Crowded House

Rod Laver Arena

A Night of Magic in Melbourne

Melbourne was treated to an unforgettable performance by Crowded House, a band whose timeless music continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Playing to a packed venue, the band delivered a masterful set that celebrated their legacy while proving they remain as dynamic and relevant as ever.

The evening opened with the shimmering chords of “Mean To Me,” instantly drawing the audience into their signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and melodic brilliance. Neil Finn, as always, was a charismatic and soulful presence, effortlessly connecting with the crowd through his warm anecdotes and flawless vocals. The synergy between Finn and his bandmates, including his talented sons Liam and Elroy, brought a fresh energy to the classics, reminding fans why Crowded House remains a household name.

The Finn brothers work well in unison together, having performed together for several decades, there is a familiarity between them that shows, and they’re comfortable together on stage. Tim seems to revel in the adoration of the crowd, the louder they sing the more he enjoys himself.

Highlights of the night included rousing renditions of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Strong,” with the crowd joining in a jubilant singalong that filled the venue with a communal spirit. The band’s newer material also shone brightly, showcasing their ability to evolve without losing the essence of what makes them special.

 

For long-time fans, the night felt like a heartfelt reunion. For newcomers, it was an invitation into a world of exceptional songwriting and timeless melodies. Crowded House’s Melbourne show wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of music’s power to unite, inspire, and transcend generations. People danced, raised their arms to the sky and hugged as they sang to their favourite songs.

 

A flawless performance from a band that continues to define the gold standard in live music.

A Very Naughty Christmas

Alex Theatre, St Kilda

Either their therapy hasn’t worked or ours hasn’t as the cast of A Very Naughty Christmas are back at it again!

Not having had enough of Melbourne last season, the cast have returned for a hilarious second run at the provocative adults only show.

The brilliant Tim Paige is back at the helm as a very naughty Santa, he leads the cast in a raunchy show that puts the talents of the cast on display. This season though Tim has upped the ante with even more raunchy jokes, risqué dancing and a sensational performance that will leave the audience in stitches. A Santa that takes photos of his dick, and swears like a sailor- why not? Tim is absolutely brilliant in the role and it’s fantastic to see him return to lead this bunch of misfits.

Joining Tim are Kate Yaxley (Groundhog Day) and Jordan Twigg (Billy Elliott, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), both of whom are also returning to the Melbourne show for its second year. Also starring in the cheeky production are Grace Laing(The Voice), Justin Wise (Marvelous The Show), Jarrod Moore(Moulin Scrooge), Callum Marshall (Elvis: A Musical Revolution) and Asmara Soekotjo (Miss Saigon, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat).

Kate Yaxley gives a stellar performance this season, her facial expressions and silliness are infectious, she puts everything into the role and is just a delight to watch.

This season though the jokes are ruder and cruder than before, making references to popular culture that is relevant and hilarious. With all new songs and skits, the show is such a fun ride from start to finish.

One of the highlights of the evening is a burlesque performance to ‘ Rudolf You Don’t Have to Put on a Red Light’ which is utterly ridiculous, hilarious and so cleverly done. It’s sexy, stupid and just so funny. 

Another highlight is the excessively funny “ Santa Doesn’t Love You Because You’re Poor” which pokes fun at the cost of living and wealth. It’s an absolute riot and the crowd are in stitches throughout the whole number.

Audience participation is a must with the show, whether its having coal being thrown at you, or getting up on stage to participate in a version of  ‘ The Night Before Christmas’ – albeit a very saucy version, or being serenaded the cast include the audience on this raucous adventure every step of the way.

A Very Naughty Christmas is an excellent show that is like no other. It will have you laughing till you cry, gasping in shock and occasionally blushing. But it’s all in good fun and it’s such an entertaining show.

Having fast achieved cult status with its playlist of Christmas classics as you’ve never heard them before, this year the show will play in three cities: in Brisbane at La Boite, Gold Coast atThe Star and Melbourne at Alex Theatre St. Kilda.

 

All three cities are now on-sale. To book tickets for the hilarious Christmas romp, visit www.averynaughtychristmas.com

A VERY NAUGHTY CHRISTMAS 2024

Melbourne, 5-21 December – Alex Theatre St. Kilda

Brisbane, 21 November-18 December – La Boite

Gold Coast, 20-21 December – The Star

www.averynaughtychristmas.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Damiano David has today announced a massive 2025 global tour with dates across Europe, Australia, North America, South America and Asia next year. Encompassing 31 dates across five continents, the newly announced tour dates are a true statement of intent as Damiano David continues to introduce himself on the world stage.

 

The tour begins Thursday, September 11th in Warsaw, Poland (COS Torwar), with a string of shows across Europe, before continuing to Australia with shows in Sydney on Wednesday, October 22nd at Enmore Theatre and Melbourne on Friday, October 24th at The Forum. The tour will then head on to Japan and South America, before concluding in North America with the final show hitting Washington DC on Tuesday, December 16th at The Fillmore.

