+ 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.
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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.
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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/
“Euthanasia, the right to a dignified death. The right to choose to live free and to choose when you die.”
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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
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.
WHERE WORLD-CLASS MUSIC MEETS MELBOURNE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR STAGE – LIVE AT THE GARDENS RETURNS IN MARCH FOR ITS EPIC FOURTH SEASON
BLISS N ESO, CUT COPY, LEFTFIELD, MARLON WILLIAMS, SONS OF THE EAST AND THELMA PLUM TO HEADLINE MELBOURNE’S MOST MAGICAL MUSIC SERIES UNDER THE STARS
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS MELBOURNE
6-8 MARCH & 13-15 MARCH 2026
TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER
PRESALES COMMENCE MONDAY 8 DECEMBER
After a hugely successful third season of Live at the Gardens that wrapped last weekend, excitement is already building for what’s coming next. Fans can now look ahead and mark their calendars for next year – the acclaimed concert series has confirmed its return to the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne in March.
Set against Melbourne’s most stunning natural backdrop, Live at the Gardens will once again deliver another unforgettable lineup of live music under the stars. Across two magical weekends – 6-8 March and 13-15 March – the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Observatory Precinct will be transformed into a vibrant open-air venue, with MG Live thrilled to today announce five shows for the March 2026 season, featuring an incredible mix of Australia’s biggest names and international stars.
Tickets on sale Wednesday 10 December at 12pm AEDT, with presales commencing Monday 8 December at 11am AEDT. Sign up here for presale access.
The opening weekend launches with the soulful sounds of MARLON WILLIAMS echoing through the Gardens as he brings his extraordinary artistry to Live at the Gardens on Friday 6 March. Hailed as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most compelling singer-songwriters, Marlon is known for his haunting vocals, magnetic stage presence and blend of folk, alt-country and indie-rock – with his new te reo Māori album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, further showcasing his poetic storytelling and cinematic soundscapes. The album was Marlon’s third chart-topper in a row in New Zealand, and his fourth Top 40 album in Australia. Powerhouse Gumbaynggirr soul sensation EMMA DONOVAN and the dynamic KEE’AHN join the lineup.
Get set for a triple treat on Saturday 7 March when three of Australia’s finest acts captivate the Gardens with quality songwriting and storytelling. THELMA PLUM, a proud Gamilaraay artist who writes about culture, heritage, love and pain, has released two Top 10 albums – 2019’s Better In Blak and 2024’s I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back. The title track of Better In Blak won the prestigious Vanda & Young Song of the Year award, and Thelma has been nominated for 15 ARIAs, winning this year’s Best Pop Release. Sydney band SONS OF THE EAST recently released their second album, Sons. With a catalogue of hits that run deep, their legendary live shows have thrilled audiences worldwide. The STACK review declared, “Sons Of The East bring sunshine to even the bleakest of winter days, with magical melodies and heavenly harmonies … they’re ready for stardom.” Sons was nominated for Best Blues & Roots Album at the 2025 ARIA Awards. Opening the night is enchanting singer-songwriter JEM CASSAR-DALEY.
Electronic music pioneers LEFTFIELD take over the Gardens on Sunday 8 March for a night of legendary grooves, seismic bass and immersive, boundary-pushing, high-energy electronic dance music. Formed in 1988, and originally comprised of Neil Barnes and Paul Daley, LEFTFIELD quickly became one of the most influential and innovative acts of all time, with seminal albums Leftism and Rhythm & Stealth and classic tracks such as Open Up and Phat Planet cementing their place in dance music history. Now led solely by Barnes for more than 15 years, LEFTFIELD – whose acclaimed fourth album, This Is What We Do, was released in 2022 – continue to push boundaries, shake foundations and sell out venues around the world. This is their first visit to Australia in eight years. Acclaimed musician, producer and songwriter PAUL MAC (DJ Set) and Australia’s Godfather of Techno, LATE NITE TUFF GUY both join the bill, adding to what will be an electrifying celebration of hypnotic sound, rhythm and dancefloor energy.
