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.

PHOTOGRAPHY: NATE HILL

Good Things Festival Melbourne 2025 roared into Flemington Racecourse with a lineup that felt built for a day of pure release. From the first guitar punch to the last surge of lights, the festival moved with a kind of effortless momentum — big crowds, big singalongs, and the sort of atmosphere that reminds you why this scene has such a loyal heartbeat. Lorna Shore levelled their stage with razor-tight intensity, Refused brought a rush of emotion and finality, and Garbage delivered one of the most talked-about sets of the day, thanks in part to Shirley Manson’s now-legendary showdown with a runaway beach ball. It was a moment that summed up the whole event: unpredictable, loud, and impossible to look away from.

Across the grounds, the festival felt alive — quick lines, smooth production, and a sense of community that threaded through every set change. Fans drifted between eras and genres without missing a beat, weaving nostalgia into the present as newer acts held their own beside icons. By sundown, there was a shared feeling that this edition hit differently. Good Things 2025 didn’t just land; it left people buzzing, marking itself as one of the festival’s most memorable chapters yet.

Since its inception in 2015, the Melbourne Guitar Show has become a mecca for guitar-lovers, a flagship gathering for the industry, and a totally unique event. In 2026 the iconic event will arrive at Sydney Olympic Park for two big days of guitar gear, performances, workshops and experiences for the Sydney Guitar Show on Saturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March. An extensive celebration of the versatility and endless possibility of the world’s most popular instrument, this all ages, all levels event will span two unforgettable days for the first time ever in Sydney next year, guaranteed to ignite axe-slingers from all walks of life. The first program announcement includes Lismore-based Americana duo Hussy Hicks, Australian blues icon Ray Beadle, trailblazing guitarist and producer Godriguez, and 2025 ARIA Award winning bassist Lucy Clifford, YouTubers SuperFunAwesomeHappyTime Pedal Show, and more to be announced.

Tickets for the Sydney Guitar Show are on sale to the general public today from guitarshow.au/tickets/, and just in time for the festive season, Super Early Bird prices are available now until December 25.

“We have been running a successful and popular guitar show in Melbourne for a decade and people always ask us, why not Sydney?” shares Alex Masso, Producer of the Sydney Guitar Show and CEO of the Australian Music Association (AMA). “We’re answering their question with a big debut at Sydney Showground.”

“We’re building on the success of Melbourne, but the Sydney Guitar Show will have a character of its own”, said Masso. “I can’t wait to give Sydney’s guitarists the same kind of experience that people have been enjoying for the past decade in Melbourne. There is really no event like this in Australia.”

The multi-purpose and expansive Sydney Showground Hall 5 at Olympic Park offers easy access to public transport, parking, accessibility from all parts of the city, and the perfect meeting place to check out over 80 brands, multiple stages, interactive displays and other surprises. 

“The Guitar Show is a place for guitar lovers to be completely absorbed in all things ‘guitar’, whether it’s trying new gear, talking to luthiers and pedal makers directly, enjoying performances, discovering new brands and new music, learning something, and surrounding themselves with a community that loves the same instrument that they do,” says Masso. 

Boasting Australia’s largest showcase of guitars and just about anything guitar-related, the Sydney Guitar Show will also feature a vibrant program of ideas, workshops and live performances. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, just starting your guitar journey, even if you don’t play but love the instrument, the Sydney Guitar Show is your one-stop-shop. Iconic brands like Fender, Marshall, Ibanez, ESP, BOSS and PRS will sit alongside many great Australian made guitars from Cilia Custom Guitars (NSW), Ormsby Guitars (WA), Cole Clark Guitars (VIC), Fenech Guitars (QLD) and the launch of Mestric Guitars from Port Macquarie. 

Much more than a guitar products showcase and music festival, the Guitar Show is evolving and introducing new elements including:

• The Make Music Room: a full program of workshops and interactive sessions to inspire and inform music makers about playing styles, songwriting, and more. 
• A dedicated Kids’ Room, in partnership with Big Music, will offer guitars to try and some helpful advice for younger players, including total beginners. 
• Quieter mornings, with no amps in the exhibitor halls until midday. If you’re not ready for the full volume experience or want to bring the family at a quieter time, get along to the show from 10am-12pm on either day. 
• The Studio, a dedicated room showcasing recording / pro audio equipment and software for home recording, content creation and live performance. 
• The popular Pedal Party, curated by Pedal Empire, featuring Australian pedal makers. 

“The goal that ties all this together is to create a place and an experience where people are excited about the guitar,” explains Masso. “Whether you want to check out gear or enjoy some live music, whether you’re one of Australia’s top professional guitarists or a total beginner, whether you’re obsessed with guitars or just curious, whether you’re ready to buy something or just want to hang out with other guitarists, the Sydney Guitar Show has something to offer.”