 

Speaking on the tour announcement, Damiano said: “I’m beyond excited to announce my first ever world tour as a solo artist. I can’t wait to connect with all of you in person and share my new music. Every city is going to be a celebration of the music, the fans, and the journey we’re all about to go on together. See you out there!”

 

Fans can sign up for exclusive presale access at damianodavidofficial.com. Fan presale begins Wednesday 11 December at 10am local time. The general on sale begins Monday, December 16 at 10 am local time at damianodavidofficial.com.

 

The tour announcement follows the release of Damiano David’s vibrant track Born With A Broken Heart, the second offering, and first single, from his highly anticipated new solo project. The song boasts an anthemic quality with synth led melodies and a hook laden chorus that truly announces Damiano as a solo artist for the global stage. Listen here. Watch the video here.

 

Born With A Broken Heart followed previously released Silverlines, a stunningly wrought and theatrical composition produced by Labrinth. Listen here. Watch the music video here. The incredible debut offering is completely different stylistically to Born With A Broken Heart, already showing off the versatility and dizzying ambition of Damiano’s solo work.

 

Damiano has already given audiences a taste of what to expect from his live show with his solo live TV debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing both tracks (watch here and here), as well as a performance of Silverlines on Italy’s Che Tempo Che Fa (watch here). Damiano recently covered Man About Town’s Autumn/Winter 2024 issue. Earlier this year he attended GQ’s Men Of The Year party and Business of Fashion’s 500 Gala where he was honored as a new member. Damiano is currently Diesel’s first-ever global male ambassador and worked alongside creative director Glenn Martens on an exclusive capsule collection for the brand.

 

Damiano David has made his name as an acclaimed Italian singer-songwriter, where his journey from the streets of Rome to international stardom and establishing himself as a powerhouse in the global music scene, is nothing short of extraordinary. Damiano received global recognition and critical acclaim as the lead vocalist of Måneskin, who played fully sold out arena shows across Australia in 2023, were nominated for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards, and praised for his charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals fronting the first Italian band to break on a truly global scale.

 

Artist presale starts Wednesday 11 December at 10am local time, sign up for presale access at damianodavidofficial.com
General onsale begins Monday December 16 at 10am local time at damianodavidofficial.com

Tour Dates

Thu Sept 11 – Poland, Warsaw – COS Torwar

Sat Sept 13 – Germany, Berlin – Uber Eats Music Hall

Mon Sept 15 – Netherlands, Amsterdam – AFAS Live

Wed Sept 17 – Germany, Cologne – Palladium

Sun Sept 21 – Spain, Barcelona – Razzmatazz

Mon Sept 22 – Spain, Madrid – La Riviera

Fri Sept 26 – France, Paris – Zénith Paris – La Villette

Sun Sept 28 – UK, London – Roundhouse

Thu Oct 02 – Belgium, Brussels – Forest National Club

Sat Oct 04 – Switzerland, Zurich – Halle622

Tue Oct 07 – Italy, Milan – Unipol Forum

Sat Oct 11 – Italy, Rome – Palazzo dello Sport

Wed Oct 22 – Australia, Sydney – Enmore Theatre

Fri Oct 24 – Australia, Melbourne – Forum

Mon Oct 27 – Japan, Tokyo – Tokyo Garden Theater

Wed Oct 29 – Japan, Osaka – Zepp Osaka Bayside

Fri Nov 07 – Brazil, Sao Paulo – Tokio Marine Hall

Sun Nov 09 – Chile, Santiago – Teatro Caupolican

Tue Nov 11 – Argentina, Buenos Aires – Complejo C Art Media

Thu Nov 13 – Colombia, Bogotà – Teatro Royal Center

Mon Nov 17 – Mexico, Mexico City – Auditorio BlackBerry

Fri Nov 21 – USA, Seattle – Paramount Theatre

Sun Nov 23 – USA, San Francisco – The Masonic

Tue Nov 25 – USA, Los Angeles – The Wiltern

Sat Nov 29 – USA, Chicago – The Riviera Theatre

Sun Nov 30 – USA, Detroit – The Fillmore Detroit

Tue Dec 02 – Canada, Toronto – HISTORY

Thu Dec 04 – Canada, Montreal – MTELUS

Sat Dec 06 – USA, Philadelphia – The Fillmore Philadelphia

Mon Dec 08 – USA, New York – Brooklyn Paramount

Tue Dec 16 – USA, Washington DC – The Fillmore Silver Spring

 

Follow Damiano David on social media

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Wallows : Model Tour 2024

Supported by Grent Perez

Margaret Court Arena

9/12/2024

Behind the lens: Rena Tan

 

Support

 

Headline

Jack White’s return to The Forum in Melbourne was nothing short of a rock masterclass. With his signature blend of raw energy, technical mastery, and unpredictable showmanship, White delivered a performance that left the sold-out crowd buzzing with adrenaline.

