30 at 9am local time from dieselmusic.com.au. Fans can register for presale tickets now from dieselmusic.com.au, with presale kicking off on Wednesday October 29 at 10am local time.

With song choices on offer ranging from Diesel’s debut album, 1989’s Johnny Diesel & The Injectors, through to his most recent LP, Bootleg Melancholy, if the current run of shows is anything to go by, the BY REQUEST tour will likely also feature some eclectic covers from the artists that have shaped Diesel’s career. An intimate, electric and completely audience-driven experience, the BY REQUEST tour is a bespoke affair, with a guarantee that no two shows will be the same across the run.

“It’s safe to say, when an artist makes a set list, they are second guessing what people want to hear most of the time,” explains Diesel. “With the BY REQUEST TOUR, I feel like I’m hitting the sweet spot every night when I compile a set full of songs and anecdotes, directly given to me by the people that are going to be there on the night. As it turns out, we like a lot of the same music (go figure)!

“It’s a distinctly different experience when you perform a song knowing that it’s been asked for, a tangible feeling for the performer and the audience, it has also pushed me into the deep crevices of my back catalogue, with some of my most fervent listeners shining a guiding light through these caves. As I journey into my 4th decade of making music, I can’t think of a better way to look back, take stock and celebrate than to engage with all who have graced me with this longevity.”

Operating under the moniker Diesel, American-born, Aussie-based roots rock guitarist and singer Mark Lizotte has spent decades cementing his status as one of Australia’s greatest music success stories. First turning heads with his first band, Johnny Diesel & the InjectorsLizotte soon launched a solo career in the 1990s, introducing the world to Diesel – and the rest truly was history. With multiple #1 albums, several ARIA Award wins, including three consecutive wins in 1993, 1994 and 1995, Diesel has remained both a chart staple and live fan-favourite over the years. From opening for Jimmy Barnes through to recording with the likes of Terry Manning (Joe Cocker, Fabulous Thunderbirds, ZZ Top), working as a producer and multi-instrumentalist, and balancing grittier blues rock territory with moments of soul, jazz and introspective lyricism throughout his solo career, Diesel most recently expanded on his powerful discography in 2023 via the release of his 17th studio album, Bootleg Melancholy, with the album praised for its lyrical cohesion, warmth and soaring pop hues.

Tickets to the BY REQUEST ’26 tour will go on sale to the general public on Thursday October 30 at 9am local time from dieselmusic.com.au.

DIESEL BY REQUEST – 2026 TOUR DATES
All tickets available from dieselmusic.com.au

FRI 30 JAN | LITTLE SISTERS GENERAL STORE, SISTERS BEACH TAS
SAT 31 JAN | EASY TIGER, ST HELENS TAS
SUN 01 FEB | SPRING BAY MILL, TRIABUNNA TAS
FRI 06 FEB | DUBBO REGIONAL THEATRE, DUBBO NSW
SAT 07 FEB | ORANGE CIVIC THEATRE, ORANGE NSW
SAT 14 FEB | BLUE MOUNTAINS THEATRE, SPRINGWOOD NSW
SUN 15 FEB | AVOCA BEACH THEATRE, AVOCA BEACH NSW
FRI 20 FEB | BROTHERS LEAGUES CLUB, CAIRNS QLD
SAT 21 FEB | HINCHINBROOK SHIRE HALL, INGHAM QLD
SUN 22 FEB | THE WAREHOUSE, TOWNSVILLE QLD
FRI 13 MAR | CIVIC CENTRE, IPSWICH QLD
SAT 14 MAR | MANSFIELD ARENA, BRISBANE QLD
SUN 15 MAR | MIAMI MARKETTA, GOLD COAST QLD
FRI 20 MAR | ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE, ALICE SPRINGS NT
SAT 21 MAR | DUNSTAN PLAYHOUSE, ADELAIDE SA
FRI 10 APR | THE STREET THEATRE, CANBERRA ACT
SAT 11 APR | BOWRAL MEMORIAL HALL, BOWRAL NSW
THU 16 APR | GECC, GLADSTONE QLD
FRI 17 APR | LEICHHARDT HOTEL, ROCKHAMPTON QLD
FRI 24 APR | MEMO MUSIC HALL, ST KILDA VIC
SUN 26 APR | SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE – STUDIO, SYDNEY NSW

