50 gigs it’s best to have been at

From superstars in stadiums to locals in tiny bars, these 50 concert events modified us eternally.

Dwell music is a mysterious and highly effective power. It may elevate our spirits like nothing else, and the enjoyment it brings can follow us for years.

An excellent present goes properly past the setlist, or high quality of musicianship on stage. It is concerning the folks we’re with, the stage in life we’re at, the anticipation within the weeks main up and, generally, simply the sensation within the air.

The previous few years have reminded us simply how important stay music is for our wellbeing. So, we wish to have a good time it.

We have put collectively a listing of fifty gigs that it’s best to have been at. These are the exhibits which have caught in our minds and that we regularly rave about to pals. Gigs that helped form us as music lovers and, in some instances, as folks.

These aren’t the 50 greatest gigs that ever occurred. That record can be inconceivable to craft. These are the experiences of musicians, photographers, journalists, Double J listeners, and our personal crew.

You should have your personal gigs that you just reckon we ought to have been at. We want to hear about them.

This can be a love letter to stay music. A memory on the nights, afternoons, and really early mornings the place we felt like nothing else on the planet even vaguely mattered.

The performances that gave us a sense inside that may’t be replicated, however that we’ll proceed to chase with each gig we go to.

Amyl & the Sniffers at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne: 2021

Seeing Amyl & the Sniffers stay is among the best presents you may give your self. In October 2021 the Melbourne band gave us a life affirming rock injection on this lush amphitheatre as a part of a live performance celebrating the top of COVID lockdowns. We would been starved of stay music and the gig felt like a lifeline for followers in addition to artists.

Amy Taylor was clearly having a ball, prowling the stage, thrashing her glammy blonde mullet and searching like a muscly, punk superhero in lengthy boots, bikini, and satin blue observe shorts. The band was whip tight and I revelled of their ferocious blast, as we screamed alongside.

Their savage model of Patrick Hernandez’s ‘Born to Be Alive’ felt like a wonderfully cathartic ending to a set that had 4,000 folks grinning and feeling reborn. – Karen Leng

ANOHNI at Sydney Opera Home: 2005

The road-up for the Sydney Pageant-backed Leonard Cohen tribute present Got here So Far For Magnificence was already stacked with gold. Hal Wilner had gathered Nick Cave, Beth Orton, Rufus Wainwright and Jarvis Cocker to sing Cohen’s unparalleled songbook.

Nevertheless it was an unknown performer in a torn black jumper and lengthy darkish wig that trumped all of them.

I heard the group mutter, some sniggering, as she shuffled throughout the stage. Then ANOHNI, then performing as Antony, opened her mouth and sang. I nonetheless keep in mind the audible gasp via the Opera Home. The surprised silence when she stopped. And the roar of a standing ovation as we scraped ourselves off the ground. It was astonishing.

She would launch her breakthrough album I Am A Chicken Now simply days later and by no means be a thriller once more. – Zan Rowe

Beastie Boys at Gold Coast Huge Day Out: 2005

Among the best issues about this gig was the unusual musical interlude midway via. After a excessive power begin, with Advert Rock, MCA and Mike D bouncing across the stage, quickly flipping between one another’s verses and customarily setting the group on hearth with the classics, they utterly switched issues up.

They changed tracksuits with ’70s disco fits and picked up devices to play lounge-funk on a rotating round stage. It was surprising and good. The group had no concept what to suppose, particularly after such an explosive begin.

There have been just a few belligerent heckles to get on with it and follow the hits, however for essentially the most half the group was surprised, soaking all of it up. As a result of it is the Beastie Boys they usually can do regardless of the hell they need. – Gab Burke

Björk at Huge Day Out, Melbourne: 2008

I keep in mind the anticipation of seeing certainly one of my idols. The solar was streaming over the stage and everybody was simply so extremely excited. My pals and I have been proper up the entrance.

