The Grogans brought their Stagger tour home to Melbourne with a sold-out show at 170 Russell, delivering a performance that proved why the trio has become one of Australia’s most exciting live acts. Their sound—an elastic blend of surf rock, garage grit, blues swagger and psych-tinged haze—translated perfectly to the stage, filling the room with a raw but irresistible energy.
From the opening notes, the chemistry between Quin Grunden (bass/vocals), Angus Vasic (guitar) and Jordan Lewis (drums) was undeniable. The band leaned heavily into their latest record Stagger, a release that has already earned ARIA Top 10 recognition, but balanced the night with fan favourites from earlier releases. Tracks like “Lemon to My Lime” carried the carefree spirit that first drew attention to the band, while “Money Will Chase You” sparked the biggest singalong of the night, uniting the room in a chorus that drowned out the stage.
There was a constant sense of movement throughout the set. “Worry About Everything” slowed the pace without losing momentum, offering a reflective moment before diving back into heavier garage tones. The Grogans have always thrived on genre-bending, and that versatility was on full display, each shift handled with ease.
The crowd matched the band’s energy beat for beat. Bodies moved in unison, arms stretched skyward, and a handful of fans rode the wave of the audience with spontaneous crowd surfs. When Lewis stepped out from behind the drum kit mid-set to take up guitar, it was an unexpected twist that only heightened the spontaneity of the night.
Closing with “Oh Boy,” The Grogans ended on a high that felt both unpolished and complete—a reminder that their strength lies in authenticity. No theatrics, no unnecessary polish, just three musicians locked in, playing with the kind of tightness that comes only from years of shared experience.
Opening support came from Adelaide’s Ethanol Blend, who set the tone with an atmospheric performance rich in texture. His soundscapes created the perfect backdrop, easing the audience into the night before The Grogans took the stage with full force.
What made the night stand out was the simplicity. The Grogans don’t need elaborate production or spectacle; their strength lies in connection. The music was raw, vibrant, and deeply human—a quality that continues to push the Melbourne trio beyond their roots and into the national spotlight.
Photography: Juan Castro