Get ready for a hometown dancefloor takeover when Melbourne’s own CUT COPY bring their euphoric blend of synth-pop and indie electronica to the Gardens on Friday 13 March. The Grammy-nominated, ARIA Award-winning group have for more than two decades shaped the sound of Australian electronic music with era-defining hits including Hearts On Fire, Lights & Music and Take Me Over. CUT COPY recently returned with their seventh studio album Moments, an album made to bring people together, pulsing with warmth and optimism. Expect a mesmerising live set of celebrated anthems to fresh new sounds, perfect for dancing under the stars. Joining CUT COPY is a stacked lineup of international and local legends, with DJ sets from TODD TERJE, CC:DISCO!, CRAZY P and COLETTE.
Aussie hip hop heavyweights BLISS N ESO bring the series to a dynamic close on Sunday 15 March. Five ARIA number one albums, two ARIA Awards and more than half a billion streams, the Sydney crew have carved an enduring legacy in Australian music. Their latest album, The Moon (The Dark Side) – a bold companion to their chart-topping The Moon (The Light Side) – showcases their continued evolution. And BLISS N ESO’s live shows are legendary for their energy, connection and scale. Fresh off a national tour that sold more than 30,000 tickets, they return to prove once again why they’re icons of the Australian live scene. Multiple ARIA Award-winning artist DRAP
“Any event that can be enjoyed under the stars is a welcome addition to the summer calendar. Hopefully, after a triumphant season, it returns!”
The Music
“Live at the Gardens teased what it’s like to be in Melbourne for a summer of music, nature and culture.”
Arts Hub
“The people behind the acclaimed A Day On The Green series have transformed Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens’ Observatory Precinct into a delightful new inner-city live music experience … Incredible band, great venue, good times.”
Australian Musician Magazine
“One of the most beautiful places on earth.”
Alex Kapranos, Franz Ferdinand
World-class music under the stars in the heart of the city! We’ll see you Live at the Gardens!
Tickets on sale Wednesday 10 December from Ticketmaster.
TOUR TRAILER
LIVE AT THE GARDEN MARCH 2026 DATES
Friday 6 March
Marlon Williams
Special guests Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn
*Presented by Triple R
Saturday 7 March
Thelma Plum and Sons Of The East
Special guest Jem Cassar-Daley
Sunday 8 March
*Public Holiday Eve
Leftfield
Special guests Paul Mac (DJ Set) and Late Nite Tuff Guy
*Presented by Triple R
Visit frontiertouring.com for national tour dates
Friday 13 March
Cut Copy
Special guest DJs Todd Terje, CC:DISCO!, Crazy P and Colette
*Presented by Triple R
Sunday 15 March
Bliss n Eso
Special guests Drapht and Horrorshow
TICKETING
LIVE AT THE GARDENS MEMBER PRESALE
via liveatthegardens.com.au
Runs from: Monday 8 December, 11.00am AEDT
For 48 hours or until presale allocation exhausted
MG LIVE MEMBER PRESALE
via mg.live
Runs from: Monday 8 December, 11.00am AEDT
For 48 hours or until presale allocation exhausted
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE
Tickets on sale Wednesday 10 December, 12.00pm AEDT
From Ticketmaster
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/
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.
Weezer
Garbage | All Time Low | Machine Head | Lorna Shore
Refused | New Found Glory | Alpha Wolf | Make Them Suffer | Dayseeker
Stand Atlantic | James Reyne | Kublai Khan TX | Cobra Starship | Goldfinger | Tonight Alive
In Alphabetical Order:
Bad Nerves | Civic | Dead Poet Society | Fever 333 | Gwar | High Vis
Inertia | Maple’s Pet Dinosaur | Palaye Royale | Scene Queen
South Arcade | Wargasm | Windwaker | Yours Truly
Plus the chaos of Stage 666!