News: CONAN GRAY ANNOUNCES 2026 GLOBAL ARENA RUN — WISHBONE WORLD TOUR

CONAN GRAY ANNOUNCES 2026 GLOBAL ARENA RUN —
WISHBONE WORLD TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST ESHA TEWARI

Australia & New Zealand dates confirmed for Sept/Oct 2026

Tickets Available Starting Wednesday, October 22 with Artist Presale

General Onsale Begins Friday, October 24 at 9am local on ConanGray.com

For approved artist images and hi-res tour art, please download HERE.

MELBOURNE (21 October): Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Conan Gray has announced his highly anticipated 2026 Wishbone World Tour with special guest Esha Tewari, in support of his critically acclaimed fourth studio album Wishbone (Republic Records). The 42-city global run kicks off February 19 at Target Center in Minneapolis, bringing Conan’s next era to life across North America, Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

The tour will showcase support from rising pop artist Esha Tewari across all dates. North American stops include Toronto, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and more before heading to Europe in May for shows in Dublin, London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and beyond.

The 2026 Wishbone World Tour includes arena performances in Australia and New Zealand, commencing Saturday, September 26 at Auckland’s Spark Arena followed by Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, September 29, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney on Thursday October 1, Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Saturday October 3, Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Monday October 5, before wrapping on Thursday, October 8 at RAC Arena in Perth.

An artist presale commences Wednesday October 22 at 9am running until Friday October 24 at 8am.

To participate in the Conan Gray Artist Presale, you must sign up at https://shop.conangray.com/pages/tour. No codes are needed – access is tied to your Ticketmaster account or presale ticket link will be provided, and anyone who signs up can join the sale.

Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Australia. Mastercard Presale starts Wednesday October 22 at 9amand ends Friday October 24 at 8am. Plus, Preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available from Friday October 24 at 9am. Check out priceless.com/music for details.

 One NZ customers can be among the first to secure tickets during a presale starting Wednesday October 22, 9am and concluding Friday October 24 at 8am. Head to one.nz/music.

Secret Sounds presale commences Thursday October 23 at 9am, concluding Friday October 24 at 8am.

General public tickets onsale Friday October 24 at 9am. All times are local (Tickets go on sale in the time zone of the venue you are purchasing for – not your personal time zone).

VIP:  The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit conangray.com.\

The announcement follows Conan’s record-breaking year with Wishbone, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Album Sales chart and Top 3 on the Billboard 200 — marking the highest chart debut and biggest sales week of his career. Earlier this year, Conan completed The Wishbone Pajama Show Tour, playing sold-out venues across the U.S. and Mexico, including a landmark debut at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and his first-ever headline shows in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

 

CONAN GRAY: WISHBONE WORLD TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST ESHA TEWARI 

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES: 

Sat Sept 26 – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena

Tue Sept 29 – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Thu Oct 1 – Sydney, AU – Qudos Bank Arena

Sat Oct 3 – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena

Mon Oct 5 – Adelaide, AU – Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Thu Oct 8 – Perth, AU – RAC Arena

 

Artist Presale: Wed 22 Oct, 9am – Fri 24 Oct, 8am

Mastercard / One NZ Presales: Wed 22 Oct, 9am – Fri 24 Oct, 8am

Secret Sounds Presale: Thu 23 Oct, 9am – Fri 24 Oct, 8am

GP Onsale: Fri 24 Oct, 9am

 

INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES:

Thu Feb 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center

Sat Feb 21 – Fishers, IN – Fishers Event Center

Mon Feb 23 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Wed Feb 25 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Fri Feb 27 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

Sat Feb 28 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

Mon Mar 02 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena

Wed Mar 04 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center

Fri Mar 06 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

Sat Mar 07 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center

Tue Mar 10 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

Wed Mar 11 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Fri Mar 13 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena

