Festival News

Wildlands festival has just revealed the official set times for its highly anticipated return to Brisbane and Perth this summer.

Presented by Untitled Group, Beyond The Valley and triple j, the festival will take over Brisbane Showgrounds on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, before heading to Arena Joondalup in Perth on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

New Year’s Day in Brisbane will see Dom Dolla close out the Sahara Main Stage following a huge run of performances from WALTA, Miss Kaninna, Fcukers, Balu Brigada, 070 Shake, Addison Rae, and Kid Cudi. Over on the Summit Stage, fans can expect peak-time sets from Jazzy, Channel Tres, Chris Stussy, KETTAMA, and NOTION, with a closing set from Luude, while The Wilds stage hosts a stacked program featuring RONA., Cassian, sim0ne, SOTA, and many more throughout the day.

In Perth, Dom Dolla will once again close out the Sahara Main Stage, with BRAT and Miss Kaninna kicking things off before Balu Brigada, Luude, 070 Shake, Addison Rae, and Kid Cudi lead into the evening. The Summit Stage will showcase heavy-hitters including Willo, Jazzy, Fcukers, Channel Tres, Chris Stussy, KETTAMA, NOTION, and SOTA, while The Wilds stage brings energy from Mincy, WAXX OFF, TEED, ZULAN, RONA., Cassian, with sim0ne set to take the closing slot.

Each city will feature a Welcome to Country ceremony acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land.

For those looking to elevate their festival experience, Casamigos House Of Friends VIP Packages are available, offering exclusive perks such as express entry, dedicated viewing areas, VIP bars, VIP-only amenities, and special onsite activations – providing a premium way to experience Wildlands in style.

To make it easier for fans to join the Wildlands adventure, flexible payment plan options remain available, allowing attendees to secure their tickets now and pay later.

Fans can expect Wildlands to once again deliver the best in electronic, hip-hop and indie music, with a stacked lineup of global pop icons and rising talent set to define the sonic year ahead. Previous editions have featured the likes of Tyler, The Creator, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Peggy Gou, Central Cee, FISHER, Diplo, BICEP, A$AP Ferg, G Flip, Becky Hill, Chase & Status, Lola Young and more.

Start 2026 with unforgettable moments at Wildlands – tickets available HERE.

FULL LINEUP

Dom Dolla

Addison Rae

Kid Cudi

Chris Stussy

KETTAMA

Luude

070 Shake

NOTION

SOTA

Cassian

Channel Tres

Balu Brigada

Fcukers

Jazzy

ZULAN

sim0ne

TEED

RONA.

Miss Kaninna

WAX OFF

Willo

Mincy

Mowgli May

+MORE

Get Connected:

Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website

Having just wrapped their triumphant Spilt Milk national festival run over the weekend, The Rions today announce their Australian Regional Tour taking place from February through April 2026, presented by triple j. Pre-sale begins at 10am local time today, with general on-sale from Thursday 18 December at 9am local time. ALL INFO HERE.

After releasing their acclaimed debut album Everything Every Single Day in October, The Rions are riding the momentum of their national theatre tour, where they headlined some of the biggest venues of their career thus far – including sold-out shows at Melbourne’s Forum and Hobart’s Odeon Theatre. Their victory lap continued with a headline tour across the UK and Europe in November, before capping off the year back home, and the band are thrilled to continue their live run across 18 coast-to-coast regional dates. Across the tour, The Rions will also be joined by special guests Chloe Parché in NSW, Hey So Hungry in WA, Gordon’s Grandson in VIC, and bella amor in QLD.

Since their early beginnings as high school classmates, there’s been something special about The Rions from the jump. Winning triple j’s Unearthed High initiative in 2021, bandmates Noah Blockley, Harley Wilson, Asher McLean & Tom Partington swiftly catapulted to national recognition, releasing their first EP Minivan in 2023, and the #4 ARIA Australian Album-charting Happiness In A Place It Shouldn’t Be in 2024. The years spent honing their songwriting craft and building their identity as one of the country’s leading indie acts primed The Rions for a breakout 2025, with the release of their highly anticipated debut album in October.

Charting at #1 on the ARIA Australia Album Chart, #2 on the Vinyl Chart, and #5 overall, Everything Every Single Day showcases The Rions at their very best. Recorded over the course of a year with ARIA Award-winning producer Chris Collins (Ruby Fields, Pacific Avenue, Matt Corby), the album showcases a pensive, contemplative and emotionally-driven collection of pristine pop-rock – a major progression in the band’s’ sound, all while maintaining the charm and candour they’ve carried thus far.