The setlist was a testament to White’s prolific career, diving deep into his catalog. “Hello Operator” from The White Stripes days, set an electrifying tone, the gritty blues riff immediately igniting the crowd. His powerful stage presence, paired with the sheer intensity of his band, made each song feel like a unique moment in time.

Tracks like “Freedom at 21” showcased White’s innovative take on rock, weaving frenetic guitar solos with pounding rhythms that blurred the line between structure and improvisation. The highlight of the night was “Ball and Biscuit,” an extended jam that saw White unleash an emotional guitar barrage, blending soul, blues, and rock into a spellbinding crescendo.

The night reached its apex with “Seven Nation Army.” As the unmistakable riff filled the iconic venue, the crowd erupted into a euphoric singalong, their voices echoing against the Forum’s ornate walls. It was a perfect closer, a unifying moment of raw, unfiltered rock energy.

From start to finish, Jack White demonstrated why he’s a singular force in modern music. His Melbourne show was more than a concert—it was a celebration of the artistry, chaos, and magic of live rock and roll.

 

Words by Monique Pizzica

Pictures by David James Swanson

Jack White Live in Ballarat, Victoria – A Masterclass in Musical Brilliance.

The air was chilly and the breeze cool as what seemed like all of Ballarat had ventured out for the show, thanks to Always Live the rural town treated to a fantastic night of music.

From the moment White took the stage, the energy in the venue was electric. Opening with a thunderous rendition of “Old Scratch Blues” he immediately captured the crowd’s attention. Switching effortlessly between his roles as a guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader, White treated fans to a dynamic mix of songs from his solo work, The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather.

He made no effort of powering through the hits hardly stopping to take a breath. Playing “ That Black Bat Licorice” “The Hardest Button to Button (The White Stripes song)” “ Screwdriver” (The White Stripes) White makes his way through the set list rapidly.

The highlight of the evening was an extended, raw, and explosive version of “Seven Nation Army,” which had the entire audience chanting along to the iconic riff. His improvisational skills shone throughout the night, with guitar solos that were both intricate and emotionally charged.

What set this performance apart was White’s connection with the audience. His spontaneous energy created an intimate yet electrifying atmosphere, making it feel as if every note was being crafted specifically for the Ballarat crowd. Unfortunately the acoustics of the venue were not up to standard and at times the sound was distorted and hard to hear. When White spoke it was impossible to hear him as the sound bounced off the high ceilings. The sound techs did however succeed in making it loud, even if it was hard to hear.

White’s band was equally impressive, seamlessly blending with his unpredictable style while maintaining a polished, professional edge. Each musician had their moment to shine, and together they created a soundscape that was as chaotic as it was harmonious.

The production was understated but effective, allowing White’s talent to take center stage. Subtle lighting changes,  with minimal effects ensured that nothing detracted from the raw power of the music.

Overall, Jack White’s Ballarat performance was a testament to his status as one of the greatest musicians of our time. His ability to push boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in rock and blues tradition made for an unforgettable night. Fans left the venue buzzing with admiration, many already hoping for his return.

Jack White gave Ballarat – triumphant display of rock ‘n’ roll artistry that they won’t soon forget.

Two Door Cinema Club and Declan McKenna delivered a night of infectious energy and stellar musicianship at Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena, leaving fans exhilarated. The evening was a perfect blend of vibrant indie-pop and socially conscious lyricism, showcasing the best of both acts.

Declan McKenna opened the night with his unique charisma and a set filled with youthful rebellion and poignant messages. Tracks like “Brazil” and “British Bombs” resonated with the crowd, who sang along passionately. McKenna’s playful stage presence, coupled with his knack for writing thought-provoking yet danceable tunes, set the tone for the night. The band’s tight performance, peppered with funky grooves and layered vocals, proved McKenna is a rising force in the indie scene.

When Two Door Cinema Club took the stage, the energy in the arena skyrocketed. Opening with their hit “This is the Life,” the band launched into a setlist spanning their career, including fan favourites like “What You Know” and “Undercover Martyn.” Alex Trimble’s smooth vocals and the band’s polished instrumentation reminded the audience why they remain at the forefront of indie pop. The lighting design was a spectacle in itself, complementing their signature upbeat sound with dazzling visuals.

Both acts showcased their ability to turn a live performance into an unforgettable experience. Declan McKenna brought depth and charm, while Two Door Cinema Club cemented their reputation as masters of feel-good anthems. This was a night of pure musical joy that will linger in Melbourne’s memory for years to come.