Mon Mar 16 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Wed Mar 18 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

Fri Mar 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

Tue May 5 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena

Thu May 7 – Birmingham, UK – bp Pulse LIVE

Sat May 9 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena

Sun May 10 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

Tue May 12 – London, UK – O2 Arena

Thu May 14 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome

Fri May 15 – Antwerp, BE – AFAS Dome

Sat May 16 – Dusseldorf, DE – Mitsubishi Electric Halle

Mon May 18 – Paris, FR – Adidas Arena

Thu May 21 – Hamburg, DE – Sporthalle

Sat May 23 – Oslo, NO – Unity Arena

Mon May 25 – Stockholm, SE – Avicii Arena

Tue May 26 – Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena

Thu May 28 – Berlin, DE – Max-Schmeling-Halle

Fri May 29 – Krakow, PL – Tauron Arena

Sun May 31 – Prague, CZ – O2 Universum

Mon June 1 – Vienna, AT – Wiener Stadthalle

Wed June 3 – Bergamo, IT – ChorusLife Arena

Sat June 6 – Madrid, ES – Palacio Vistalegre

Sun June 7 – Lisbon, PT – MEO Arena

 

 

ABOUT CONAN GRAY

Nobody has tapped into the thoughts and feelings of his generation quite like Conan Gray. The Texas native has transformed into the quintessential Gen Z singer-songwriter and pop artist by never losing sight of where he came from and designing a world without comparison. Conan turns the page to his next chapter with his fourth studio album, Wishbone, released on August 15th, 2025. Continuing a partnership that dates back to 2018, he welcomed GRAMMY® Award winner Dan Nigro back as Executive Producer for the album, along with producers Ethan Gruska, Noah Conrad, Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd.

Conan left an indelible imprint on pop culture in 2020 when his debut LP Kid Krow, produced by Dan Nigro, bowed at #5 on the Billboard 200. Kid Krow went Platinum and yielded a series of signature smashes, including the 4x-Platinum “Heather,” 3x-Platinum “Maniac,” Gold-Certified “Comfort Crowd,” “The Story,” “Wish You Were Sober,” and “The Cut That Always Bleeds.” Among these staples, he entered rarified air with “Heather”, which has become one of a handful of songs with 2 billion streams penned by one writer – Conan himself.

With over 12 billion global streams to date, Conan returned to the Top 15 of the Billboard 200 with Superache (2022), Found Heaven (2024), and Wishbone (2025). He has incited the applause of The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vogue, GQ, V Man, PAPER, The FADER, Billboard, and NPR in addition to performing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, TODAY, and more. In 2024, Conan took flight as an arena headliner, selling out hallowed venues around the world such as Madison Square Garden, the Kia Forum, and Wembley Arena. A fixture at events like the Met Gala, he is just as uncompromisingly influential as a style icon, embracing a fashion-forward aesthetic like no other. Beyond thriving as a songwriter and performer, Conan also serves as the core creative director for his project, meticulously shaping every layer of his vision for each album era. He continues this trend on Wishbone – 12 self-written songs from a world all his own.

 

ABOUT ESHA TEWARI

Esha Tewari is a 19-year-old alternative singer-songwriter who has rapidly ascended from her bedroom recordings to international acclaim. Esha grew into the spotlight, attracting her Gen Z cult-like fanbase through hauntingly emotional, heartfelt writing and ear-worm melodies. With millions of active fans known as the ‘Tewarians,’ Esha connects with her audience at a personal level, like ripping out a page from their diary, resonating deeply with her audience world wide.

Her breakthrough came in 2024 when debut single “with ease” gained traction on TikTok, followed by her iconic voice-memo track “beautiful boy” which grabbed the attention of her earliest fans, saying everything they wanted to say but couldn’t. In January 2025, she released her viral single “you were mine,” from her third EP “wraith” garnering praise from her fanbase and the independent music community. She spent the rest of 2025 touring the US and Australia with 18 dates in her North American tour, and sold out all 12 shows in Australian metro cities. Her North American tour included sold-out performances at iconic venues such as Chicago’s Lincoln Hall, LA’s Lodge room, and the Bowery Ballroom, paving a promising path for her exciting future.