Horn gamers marched onto stage in these actually vibrant costumes. It was simply so spectacular. Then the group erupted when Björk got here out. I used to be overwhelmed. I do not forget that goosebump feeling while you get to see anyone that you have appeared as much as for thus lengthy.

She was sporting this lovely gold costume with purple feathers round her arms, and she or he performed all her hits, the highlights for me have been ‘Hyperballad’ and ‘Hunter’. She mixed natural devices like horns and massive drums with all digital sounds. After seeing her, I used to be impressed. – Eliza Hull

Sarah Blasko at State Theatre, Sydney: 2022

It is a thrill and a privilege seeing our favorite artists return to stay efficiency. It is the gas that helps us via the boring life stuff. When Sarah Blasko and her formidable band carried out her 2009 album As Day Follows Evening in full, it felt like such a joyful launch. Maybe from the feelings that formed the album, or possibly simply the previous two years. 

Anybody doubting her power clearly hasn’t seen her carry out. She will get you with the self-deprecating humour, however tonight it was her fierce delight shining via.

Topping the set off with a canopy of ‘Xanadu’ and a thundering ‘I Awake’, tonight was about sharing that one-off expertise. Its ten-year anniversary may need handed, however the purpose to have a good time was even larger. – Dorothy Markek

David Bowie at Sydney Showgrounds: 1978

Someday at college, my greatest pal got here as much as me and stated, ‘We’re going to see David Bowie in November’. Her sister and her greatest pal had bought us tickets.

‘Warszawa’ began, essentially the most ominous music, and it simply was good. Then the lights went up and there was David Bowie, proper in entrance of us. We have been him, one another, it simply blew our little minds.

The live performance was unimaginable. It was so superb to see this good-looking man together with his hair combed down, parted to the fitting. He had on a fitted white t-shirt and voluminous white pants. He was doing excessive kicks. He was simply excellent and so ridiculously good-looking that we could not consider it. The stage had fluorescent bars which went horizontally throughout the again of the stage. It was simply superb.

Sadly, my lovely pal died once we have been in our 20s. So I am carrying the Bowie banner for each of us. – Leanne from Brisbane

Jeff Buckley at The Metro, Sydney: 1995

As close to to an ideal live performance as I’ve ever witnessed.

When Jeff Buckley first got here right here, Grace had been out precisely a yr. The curiosity within the album had grown steadily throughout that point, so anticipation for his first tour was now fairly excessive.

This primary present of the tour was necessary. He knew everybody was anticipating so much. Not solely did he and his band ship that evening, they turned in a rare efficiency, combining immense ability and channelling pure emotion. Nice style too: covers of Cohen, MC5, after which set nearer Huge Star’s ‘Kanga Roo’. I nonetheless keep in mind simply shaking my head.

I noticed him play three different occasions – all nice – however this one had that particular, uncommon magic mud. – Richard Kingsmill

Nick Cave & the Dangerous Seeds at Cockatoo Island, Sydney: 2009

All Tomorrow’s Events, held at Cockatoo Island in 2009, was something however your common music pageant, due largely to it being curated by Nick Cave & The Dangerous Seeds.

It was an ideal January summer season day, the air thick with the economic harsh great thing about the island’s hallowed heritage. The sky squeezed its last rays of sunshine because the orange hues mirrored on the primary stage, welcoming Cave and his band of Dangerous Seeds who delivered their inimitable power to a utopian sea of tremendous followers.

It felt, and nonetheless feels, like a non secular and distinctive expertise by no means to be replicated. – Kath Devaney

Christine & The Queens at WOMADELAIDE: 2019

You realize these artists… You fairly like them, they’ve made it onto a few your playlists, and you propose to finally see them stay someday. While you do, it modifications all the things.

I went to Christine & The Queens‘ unforgettable WOMADelaide set as an appreciator of Chris’ music. I left as a lifelong fan.

Chris stepped out in a billowing purple shirt, flanked by a crew of impeccable androgynous dancers whose flawless, magnetic choreography was harking back to a Eighties music video.  The French synth-pop hero belted out ballads to a packed crowd watching on in awe.