The Sydney Guitar Show will be held at Sydney Showgrounds, Olympic Park, on Saturday March 7 (10am-5pm) and Sunday March 8 (10am-4pm), 2026. 
Purchase your Sydney Guitar Show tickets online now and save, with Super Early Bird prices available until 25th December. https://guitarshow.au/tickets/ 

Visit the Sydney Guitar Show site at http://guitarshow.au/sydney for the latest show announcements and information.

SYDNEY GUITAR SHOW 2026

Tickets available from http://guitarshow.au/sydney 

SAT 7 MAR | SYDNEY SHOWGROUND, SYDNEY NSW | LIC AA
SUN 8 MAR | SYDNEY SHOWGROUND, SYDNEY NSW | LIC AA

SYDNEY GUITAR SHOW 2026 BRAND / EXHIBITOR LIST:

Abasi  |  ACS Custom  |  Adlib Music  |  Admira Classical Guitars  |  Alvarez  |  Belfield Music |  Black Mountain  |  Blue Murder Pickups  |  Bonham Guitars  |  BOSS  |  Bourgeois  |  Breedlove  |  Cargill Custom Guitars  |  Chase Bliss  |  Cilia Guitars  |  Cioks  |  Cole Clark Guitars  |  Collings  |  Cort  |  D’Addario  |  Dean Guitars  |  Devirra  |  Diezel  |  DK Strings  |  Duesenberg  |  Eastman  |  Elixir Strings  |   EMG  |  Epiphone  | ESP |  Fender  |  Fenech Guitars  |  Fishman  |  Fractal Audio Systems  |  Friedman  |  G7th  |  Gibson  |  Gladesville Guitar Factory  |  Gretsch  |  Headfirst Amplification  |  Headrush  |  Hercules Stands  |  Hotone  |  Ibanez  |  Jackson  |  Jack Spira Guitars  |  Katoh |  Kemper  |  Kepler Guitars  |  K&M  |  Koala Audio  |  Loog  |  Lowden  |  Manuel Rodriguez |  Marshall  |  Matchless Amplifiers  |  Mestric Guitars  |  Mission Engineering  |  Mountain Art Guitars  |  Old Blood Noise  |  Orange  |  Ormsby Guitars  |  Ovation  |  Parekh Exports  |  Pedal Empire  |  Peterson Tuners  |  Port Mac Guitars  |  Pratley Guitars  |  Presonus  |  PRS |  QSC  |  Radial Redsound  |  Roland  |  RockBoard  |  Sadowsky  |  Santa Cruz |  Schecter  |  SKB  |  Soldano  |  Southern Tonewood  |  Stringjoy  |  Strandberg  |  Strymon  |  Sustainiac  |  Tanglewood Guitars  |  TC Helicon  |  Tone King  |  Two Notes  |  VASE Amplifiers  |  Walden  |  Walrus Audio  |  Wampler  |  Warwick  |  Wildwood Instruments  |  xenonOz  |  Zoom  | + more to be announced

Australia’s biggest celebration of basketball culture, Summer Jam, is set to return for its 14th edition with a major national expansion that will see the streetball phenomenon travel to four major cities before culminating in Melbourne in February 2026.

What began as a grassroots tournament on local outdoor courts has evolved into a cultural movement uniting basketball, music, and community. Founded in 2011 by Eamon Larman-Ripon and Daniel Ella, Summer Jam has grown from a local event into Australia’s premier streetball festival, one that gives pro-am and emerging players across the country a platform to compete, connect and represent their city on the national stage.

The Summer Jam Tour will kick off in January 2026, bringing its signature energy to Brisbane (Sunday 18 January), Perth (Saturday 24 January), Melbourne (Monday 26 January), and Sydney (Saturday 31 January), before culminating in the Summer Jam Championships in St Kilda, Melbourne from 20–22 February 2026. Each stop of the tour will host a free, family-friendly streetball festival featuring elite 5v5 competitions, live DJs, MCs, National and World Slam Dunk Contests, food trucks, prizes, and special guests. Winners from each city will earn automatic entry into the Summer Jam Championship event held at Peanut Farm Reserve, St Kilda, Melbourne.

The Summer Jam Championships will feature both men’s and women’s divisions competing for a $20,000 prize pool, the National Slam Dunk Contest featuring top Australian and international dunkers, and the Creator Cup, where teams of creators and athletes will be led by a surprise NBA guest coach. Fans can also look forward to global street food and live entertainment celebrating the intersection of basketball and culture.

Since its inception, Summer Jam has been driven by the belief that world-class basketball moments can be created locally. “We grew up dreaming of the NBA, so we made our own, in our backyard,” said Summer Jam co-founder Daniel Ella. “Summer Jam was born from the love of the game and the community that surrounds it. It’s about giving players a platform, connecting cultures and celebrating basketball at every level.”