 

News: LANCE FERGUSON UNVEILS SOULFUL BILLIE EILISH COVER “MY FUTURE (FEAT. RITA SATCH)

LANCE FERGUSON UNVEILS SOULFUL BILLIE EILISH COVER

“MY FUTURE (FEAT. RITA SATCH)”

AHEAD OF NEW ALBUM ‘RARE GROOVE SPECTRUM, VOL. 3’

Photo Credit: Ian Laidlaw

 

DOWNLOAD / PRIVATE SOUNDCLOUD / STREAM

TRUDD677 | Lance Ferguson – ‘My Future feat. Rita Satch’ | Digital Single | Out Now

TRU471D / TRULP471 / TRUCD471 | Lance Ferguson – ‘Rare Groove Spectrum, Vol. 3’ / Album

(Digital, Vinyl, CD) | Release Date: Friday 21st November

 

Previous praise for Lance Ferguson…

“Lance Ferguson is a man of many talents …” GQ Magazine (AUS)

“He’s sounding younger and more potent with every record …” The Herald Sun (AUS)

“Australia’s answer to Mark Ronson” Blues & Soul Magazine (U.K)

“One man’s vision of Soul music’s evolving potential”  Rolling Stone Magazine

“Keeping close tabs on anything Lance Ferguson does is not just recommended, but pretty necessary” Wax Poetics (USA)

 

Melbourne-based, multi-hyphenate Lance Ferguson returns with a rich reinterpretation of Billie Eilish’s 2020 hit “My Future”, featuring the powerhouse vocals of Rita Satch. The new single offers another glimpse into Lance’s forthcoming album ‘Rare Groove Spectrum, Vol. 3’, dueFriday 21st November.

Bringing a sultry, 1970s Soul aesthetic to Eilish’s introspective pop ballad, Lance blends live instrumentation and lush harmonic layers with Rita Satch’s compelling vocal delivery, creating a version that’s both reverent and strikingly original.

Billie Eilish’s ‘My Future’ is a great example of a contemporary Pop tune that has real harmonic interest – it’s almost like a modern Jazz standard,”Lance explains. “I had messed around with this a while ago as a guitar instrumental but I felt it would really shine on this record with Rita Satch on vocals… She really makes the song her own, it’s an incredible performance.” Lance Ferguson 

Following previous singles “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This” and “Dominoes”, “My Future” is the third release from ‘Rare Groove Spectrum, Vol. 3’, a continuation of Lance’s celebrated series that shines new light on soul, jazz and funk deep cuts and classics. Reimagined through live performance with a deep musical sensitivity, the series has earned high praise from Gilles Peterson, Jazz FM, Craig Charles, Bandcamp and others across the global groove scene.

Lance is a force within Australian music. Known for his work with The Bamboos, Menagerie and Lanu, Lance has carved a reputation as one of Australia’s most versatile and visionary musical minds. Lance has produced 45 full-length albums and more than 100 singles and remixesfor an array of respected labels, including Atlantic, Universal, Warner, BMG, Sony, Tru Thoughts (UK), Ubiquity (USA), Inertia (Australia), Freestyle (UK) and his own imprint Pacific Theatre.

With Seven ARIA Award nominations and five APRA Music Award nominations, Lance’s global breakthrough came with co-writing and producing the viral smash ‘This Girl’ by Kungs vs Cookin’ On 3 Burners, which topped charts in over 10 countries, charted in 29, and amassed over 1.27 billion Spotify streams and 545 million YouTube views, earning multiple Platinum and Diamond certifications worldwide.

Lance’s collaborative spirit has seen him work with a diverse roster of artists including Aloe Blacc, Roy Ayers, Alice Russell, Durand Jones, Tim Rogers, Daniel Merriweather, Quantic, Lyrics Born, Joey Dosik, Kylie Auldist, TY, and J-Live.