Beyond the studio, The Rions bring equally as much passion into their live shows, earning their reputation as one of the country’s most prolific touring acts. No strangers to the Australian regional circuit, The Rions’ Happiness In Places tour last year encompassed 21 dates across the country, contributing to their massive 20,000 total headline tickets sold throughout 2024. Even now with their debut album out in the world, The Rions feel like they’re only just getting started, with plenty more action to come in the new year.

THE RIONS – AUS REGIONAL TOUR DATES
presented by triple j

Sat 28 Feb – The Mona – Mona Vale *
Thu 5 Mar – Dunsborough Tavern – Dunsborough ^
Fri 6 Mar – Froth Craft Bunbrewery – Bunbury ^
Sat 7 Mar – Astor Theatre – Perth ^
Thu 12 Mar – Barwon Heads Hotel – Barwon Heads #
Fri 13 Mar – The Pier – Frankston #
Sat 14 Mar – Bass In The Domain – Hobart
Thu 19 Mar – King Street Bandroom – Newcastle *
Fri 20 Mar – UOW Uni Bar – Wollongong *
Sat 21 Mar – UC Refectory – Canberra *
Fri 27 Mar – Hoey Moey – Coffs Harbour *
Sat 28 Mar – Finnians Tavern – Port Macquarie *
Thu 9 Apr – Brothers – Cairns >
Fri 10 Apr – JCU Uni Bar – Townsville >
Sat 11 Apr – Mcguires Hotel – Mackay >
Sun 12 Apr – Leichhardt Hotel – Rockhampton >
Thu 16 Apr – Hotel Brunswick – Brunswick Heads >
Fri 17 Apr – Miami Marketta [Laneway] – Gold Coast >
Sat 18 Apr – The Station – Sunshine Coast >

* w/ Chloe Parché
^ w/ Hey So Hungry
# w/ Gordon’s Grandson
> w/ bella amor

Pre-sale: Wed 17 Dec @ 10am local time
General on-sale: Thu 18 Dec @ 9am local time

For all ticketing information, visit HERE.

Everything Every Single Day LP is out now, buy/stream it here

TRACKLIST
Maybe I’m Just a Freak
Tonight’s Entertainment
Welcome To The Conversation
Shut You Out
The Art My Mother Likes
Married To The Job
Oh How Hard It is To Be 20
Maybe It’s Everything
Scumbag
Lobby Calls
Wear Me Thin
Cry
Adelaide

Stay connected with The Rions:
23 Profile | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | Unearthed | YouTube

Aussie rock festival Wanstock returns in 2026 with its biggest lineup yet, announcing Sydney and Melbourne events, with the rock gods set to descend on Shoppingtown Hotel in Doncaster (Melb) for two nights on Friday 20 March and Saturday 21 March, and Selina’s (Syd) on Friday 20 March. Canadian Hall of Famers LOVERBOY will play their first ever Australian shows, alongside New Zealand icons Dragon, Aussie heroes 1927, Pseudo Echo, Bachelor Girl, Taxiride featuring Jason Singh and more in Melbourne, and Sydney will see LOVERBOY, Choirboys, Taxiride featuring Jason Singh and Ventura bringing the rock to the eastern beaches of Sydney.

Born from organiser Geoff Wansbrough’s love of the legendary Aussie pub rock era in the 80s and 90s, Wanstock has evolved since 2018 into an annual showcase of world-class acts alongside talented up-and-comers; and the 2026 edition is no exception when it comes to homegrown and international artists from the rock realms. Tickets for Wanstock 2026 are on sale now from https://www.wanstock.com.au/. 

Headlining the Wanstock stage on Saturday will be none other than influential Canadian rockers LOVERBOY playing their first ever Australian shows. With their trademark red leather pants, bandanas, big rock sound and high-energy live shows, LOVERBOY has sold more than 15 million albums, earning four multi-platinum plaques, including the four-million-selling Get Lucky, and a trio of double-platinum releases in their self-titled 1980 debut, 1983’s Keep It Up and 1985’s Lovin’ Every Minute of It. 

“We are excited to be coming to Australia for the first time in the band’s history next year,” exclaims LOVERBOY! “It is a dream come true; we are honoured to join the fantastic lineup for Wanstock in Melbourne, and play in the beautiful city of Sydney! Get your tickets now and we’ll see you down under!”