Sonically, it was chic. And, regardless of minimal set design and easy costumes, visually it was pure artwork. Mesmerising from begin to end, it swept us into a unique world we by no means needed to go away. – Luanne Shneier

Crowded Home at Sydney Opera Home Steps: 1996

I used to be 10 years previous, squished right into a Corolla on the Pacific Freeway on our option to the steps of the Opera Home to farewell my favorite band, Crowded Home.

I stood on a garbage bin, clinging to a lightweight submit for a view of the stage on the Opera Home steps. The group could not management themselves, I used to be scared and excited on the sight of our bodies flung within the air above the mosh.

At one level, drummer Paul Hester joined Neil Finn, Nick Seymour and Mark Hart at stage entrance for a cracking run of, ‘Locked Out’,  ‘Sister Madly’ and ‘Italian Plastic’.  Quickly after, with the solar poetically setting on Sydney Harbour, hearts sank because the band performed their last observe, ‘Do not Dream It is Over’. – Cassie Walker

Daft Punk at Sydney Olympic Sports activities Centre: 2007

Daft Punk come on and it is that traditional ‘Robotic. Human, Robotic‘, little construct that they do. Everybody simply loses their thoughts. Then it drops into ‘Robotic Rock’. It is the perfect intro to a present of all time.

I keep in mind it had these unimaginable, emotional arcs to it. It began enjoyable, then went into this extremely superior place, within the unique sense of that phrase, then into one thing actually darkish. Then, when everybody was wigging out, they performed ‘Da Funk’.

The songs have been already cool, however the best way they structured the set actually did one thing for me. It was like a very good film, it simply flowed so amazingly. All of that with none type of precise human character up there guiding everybody.

They’d a positivity about them. Daft Punk has some type of moral goodness. They’re there for a celebration, however you could have the sense that they’ve a coronary heart behind it, which is benevolent. – Dan McNamee (Artwork Vs Science)

Soiled Three at Meredith Music Pageant: 2004

It was a moist Meredith. Wind, rain, flooded tents, all of it. Friday evening had pummelled us, and as Saturday rolled on, one other storm rolled in, darkish clouds threatening within the sky. We feared the worst.

As nightfall fell, Soiled Three got here on stage. The clouds rolled again into the valley behind the stage and, as Warren, Mick and Jim constructed, the storm broke off within the distance, sparing us beneath the celebs.

At one level Waz pointed his violin bow up excessive and an enormous lightning bolt cracked lifeless centre above him, like he was conducting the sky. I’ll always remember the gasp of12,000 folks because it occurred. Phenomenal. Each time I give it some thought, I get shivers and cry. – Zan Rowe

Divinyls at Piccadilly Lodge, Sydney: 1983

I had no concept who they have been. They hadn’t bought a document deal. I watched one of many early embryonic performances of the Divinyls fronted by the unbelievably charismatic Chrissy Amphlett.

I might by no means seen somebody carry out fairly like that. She had a fringe proper all the way down to her eyeline, so she had no eye contact with the viewers. She was simply utterly unpredictable, and she or he believed each lyric. It was type of scary, however on the similar time, mesmerising. You could not hold your eyes off her.

The band was unbelievable. They have been a correct Aussie pub rock band: nice songs, nice rhythm part, however with this unbelievable lady up entrance simply screaming like a banshee. You feared for her security, the viewers’s security, nevertheless it mesmerised me. I used to be hooked. – Tony Mott

Eddy Present Suppression Ring at Annandale Lodge , Sydney: 2010

You possibly can identify any Eddy Present Suppression Ring gig as unmissable, they’re simply that sort of band. I’ll always remember seeing them on the ‘Dale in 2010 although.

It was the primary of two bought out exhibits and, whilst you’d assume they might have performed a bigger venue, that was the purpose. Eddy Present have been made for rooms like this; a sweaty field, with crowds smashed up towards each other, and a PA you may’t escape.