Co-founder Eamon Larman-Ripon added: “What started as a single event in Melbourne has grown into a national and now, global movement. Summer Jam is about breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and showing that streetball in Australia can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world.”

Proudly supported by Jordan Brand and Foot Locker, Summer Jam continues to lead the way in inclusivity and equality, hosting the world’s largest women’s streetball prize purse. With basketball participation at an all-time high – 1.3 million players nationwide and women’s participation up 25% over the past three years – Summer Jam stands at the forefront of Australia’s basketball evolution, representing a new era of cultural and sporting unity.

Since its early days, the event has attracted teams and talent from Tokyo, Manila, Auckland, China, and the USA, cementing its reputation as the pinnacle of streetball culture in the Asia-Pacific region.

Summer Jam Early Bird tickets go on sale on Tuesday 2nd December, followed by First Release General Admission and VIP tickets from Monday 8th December 2025. With past years selling out in record time, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early at Australia’s biggest basketball festival.

For Summer Jam Tour event updates, exclusive announcements, and ticket details, visit summerjam.com.au or follow on Summer Jam on Instagram and Facebook using #SpreadTheJam

Taking place across Thursday–Friday, 5th–6th and 12th–13th February 2026, Freaks of Nature returns with its seventh episode, titled Freakyard. Across three stages, it will welcome 120 DJs to Riyadh and attract more than 30,000 visitors per day, further establishing the boutique electronic music and arts event as Saudi Arabia’s most dynamic, immersive and memorable festival experience.

Since its inception, Freaks of Nature has consistently hosted a wide array of leading international and local artists, including Lost Frequencies, Nic Fanciulli, Morten, Agents of Time and many more. The upcoming episode will unfold on the same grounds as MDLBEAST’s Soundstorm Festival, transforming the site into an industrial yet visually striking and fully immersive new universe for attendees to explore.

Freakyard invites festival-goers to embrace a sense of freedom, leaving behind work, stress and the pressures of daily life. It celebrates the “Freak”, an unapologetically authentic, fun-seeking individual, encouraging attendees to reconnect, lose themselves in the music and atmosphere and create unforgettable memories that endure long after the night ends.

As part of the 2026 programming, which will be revealed over the coming weeks, Freakyard will also introduce a new merchandise range, a DJ competition, and several other experiential activities for local and international guests to enjoy throughout the duration of the festival.

Freakyard will feature meticulously designed stages, each with its own distinctive concept and visual identity, brought to life by immersive art installations and characters that roam the grounds, creating a truly interactive and unforgettable experience like no other.

Yazeed Al-Hashim, Chief Freak, comments:

“As a team, we’ve spent the last two years building an experience that treats every person with the care, intention, and creativity they deserve. Freakyard 2026 isn’t just our return; it’s a homecoming for everyone who believed in us. This festival was designed to make people feel seen, connected, and free to be themselves. That’s what Freaks of Nature has always stood for, and this year we’re bringing that feeling back to life in the biggest way yet.”

Freaks of Nature is an internationally recognised series of boutique electronic music and arts festivals born in Saudi Arabia and loved globally. It provides a vibrant platform for international headliners, emerging artists and local talent to showcase a diverse electronic soundscape focused firmly on the dance floor and encouraging freedom of expression for attendees. Each event is a multi-sensory experience, featuring electrifying dance, stunning visuals, immersive special effects, and flamboyant costumes. Freaks of Nature actively transcends barriers, celebrates music, and continues to captivate audiences with its unforgettable, transformative atmosphere. As Saudi Arabia’s first globally exportable entertainment brand, Freaks of Nature fosters cultural exchange and positions the Kingdom as a hub for world-class festivals, elevating its presence at the forefront of the international scene.

Set to take place on 5th–6th and 12th–13th February 2026 in Riyadh, Freakyard promises diverse musical programming, immersive art designs and a visually stunning festival experience, with the first wave of artists to be announced in the coming weeks.

Register Here https://freaksofnature.me/

Find out more & follow:

Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

The Good Things Festival is just days away, and the excitement is building as we count down with you.

Life can be unpredictable, and moments like these remind us just how important it is to come together, support one another, and cherish the experiences that connect us. Good Things Festival isn’t just about music, it’s about community. Over the years, you’ve become like family to us.

We rally together in the highs and stand together through the challenges, and this moment is no different, as unfortunately, we would like to share an important update that due to family emergencies The All-American Rejects and Knocked Loose will no longer be able to perform.

“We’re heartbroken to share that due to a sudden family loss, we won’t be able to make it to Australia as planned. This has been an incredibly difficult moment for us, and as much as it devastates us to miss such a great opportunity to reconnect with our Australian fans, family has to come first.

Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and all the love you continue to give this band. We’ll make it up to you as soon as we’re able.” – The All American Rejects

“We’re very sorry to everyone but we have to cancel our Australia trip, including the Good Things Festival and our headline shows around it.