His music has featured in over 200 compilations and numerous international sync placements, including CSI NYC, Grey’s Anatomy, Homeland, The Blacklist, House of Cards, and Suits, as well as advertising campaigns for brands like BMW, Old El Paso, Westpac, Chase Manhattan, and Miss Dior. His film credits include Crazy Stupid Love, Good Hair, and Jurassic Park: Rebirth.

As a guitarist, Lance has collaborated with legends such as Ed Sheeran,Syl Johnson, Joe Bataan, Eddie Bo, Betty Harris, and more. His performances have taken him to iconic venues worldwide, including The Barbican (London), The Jazz Café, Low End Theory (LA), The Brighton Jazz Rooms, New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris, and throughout Australia and New Zealand.

FOLLOW LANCE FERGUSON:
Instagram | Facebook | X | Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp | YouTube | Website

News: BATTLE BEAST Announce First Ever Australian Tour!

Battle Beast is not just another metal band. They are a phenomenon” – ReflectionsOf Darknes.com

 

“Battle Beast have carved their name and their reputation as both modern metal titans and a must-see live show. – Metal Planet

“An incredible performance that we will not forget” – LoudFlash.com

 

 

FINLAND’S POWER METAL TITANS BATTLE BEAST ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN TOUR

BATTLE BEAST do not write songs. They write anthems. Big riffs. Soaring melodies. Unbridled energy. A triumphant evolution fusing classic heavy metal with ’80s-tinged hard rock, cinematic synths and infectious pop hooks. And they deliver these anthems live with all the force of a category nine hurricane.

Having amassed multiple platinum selling albums across Europe, sold out tours worldwide, shared stages withSabaton and Nightwish (who have covered a Battle Beast song live); and collaborated with Amaranthe, Battle Beast are thrilled to announce their long-awaited debut Australian tour fresh off the electrifying release of their seventh studio album Steelbound.

“We’re beyond excited to finally bring our beastly sound to the land of endless horizons and killer crowds,” says incredible frontwoman Noora Louhimo. “Australia’s metal scene has been calling to us for years – get ready for a night of pure escapism, headbanging fury, and memories that’ll last a lifetime!”

Battle Beast March 2026 Australian Tour Dates

Tuesday March 10th PERTH, Magnet House

Wednesday March 11th ADELAIDE, Lion Arts Factory

Friday March 13th MELBOURNE, Max Watts

Saturday March 14th SYDNEY, Manning Bar

Sunday March 15th BRISBANE, Crowbar

 

Tickets:

Pre-sale: Friday October 24th @ 9:00amlocal

General Public On Sale: Monday 27thOctober @ 9:00am local

From: https://thephoenix.au/

Live Review and Gallery: Royel Otis

Royel Otis

Supported by Florence Road

Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane

20th of October, 2025

 

Indie-pop masters, Royel Otis, brought their ‘Meet Me in the Car’ tour to the Fortitude Valley last night. Their first of two sold out shows in Brisbane, and second Australian city of the tour, saw the lads deliver an insanely well put together show. I’ve been excited for this one for months, eager to see their new live set after the recent rise to one of Australia’s most listened to bands.

Despite the Monday night timeslot, they played to a packed house at Fortitude Music Hall. The Sydney duo — Royel Maddell (guitar) and Otis Pavlovic (vocals) — proved that their meteoric rise is matched by a live show that’s raw, charming and unmistakably Australian. Picture groups of friends locked in arms jumping in circles, entire crowd singalongs, and lyrics being belted towards stage.

While they have only just started their Aussie leg, Royel Otis are in the wake of ticking off some meteoric festivals – including Glastonbury, Lollapalooza and Fuji Rock – and many sold out shows across America and Europe. With essentially two sold out shows in each of Australia’s capital cities, they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

Off the back of their latest album release ‘Hickey’, Royel Otis have a well-established catalogue of songs that any decades old band would be envious of. The set list was a mixture  of some of their old favourites like, ‘Fried Rice’, ‘I Wanna Dance With You’, ‘Bull Breed’ and ‘Sofa King’, and the new favourites ‘Moody’, ‘Car’ and ‘Say Something’ – topped off with their popular covers of ‘Linger’ (The Cranberries) and ‘Murder on the Dance Floor’ (Sophie Ellis-Bextor). I mean does it really get much better?