They destroyed on this Saturday evening. Brendan Huntley wore gloves to allow the crawling he’d inevitably do: over the speaker stacks, stage, anyplace actually. In direction of the top of the set, he scaled the lengthy bar that ran down the fitting facet of the room, mic lead curled round his hand as he held us all in awe, and stored strolling. – Zan Rowe

Religion No Extra at Pageant Corridor, Melbourne: 1993

I keep in mind Religion No Extra approaching stage, they have been all sporting boxing robes and lined up and performing some sort of bizarre dance. Then they launched into this actually heavy set. There have been some actually darkish moments in it, but additionally some actually gentle moments, together with an interlude of New Youngsters on the Block’s ‘You Bought It (The Proper Stuff)’.

The power of the band was so excessive. Mike Patton’s voice was so extremely loud, his screams have been from one other planet. He prowled the stage like a caged beast, flaying his physique round, slamming himself into the foldback audio system and doing poorly executed somersaults. There was an actual violence to all of it which, for a 15 yr previous, was fairly terrifying concurrently being thrilling.

[It showed me] the facility of a robust present. I do not want the stadium gigs with large pyro and video screens, only a band actually placing all the things into it and taking part in at such depth. – Robert from Melbourne

The Flaming Lips at The Palace, Melbourne: 2004

I skipped Metallica on the 2004 Huge Day Out in Melbourne to see The Flaming Lips on a smaller stage, and their set blew my thoughts. All the pieces about it was joyful and surprising. The sideshow three days later was even higher.

‘Carmina Burana’ blasted out as large balloons and balls crammed the packed band room. Viewers members dressed as animals danced on stage to opener ‘Race For The Prize’. We sang completely happy birthday to strangers within the crowd. There was infinite confetti, pretend blood and philosophy delivered by megaphone.

They coated ‘Seven Nation Military’ and Wayne Coyne wore monumental hulk palms. A disturbing nun puppet led the singalong for ‘Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots’. Wayne paid tribute to Elliott Smith who had handed away simply months earlier and invited us all to embrace happiness, to decide to life, to consider in pleasure. – Ryan Egan

Foo Fighters at Kardinia Park, Geelong: 2022

It was an emotional present. The group was simply electrical. It poured rain half the evening, however we did not care. Foo Fighters have been the primary main band to come back again to Australia since COVID they usually simply placed on the perfect present. I’ve seen them a few occasions earlier than, however this topped it.

The group was simply screaming, singing alongside. Everybody was hugging folks within the crowd. Everybody simply bought alongside properly, there was no drama, there was no issues. We have been simply so fortunate to be there. They performed all the things you anticipated, even Taylor [Hawkins, drummer] bought up and sang ‘Below Strain’ by Queen.

We did not know what was going to occur to Taylor. When he handed away, it made the entire present much more simply golden in our recollections. Sitting right here fascinated by it now, I am getting emotional. It is nonetheless troublesome. However listening to him sing up on stage was simply magic. – Michael from Keysborough

4 Tet at Golden Plains: 2019

I am glad, earlier than all of us went into COVID-enforced hibernation, that I bought to spend a sun-dappled afternoon shifting and dreaming to 4 Tet in that sacred supernatural amphitheatre. This was a Meredith/Golden Plains expertise bordering on cliché, a long-time cult hero gracing the stage with cosmic power simply because the solar began to hit the timber in simply that means.

Limbs loosened, and minds expanded. The packed ampitheatre was testimony to the truth that, over 20 years into his distinctive, self-made profession, Kieran Hebden remains to be thoughtfully increasing his musical universe and his viewers.

Midway via, Nelly Furtado’s voice began to weave itself into the combo, signalling the arrival of ‘Solely Human’, launched simply days earlier. The ‘Sup is taken into account sacred floor for true music followers, and for good purpose. – Tim Shiel

Gang Of Youths at Splendour In The Grass: 2018

Two years and one timeslot later than their Splendour debut in 2016, Gang Of Youths‘ Saturday evening efficiency felt like a victory lap.