Anyone familiar with this band knows we do not take cancelling shows lightly; but family will always come first. We are already planning our return and cannot wait to be back as soon as possible. Love you all.” – Knocked Loose

Critically acclaimed and resoundingly adored, Sydney’s Stand Atlantic and Aussie metalcore behemoths Alpha Wolf will join the line up.

Due to the extensive logistics involved with trucking, flights, accommodation, and stage production for these bands across three days, we’re unable to adjust the timetable. As a result, the newly added bands will fill the existing schedule slots.

“Our hearts are with The All-American Rejects – it’s never an easy decision to make no matter what the circumstances are. We are honoured, nervous, and ready to show up and do what we do best.” – Stand Atlantic

“Unfortunately, our friends in Knocked Loose are unable to play the Good Things Festival, we’re sending them all our love and we’re going to try our best to fill their shoes on super short notice. Catch us on the Main Stage at 3:30pm in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane this weekend!” – Alpha Wolf

Our thoughts are with the band and their families during this time. We want to also acknowledge our fellow artists and colleagues who feel this absence alongside us.

While life can throw unexpected hurdles our way, the show will go on, and this weekend, we’ll come together as one community to create a great experience.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support. We look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for you all.

Brennan Heart, Dual Damage and Charly Lownoise lead the Dutch lineup for the “Netherlands Edition” – Amelie Lens, Boris Brejcha, Charlotte de Witte,
Holy Priest, Lilly Palmer, Scooter, Timmy Trumpet, Vini Vici and more kick off the international announcements.

The preparations for AIRBEAT ONE Festival 2026 are in full swing. The 23rd edition will take place from 8–12 July 2026 and will transport visitors to the “Netherlands”, home to countless DJ megastars and birth­place of the modern festival culture. Fittingly, the first artist announcement already features a strong Dutch contingent.

Fans can look forward to four heavyweight acts from the Dutch dance scene. Leading the charge is Brennan Heart, the undisputed Mister Hardstyle and one of the genre’s global icons. After his spectacular Mainstage set at the last edition—marking the first-ever Hardstyle performance on that stage—he will once again deliver the harder sounds in 2026. And of course, “Wonderful Days” needs no introduction: the legendary Happy Hardcore anthem by Dutch duo Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo. Charly Lownoise has practically become a Butterfly Stage resident, guaranteeing the most euphoric throwback journey of the weekend. The Dutch Hardstyle duos D-Block & S-te-Fan and Dual Damage complete the first Harder Stage announcement.

Techno has long since reclaimed Mainstages worldwide, and AIRBEAT ONE was one of the first festivals to showcase the genre at this scale. With Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte and Lilly Palmer, 2026 will bring three Techno queens to the Mainstage. Joining them are three major German Techno heavyweights: Alfred Heinrichs, Boris Brejcha and Holy Priest. Adding to the impact is Scooter—one of the most successful Techno acts of all time—returning to Neustadt-Glewe.

EDM remains an essential part of one of the world’s largest and most spectacular Mainstages. Australian superstar and Top 10 DJ Timmy Trumpet will bring his unmistakable energy to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Psytrance legends Vini Vici from Israel and Novah complete the first Mainstage announcement.

On the Arena Stage, fans can expect dark, driving sounds from German DJ Kobosil, along with cinematic hard techno from Nicolas Julian and Schrotthagen. The PsyTrance community can look forward to stars like Andrew Rayel and Slovakian DJane Nifra on the Second Stage.

A brand-new stage will debut in 2026: the Groove Castle. The first confirmed acts, Cara Elizabeth and Davyboi, will deliver vibrant house and groove sounds.

The Butterfly Stage will once again transform into a nostalgic sanctuary with Charly Lownoise, Aquagen, Cascada, DJ Gollum and DJ Quicksilver delivering unforgettable classics.

In total, the first 25 artists for the “Netherlands Edition” of AIRBEAT ONE Festival are now confirmed. Ticket sales are already in high demand. The 3-Day Regular Ticket – Full Weekend is currently available in presale phase 1 for €175.99 including fees via https://airbeat-one.myticket.de

AIRBEAT ONE is a subsidiary of DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG. Exclusive ticket partner is myticket.de.

AIRBEAT ONE Festival 2026

vom 08–12 July 2026

Flugplatz Neustadt-Glewe (near Schwerin), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Theme 2026: „Netherlands Edition”

7 Floors: 

– Mainstage (EDM, Trance, Progressive) 

– Arena Stage (Techno)

– Terminal (Electro, Tech House, Tropical) 

– Harder Stage (Harder Styles) 

– Second Stage (Trance, Psy, Goa)

– Butterfly Stage

– Groove Castle

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Photography: Jake Harm Nam