Headlining Friday’s stage will be 1927, formed in 1987, the band made a devastating entry into the ears of its listeners with the release of their debut album …iSH in 1988. Three months after the release, 1927 was catapulted to meteoric fame, with …iSH going on become the highest selling debut album release by an Australian artist. The quintuple Platinum selling album contained a staggering six charted singles, and for 46 weeks, …iSH remained in the TOP 50 of the Australian Music Charts. 1927 again found enormous success with the release of their multi-Platinum second album The Otherside.  The band’s second album unleashed yet more charted singles, and for an astounding 19 weeks The Otherside remained in the TOP 50 of the Australian Music Charts. With 7x Platinum Records from multiple albums, a third self titled album, which also charted, and their best work to date…the most recent studio album ‘Generation-i’, 1927 has firmly established their status as an iconic Australian band.

Returning to the Wanstock stage, Dragon formed in New Zealand in the 1970s before relocating to Australia, the long-time rock purveyors have never been ones to play it safe throughout their colourful and ongoing creative journey. Leaning into a heavy progressive rock sound that garnered a cult-like following and early success, the group have remained a stalwart fixture in the rock world, with hit tracks Are You Old Enough, April Sun in Cuba and Rain solidifying Dragon’s staying power and widespread appeal. 

“We are so excited to be part of Wanstock once again, it’s been too long,” says Dragon. It’s always a pleasure to have a spot on such a great line-up with so much Australian talent, and the legendary LOVERBOY from Canada!”

An event run by a music lover and for music lovers, the spark for Wanstock festival first ignited when organiser Geoff Wansbrough approached some of his favourite bands to play for his birthday a few years back. Spurred by his love of classic Australian rock and the spirit of the original Woodstock Music Festival, Wanstock was soon born, holding its inaugural event in 2018 at the Burvale Hotel before growing into the event’s current home, the Shoppingtown Hotel, in 2019. And, as Geoff Wansbrough explains, each year is designed to be bigger and better than ever before, with 2026 set to simultaneously offer two nights of amazing acts as well as the chance to catch LOVERBOY in Aus for the first time, “I grew up in that awesome Aussie pub rock era of the 1980s and 90s. Every pub had bands and the cream rose to the top and we gave the world some great acts. As such, I used to see a lot of bands back in the day, and I still do. Wanstock came about when I was having a birthday a few years ago. I thought I would have a favourite band play. Then I thought: why not have a few of my favorite bands. That, plus the fact that I was a big admirer of the original Woodstock Music Festival, is really how it came about. Each year, I try and make it bigger and better. Now, it consists of a few components: to have two or three of the classic acts from back in the day, to give a some of the emerging talent a chance to play, and to have a cover band playing all our favorites to get everyone partying and dancing. Basically, I put it on to support our local music talent and so we can have a bit of fun while we still can. I really look forward to putting on Wanstock each year. It gives us all a chance to forget about our worries and enjoy some of that great music of our youth. For this next event, I am particularly proud to be bringing Loverboy to Australian shores for the first time. The line up for both nights is stacked with talent, including hall of famers 1927, Dragon and Pseudo Echo – it is bound to have you rocking out all night!”

Tickets for Wanstock Melbourne are on sale now from www.wanstock.com.au/ and Sydney from https://selinas.com.au/. 

WANSTOCK 2026

FRI 20 MARCH | SELINA’S, COOGEE NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://selinas.com.au/ 

LOVERBOY (CAN)
CHOIRBOYS

TAXIRIDE FEAT. JASON SINGH
VENTURA

FRI 20 MARCH | SHOPPINGTOWN HOTEL, DONCASTER VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.wanstock.com.au/

1927
DRAGON
BACHELOR GIRL
STONETRIP
STRAIT SHOOTERS

SAT 21 MARCH | SHOPPINGTOWN HOTEL, DONCASTER VIC | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.wanstock.com.au/

LOVERBOY (CAN)
PSEUDO ECHO
TAXIRIDE FEAT. JASON SINGH
STANDING ROOM ONLY
DAYDREAMERS

Tickets On Sale Now For The Global Cinematic Event

In Cinemas Worldwide January 22 For A Limited Time Only

Film Will Be Showing On More Than 1,000 Screens Worldwide

Legendary metal titans MEGADETH and Trafalgar Releasing have revealed the trailer for MEGADETH: BEHIND THE MASK, a cinematic legacy event that will debut on screens worldwide Thursday, January 22.

Tickets are now on sale for the film that will screen in over 1,000 cinemas across 35+ countries on the eve of the release of the band’s final studio album out January 23. To get tickets, and for more information and to sign up for updates, fans can visit megadethfilm.com.