From the moment the lights dimmed, and the first chords rang out, the hall was a buzz of excitement. They opened strong, with a shared energy that carried through the night. Otis’ vocals were, at times, cool and collected, at others emotionally unguarded — a perfect foil for Royel’s shimmering, reverb-laden guitar work. Songs melted into others seamlessly and the show as a whole felt lively, with no major down moments. Backed by some slick, neon visuals, and Otis’s endearing dance moves, I was hooked the whole set.

In a show like this, Royel Otis reaffirmed that their success isn’t just about studio polish or streaming numbers — it’s about connection, energy, and the ability to translate their recorded material into something live and meaningful. With awards and international recognition already stacking up (watch out 2025 ARIA’s – and potential 2026 Grammy nominations???), they’re not resting on laurels; they’re showing why the hype is justified.

This Brisbane show was proof: this band are not just on the rise — they’re here to stay.

Review and Photos by Tim Ludlow (Astray Photography).

                 

News: Harper Bloom shares new EP A House of Cards

Naarm/Melbourne based indie pop artist Harper Bloom unveils her long awaited EP A House Of Cards, available Friday 31 October.

Unfolding over four tracks, Harper Bloom shares her personal journey with discovering and celebrating her queer identity.

PREVIEW EP

Featuring tracks “Sleepyhead” and “Girl Like You”, A H ouse O f C ar d s introduces us to “The Cobra” and “Mrs Brown”. Harper creates a safe and relatable space with her vulnerable songwriting, encouraging the LGBTQIA+ community to live boldly and unapologetically themselves.

Harper shared,

“ A House of Cards is an explosive ode to queer self -expression. I t was written at a time where I finally found my confidence as a queer and gender fluid artist and it’s a collection of synth- part y pop anthems that celebrate  that .”

An empowering coming-of-age anthem, “Sleepyhead” features lush synths and a very cute children’s choir.

“Girl Like You” sees Harper swept up in the allure of a mysterious woman, pulling you in with an addictively groovy bassline and quirky lyrics.

With grungy electric guitars, Harper is both consumed and intimidated by her unsaid feelings on“The Cobra. Song “Mrs Brown” is a fast-paced synth-heavy track turning a toxic dynamic between teacher and student into a playful jab at Harper’s strict catholic schooling.

Melbourne fans can hear A House Of Cards live at the official EP launch on Thursday 20 November at Bergy Bandroom in Brunswick.

Named as one of The Music’s Must-See Acts, Harper recently showcased her punchy pop anthems to fans and industry alike at world-renowned music industry gathering BIGSOUND in Brisbane.

Known for her cinematic live show, Harper crafts quirky indie-party anthems that celebrate individuality and coming-of-age queer identity. With over half a million Spotify streams and industry acclaim from NME, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, triple j and more, her voice has resonated far beyond the underground.

Gracing the stage earlier this year at Beyond The Valley, Harper has also supported world-class acts like James Marriott and Sophie May as well as local legends Rum Jungle, Surf Trash, Montaigne and Alex the Astronaut. Earning love from Spotify and Apple Music with her 2024 EP F lutterby, Harper Bloom carried the momentum into 2025 with

“Girl Like You” scoring spots in Pop n’ Fresh, New Music Friday and All New Pop.

With Team Trick management (Mallrat, Allday, Tyne-James Organ) and booking agency Cult Artists (Parcels, Esha Tewari, Boo Seeka) on her side, Harper Bloom is taking the industry by storm.

A House Of Cards is available Friday 31 October wherever you consume stellar tunes

 

EP LAUNCH SHOW

Thursday 20 November 2025

Bergy Bandroom

Brunswick, VIC

Tickets available here

A House O f Cards

1. Sleepyhead

2. Girl Like You

3. The Cobra

4. Mrs Brown

Co-written by Harper Bloom and Tim Cox

Co-Produced by Harper Bloom, Edward Qu

MUSIC ARTS MEDIA