 

Words and pictures by Monique Pizzica

Tora supported by Daste and Tanisha at The Triffid, Brisbane

December 6, 2024

Tora’s Temp De Flors hit the Triffid on Friday for their last show of the tour in Australia.

Heralding from Byron Bay, Tora have spent the first half of this decade abroad, perfecting their meaningful and intricate electronic sound. The 4 piece took some time to themselves before hitting the studio for their 4th full length album Temp De Flors. Lead singer Jo Loewenthal shared with the crowd the title is Catalan for ‘Time of the Flowers’ coming from where the band met to work on the album in northern Spain.

                    

DRAKE ANNOUNCES 2025 AUSTRALIA + NEW ZEALAND DATES ON ‘THE ANITA MAX WIN TOUR’  

Five-time Grammy-award winning and multi-platinum global artist Drake announced a series of highly anticipated tour dates across Australia and New Zealand on The Anita Max Win Tour next year. Produced by Live Nation, the tour will kick off on Sunday, February 9 at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, with additional stops in Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland. This tour will include multiple performances in key cities, marking Drake’s first time back in the region since his 2017 Boy Meets World Tour.

The Anita Max Win Tour follows the immense success of Drake’s 2023/2024 It’s All A Blur Tour, which featured special guests 21 Savage and J. Cole. The tour wrapped up earlier this year after a massive 80 sold-out shows across North America.

TICKETS: Tickets in Australia and New Zealand will be available starting with various presales (details below) beginning Tuesday, 3 December. The general onsale will begin Friday, 6 December starting at 12pm local time on drakerelated.com & livenation.com.

• AUS + NZ – MASTERCARD PRESALE: Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets and an exclusive Priceless Experience in Australia and New Zealand. Mastercard Presale starts Tuesday, 3 December, 12pm and ends Thursday, 5 December, 12pm. Plus, Preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available from Friday, 6 December 12pm.  Check out priceless.com/musicfor details.
• AUS – VODAFONE PRESALE: Vodafone customers in Australia can be among the first to secure tickets during a 48 hour presale commencing Tuesday, 3 December 12pm. Visit vodafone.com.au/ticket to find out more.
• NZ – ONE NZ PRESALE: One NZ customers in New Zealand can be among the first to secure tickets during a 48 hour presale commencing Tuesday, 3 December, 12pm. Head to one.nz/rewards.
• AUS + NZ – WESTFIELD RESERVED TICKETS: Westfield members in Australia and New Zealand get access to exclusive reserved tickets to see Drake. Tickets on sale from Thursday, 5 December 1pm. Become a Westfield member by downloading the app here: https://www.westfield.com.au/membership+ https://www.westfield.co.nz/membership

My Live Nation members can secure tickets during the presale which commences at 1pm on Thursday 5 December and concludes at 11am Friday 6 December.

 

THE ANITA MAX WIN 2025 TOUR DATES

Sun 9 Feb – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena

Mon 10 Feb – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena

Sun 16 Feb – Sydney, AU – Qudos Bank Arena

Mon 17 Feb – Sydney, AU – Qudos Bank Arena

Mon 24 Feb – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Fri 28 Feb – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena

Sat 01 Mar – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena

For complete tour & ticket information, visit: livenation.com.au & livenation.co.nz

 

ABOUT DRAKE:

Drake is a Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling recording artist and multi-faceted performer. Canadian born, the hip hop artist first emerged in the music industry in 2009 when he debuted his EP So Far Gone, named the hottest mixtape of the year by MTV and selling over 650,000 copies. Fast forward to 2018, Drake dropped the platinum double LP, Scorpion which included a staggering 25 tracks. Succeeding the album’s release, Drake hit the road headlining the U.S. tour Aubrey & the Three Migos, which featured surprise guests like Meek Mill, French Montana, and Travis Scott among many others. Over the last five years, Drake has focused on the development and creation of his music, leading to some of his most praised work. Topping the U.S. charts in August of 2019, Drake released Care Package, his first compilation album that consists of songs from 2010 to 2016 that weren’t initially available for commercial streaming. In September of 2021, Drake released his most highly anticipated album yet titled, Certified Lover Boy. CLB marked his sixth studio album and broke Apple Music’s one-day streaming record in just under 12 hours. Leading into Summer of 2022, Drake surprised fans with his seventh studio album, Honestly Nevermind which includes a notable feature from 21 Savage. Drake and 21 Savage’s collaborative studio album titled, Her Loss quickly followed with its debut in November of 2022. The album reached number one on the Billboard’s 200 chart and all 16 songs debuted on Billboard’s Hot 100 list. Most recently, Drake released his eighth studio album, For All The Dogs via OVO Sound and Republic Records. In 2023 and 2024, he embarked on the two-leg It’s All A Blur tour with 21 Savage and J.Cole. Spanning over 80 sold-out dates across the U.S., the tour further solidified Drake’s status as one of the most dynamic and sought-after live performers in the world.