In MEGADETH: BEHIND THE MASK, Dave Mustaine pulls back the curtain on 40 years of MEGADETH, sharing untold stories of the band’s past and the creative fire that drives them.  Interwoven throughout, audiences will get to experience the world premiere of MEGADETH’S new self-titled album in full, brought to life with a 40-year retrospective career-spanning interview and Mustaine’s own track-by-track reflections about the band’s final studio album. This one-night-only listening event will provide a first-listen to this landmark project. MEGADETH: BEHIND THE MASK is an immersive celebration of one of the most influential bands in metal history, capturing their legacy while heralding a powerful new chapter.

Leading up to the album and film’s debut, MEGADETH—Dave Mustaine, Teemu Mäntysaari (Lead, Rhythm, and Acoustic Guitars), James LoMenzo (Bass Guitar) and Dirk Verbeuren (Drums)—have released two tracks:  “I Don’t Care” (watch the video HERE and listen to the song HERE) and “Tipping Point,” the album’s first single (watch the video HERE and listen to the song HERE).  MEGADETH have also announced a very special bonus track from the album:  a reimagined version of “Ride The Lightning,” which MUSTAINE co-wrote with Metallica’s James Hetfield, Cliff Burton, and Lars Ulrich and was the title track from the group’s 1984 album.  Pre-order the album, via DAVE MUSTAINE’s Tradecraft imprint in partnership with Frontiers Label Group’s new BLKIIBLK label, HERE.  Read more about the album’s full track listing HERE.

Megadeath: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | YouTube

+ THE WORLD EXCLUSIVE DEBUT OF YUNGBLUD: IDOLS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Three-time GRAMMY® nominee YUNGBLUD is psyched to announce that Brisbane punks Dune Rats will join him as special guests on his IDOLS world tour in Australia.

Following the release of One More Time—his collaborative EP with Aerosmith, which debuted at No. 1 on four Billboard album charts and No. 1 in the UK, and features a reimagining of ‘Wild Women’ with country star Lainey Wilson—YUNGBLUD will head to Australia in 2026 for his biggest run of shows to date. With Perth and Brisbane dates already sold out, an additional Brisbane show has been added, and Sydney has been upgraded to Qudos Bank Arena to meet overwhelming demand.  Tickets and tour information via frontiertouring.com/yungblud.

Watch: Aerosmith, YUNGBLUD, Lainey Wilson – Wild Woman

Joining him for all dates is local band Dune Rats. Dune Rats have long embodied the do-it-yourself ethos of punk rock and their self-titled debut album in 2014 introduced the world to their riotous charm. But it was their 2017 album The Kids Will Know It’s Bullshit that exploded them onto the national stage — debuting at #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart, main-stage billing at festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Laneway, and Groovin’ The Moo, and cementing their reputation as one of Australia’s leading punk rock bands.

Building on that momentum, Dune Rats continued to expand their reach with the ARIA-nominated Real Rare Whale in 2022 and extensive international touring across North America, Europe, South Africa, and the UK. While back home their Triple J Like A Version cover of The Angels’ ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’ went viral. In 2024, the band returned with If It Sucks, Turn It Up, a sharper and hookier evolution of their signature sound, supported by a sold-out national co-headline tour with U.S. punk icons FIDLAR.

Watch: Dune Rats – Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again (Like A Version)

2025 marks a new chapter for the band — and a celebration of how far they’ve come. With over 15 years together, multiple ARIA nominations, and hundreds of shows around the world, Dune Rats continue to fly the flag for Australian punk rock with the same energy that fuelled their first gig.

The news comes hot off the heels of the announce of the Australian debut of ‘YUNGBLUD: IDOLS’, an exclusive photography exhibition by acclaimed British photographer Tom Pallant, at Behind The Gallery in Newtown from the 7th -11th January 2026.

This world-exclusive exhibition will feature an array of both personal and pivotal moments never before seen, celebrating the evolution of one of the most influential alt-rock figures of a generation. From candid backstage interactions to high-voltage live performances that capture the artist’s raw humanity, the collection offers an intimate look at his journey. Pallant, YUNGBLUD’s long-time trusted photographer and creative collaborator, brings fans closer than ever to the energy, vulnerability, and rebellion that define the star’s artistic identity. For more information visit Yungblud Idols – behindthegallery.