DATES AND VENUES:
Friday 5 December – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne (16+)
Saturday 6 December – Sydney Showground, Sydney (16+)
Sunday 7 December – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane (16+)
Tickets available from www.goodthingsfestival.
GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK
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Queenscliff Music Festival has wrapped up for another year with a huge weekend of live music, sunshine and community spirit, welcoming more than 11,000 ticket holders to the Bellarine Peninsula from November 28 – 30, for three unforgettable days on Wadawurrung Country.
The weekend was truly alive with celebration as over 75 artists took to the festival stages, King Stingray lit up the main stage on Friday night with their high energy Yolnu surf groove, made even more special when Baker Boy jumped on for a surprise appearance that sent the audience into a frenzy. Earlier, Tex Perkins and Matt Walker belted out their iconic Australian rock classics, warming up the afternoon crowd in style, before Ella Hooper delivered a joyous tribute to Linda Ronstadt in a set filled with admiration, storytelling and soaring singalongs of some of the greatest songs ever written. Saturday delivered one of the most anticipated lineups in Queenscliff Music Festival’s memory. Thelma Plum warmed hearts and souls in a set overflowing with laughter and connection as the audience lapped up every note. Didirri and Rowena Wise held the crowd in quiet awe through the afternoon, offering a beautiful moment of stillness before The Waifs had thousands singing back every word. The Cat Empire followed with an explosive blend of jazz, Latin and funk, driving the foreshore into raptures long into the night. On the other side of the park, Cosmic Psychos closed out Saturday with a thunderous set that sent fans home grinning all the way home. Festival goers were also quick to jump aboard the new Queenscliff Music Festival floating stage on the Peninsula Princess ferry, with seven gigs across the weekend proving an instant favourite. These intimate shows offered a completely unique way to experience live music, pairing the beauty of the bay with up close performances by a handpicked selection of artists including Skyscrapper Stan & The Commission Flats, Romaine, Ally Row, Minor Gold, Grace Robinson and more. Across the whole weekend, audiences embraced the incredible array of local talent, from emerging artists making their QMF debut to regional favourites returning to the festival stage. The depth and diversity of home-grown music remained one of the event’s defining strengths, drawing full venues across the town of Queenscliff with passionate crowds from morning until long into the evening. Performances from Bones and Jones, Madeliene Cope, Fenn Wilson, Get Behind the Mule, Imaginary Millions, Kit Genesis, Kook Joey, Lewis Love, Matt Davis and dozens more helped cement QMF as one of the most important platforms for Victorian and Australian music discovery. The closing Sunday saw the energy rise from the afternoon into the evening with standout sets from Mama Kin Spender, whose stirring vocals and rhythmic communal energy sparked one of the biggest singalongs of the weekend, especially when joined by the 37 piece Acabella choir. The Preatures delivered a powerful and polished performance, reminding audiences exactly why they remain one of the country’s most dynamic live acts as Isabella Manfredi commanded the stage with charisma and fire. The Pierce Brothers followed with an unforgettable set that had audiences hanging on every note, before Donavon Frankenreiter brought his unmistakable laid back Californian soul to the foreshore to close the main stage, gliding through warm grooves and effortless vocals that held the entire crowd. Queenscliff Music Festival Director, Claire Stickland, Said, “What an incredible weekend for Queenscliff Music Festival. With packed stages and an electric atmosphere along the foreshore, this year was a true celebration of music and joy. “We are so proud of what unfolded, and none of it would have been possible without the amazing artists and people behind the scenes. More than 550 volunteers pour their time, passion and care into making this festival what it is, and it wouldn’t be possible without them. Queenscliff Music Festival remains a genuine community celebration of music and the arts, set in one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.” Queenscliff Music Festival will return in 2026. from 27 – 29 November, on Wadawurrung Country, in the historic Victorian seaside town of Queenscliff. |
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