---

YUNGBLUD
​IDOLS THE WORLD TOUR
​AUSTRALIAN TOUR
​WITH SPECIAL GUESTS DUNE RATS
​JANUARY 2026
​Presented by Frontier Touring

---

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
​via frontiertouring.com/yungblud

---

Saturday 10 January
​Qudos Bank Arena | Sydney, NSW
​VENUE UPGRADE
​Lic. All Ages ​
​ticketek.com.au

Tuesday 13 January
​Sidney Myer Music Bowl | Melbourne, VIC
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketek.com.au

Thursday 15 January
​Adelaide Entertainment Centre | Adelaide, SA
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketek.com.au

Saturday 17 January
​Riverstage | Brisbane, QLD 
​SOLD OUT

Sunday 18 January
​Riverstage | Brisbane, QLD 
​NEW SHOW
​Lic. All Ages
​ticketmaster.com.au

Tuesday 20 January
​Ice Cream Factory | Perth, WA
​SOLD OUT

---

Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers. 

We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed on the Frontier website.

Sepultura has reached the end of the road and has chosen to depart via a conscious and planned death. The band are marking 40 years together and have been saying goodbye at the same time with a farewell tour spanning the globe, which has included a slew of venue upgrades and sold out shows across Latin America, Europe, and the US. Now it’s Australia’s turn, with a run of capital city shows this March.

After four decades, 14 gold records, journeys through 80 countries and countless cultural exchanges, Sepultura stands as one of the most influential metal bands of their generation. Across 15 studio albums, they have sold more than 20million records worldwide, earning gold and platinum status in Australia and beyond. Their landmark record Roots has surpassed 150 million Spotify streams.

For this final journey, the band is joined by 21-year-old American drummer Greyson Nekrutman as they undertake a worldwide run that spans multiple continents and revisits every era of their catalogue. During the tour, the band will be recording 40 live tracks across 40 cities, forming an epic compilation that captures their strongest moments on stage.

As this chapter unfolds, Sepultura reflects on this milestone with gratitude. Throughout their career, they created acclaimed records, forged enduring friendships, experienced artistic growth, met their heroes and helped place Brazilian metal firmly on the world map. With that legacy secured, the band steps away with a sense of purpose fulfilled.

“We’ve always had the best fans in the world, who supported us with praise and criticism, who were demanding and intelligent, who grew together with the band and have always been loyal,” the band says. “Without you, none of this would have been possible. This album and this tour are for you. Dear SepulNation, we love you and always will.”

This tour is the final opportunity to witness Sepultura live in Australia.

Presale begins Friday 12 December at 9am local time.
Tickets are on sale Monday 15 December at 9am local time.

Sign up and tickets: destroyalllines.com/tours/sepultura

“Euthanasia, the right to a dignified death. The right to choose to live free and to choose when you die.”

DESTROY ALL LINES PRESENTS Sepultura: Celebrating Life Through Death… The Farewell Friday March 20 Metro City, Perth Monday March 23 The Gov, Adelaide Wednesday March 25 Northcote Theatre, Melbourne Friday March 27 Liberty Hall, Sydney Sunday March 29 The Tivoli, Brisbane

FOLLOW SEPULTURA

Facebook Instagram Website YouTube X

December 12, 2025 0 comments

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

APPLEWOOD, one of Asia’s most trusted global concert promoters, has announced that 안녕, MELBOURNE (“Hello Melbourne”) will take place on March 14 at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.

APPLEWOOD, who have worked with global superstars including BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, BAEKHYUN, LE SSERAFIM, GFRIEND and G-DRAGON, will be partnering with Australia’s leading festival promoter, Untitled Group, to bring this landmark event to life.

Produced by the team behind major Australian festivals such as Beyond The Valley and Wildlands, 안녕, MELBOURNE will showcase APPLEWOOD’s internationally renowned production capabilities to Australian audiences for the first time.

More information, including the full lineup, will be announced on Friday 12 December at 12pm AEDT.

Established in 2013, APPLEWOOD has grown into a globally respected entertainment leader, producing more than 120 shows and attracting over 750,000 attendees across 20+ cities in 18 countries. Their portfolio includes some of the most high-profile achievements in contemporary K-pop and Asian entertainment, such as BLACKPINK’s 2019 World Tour, which achieved record-breaking success in Bangkok with six sold-out arena shows, and the prestigious 37th Golden Disc Awards in Bangkok, a stadium-scale production broadcast to millions worldwide. APPLEWOOD has also delivered major tours for leading artists including SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, BAEKHYUN, LE SSERAFIM, GFRIEND and G-DRAGON, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and influential brand in global live entertainment.

With a strong international footprint spanning Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and now Australia, APPLEWOOD brings deep regional expertise and proven capability in executing complex, large-scale events across diverse markets.

Its partnership with Untitled Group marks a significant step in expanding the presence of world-class Asian touring content in Australia, further diversifying the local music landscape and meeting the growing demand for premium K-pop experiences.

Photo credit: SEVENTEEN PHOTOS – ©️PLEDIS Entertainment / APPLEWOOD
ENHYPEN PHOTOS – ©️BELIFT LAB / APPLEWOOD

Instagram

Facebook

X

https://applewood.kr/en/

Photography: Josh Ma

Photography & Words: Darren Chan

There was a quiet expectation on Sunday night at The Forum in Melbourne — the kind that only exists when a band’s songs have been a soundtrack to people’s lives. The Fray returned to Australia on their 20-year anniversary tour of “How to Save a Life”, the show felt less like nostalgia and more like a shared experience between the band and audience.

Once Perth, now Melbourne-based Joan and the Giants set the tone as the night’s support act. Opening with “Intro” and “Beg,” lead singer Grace danced with careless abandon across the stage. Tracks like “Sleep Alone,” “How Could You?” and “Still Breathing” eased the crowd with their cinematic brand of indie-pop, while “Born in the Wrong Time” and “Good Time” carried anthemic lift. Closing with “Figure It Out” and  a collaboration on “Cool Kid,” the band left the crowd ready for The Fray.

When The Fray took the stage, the significance of the night became clear. Frontman Joe King spoke about what a privilege it was to be back in Australia after 20 years, a sentiment that resonated with a crowd spanning generations — longtime fans who discovered the band in the 2000s standing alongside younger fans.

The core of the set centred on How to Save a Life, played in its entirety, allowing the album to unfold as a complete emotional narrative rather than a collection of hits. Opening with “She Is” and moving through “All At Once,” “Look After You,” and “Fall Away,” the band honoured the record that defined their global rise. Rather than sticking rigidly to studio versions, the arrangements were often extended and reimagined — most notably during “How to Save a Life,” which evolved into an ambient, almost dance-like reprise before rebuilding, giving the familiar song a fresh take.

Mid-set moments like “Little House,” “Dead Wrong / Trust Me,” and “Heaven Forbid” were embraced by fans, while “Hundred (Interlude)” and “Vienna” created moments of reflection inside The Forum’s historic interior. When “Over My Head (Cable Car)” arrived, the room erupted into an extended “woah” singalong, thousands of voices carrying the chorus until the end of the song.

Beyond the album, the band expanded the set with select songs from across their catalogue, including “My Heart’s a Crowded Room,” “Hurricane,” “Heartbeat,” “You Found Me,” and “Love Don’t Die.” New material was showcased with the recent single “Songs I’d Rather Not Sing,” which sat comfortably among the classics — a sign that The Fray’s story is still unfolding.

The audience remained fully engaged throughout the night, their attention fixed squarely on the band’s performance. Toward the end of the set, Joe King stepped off the stage and walked through the crowd, establishing a connection between band and audience in a moment that felt intimate rather than theatrical.

Closing with “Never Say Never,” The Fray delivered a performance that balanced legacy with relevance. By revisiting How to Save a Life in full while introducing new music, the band proved that twenty years on, their music  continues to evolve.

PHOTOGRAPHY: NATE HILL

Good Things Festival Melbourne 2025 rolled into Flemington Racecourse with the sort of energy that hits you the moment you walk through the gates. From the first crack of guitars to the last sweep of lights, the whole day moved with this steady, confident momentum — big crowds, louder singalongs, and an atmosphere that reminded everyone why this festival has such a devoted heartbeat. Lorna Shore came out firing and absolutely bulldozed their stage, Refused delivered a set loaded with emotion and a sense of finality, and Garbage ended up at the centre of one of the day’s most replayed moments after Shirley Manson’s now-legendary clash with a runaway beach ball. It summed up the tone of the day perfectly: unpredictable, loud, and impossible not to watch.

Across the grounds, everything just clicked. Lines moved quickly, the production kept pace, and there was this easy sense of community running through every set change. Fans drifted between eras and genres without missing a beat, letting nostalgia brush up against new discoveries as younger acts held their own beside the icons. By the time the sun slipped away, it felt like everyone knew they’d been part of something that landed a little differently. Good Things 2025 didn’t just arrive — it left people buzzing, carving itself in as one of the festival’s standout years.