Bringing all of the chest-thumping rock catharsis from 2018 album Go Farther In Lightness, it was a spectacle of singalongs, confetti, blinding lights and naturally, the charismatic Dave Le’aupepe strutting and crowd-surfing like a born showman.

What separated this present out of your standard triumphant GoY set was how the heroic anthems took on a brand new, now traditionally vital, dimension concerning Dave’s father.

“He is a bit criminal at a hospital in Sydney,” Dave revealed forward of ‘The Coronary heart Is A Muscle’. Sadly, he wouldn’t make it via the yr. The impression of his passing, and the private revelations it unearthed, grew to become the catalyst for Gang Of Youths’ newest opus, angel in realtime. – Al Newstead

Gurrumul at Lethal Awards, Sydney Opera Home: 2008

I might by no means heard him at this level. It was simply him and his mate [Michael Hohnen] on the double bass. He began doing his factor and he had the entire viewers captivated.

Listening to his voice within the Opera Home, you can really feel it. You possibly can really feel that historical information and knowledge and power lower via. I hadn’t heard it like that earlier than. Rising up I might hear all of the uncles sing in conventional language and stuff, nevertheless it was just for doing conventional issues. I might by no means heard it put with modern music. It was a spin out.

I’ve nonetheless bought the image in my head. It was an enormous stage, and it was simply him, entrance and centre. Nevertheless it may as properly have been military up there the best way he performed it. – Nooky

PJ Harvey at Enmore Theatre, Sydney: 2001

It took 10 years for PJ Harvey to make it to Australia. Her journey, her tales, had mirrored ours. Uncooked, tough and raucous teenagers, our large first loves in our 20s, the loss of life of relations, and the ecstasy of affection and lust in new cities, discovering ourselves and our folks. She’d been our information throughout 5 unimaginable albums. Our heroine. She was lastly right here and it was virtually an excessive amount of.

The opener? Simply PJ and her guitar, a purple curtain, and that unmistakable strum of ‘Rid of Me’ from facet of stage. She walked on, delivered the opening line, and I burst into tears. The entire set was a better of, that includes ‘Sheela Na Gig’, ‘Dry’, ’50ft Queenie’, ‘C’mon Billy’, ‘Down by the Water’, ‘Good Fortune’ and extra. It had been 10 lengthy years to attend, and price every single day of it. – Meagan Loader

Iggy Pop at Pageant Corridor, Melbourne: 1989

When Iggy Pop toured in 1989, nobody actually knew what to anticipate. He’d simply launched Intuition, a patchy album crammed with large steel riffage and, earlier than that, the poppy Blah Blah Blah. Neither have been Iggy at his greatest and, coupled with some properly publicised stints in rehab, it felt like Iggy had misplaced his means.

However, from the second the godfather of punk arrived on stage within the dirty previous wooden-floored Pageant Corridor, Iggy confirmed us he was nonetheless boss. The sinewy showman owned the room. He was essentially the most unimaginable dancer I’ve ever seen, gyrating with intense primal power.

He howled and snarled although a set heavy on Stooges classics. Experiencing incendiary songs like ‘Search and Destroy’, ‘TV Eye’ and ‘1969’ up shut felt like a musical epiphany. Iggy set my love for edgy rock’n’roll efficiency ablaze, setting a high-water mark to which few artists have come shut. – Karen Leng

John Butler Trio at Woodford People Pageant: 2004

I’ve seen John Butler Trio many occasions, however one second has caught with me past all others. The trio left the stage so John might play a few solo acoustic numbers. He performed certainly one of his newer songs ‘Peaches and Cream’ and, as he did, his consideration divided.

Facet of the stage, his child daughter Banjo was wriggling out of her mum’s grip. Danielle [Caruana, Butler’s wife] put her down and she or he crawled proper throughout the stage to John.

He was so overcome with emotion he stopped taking part in. She’d by no means performed something like that earlier than, and the tune was written for her. It was a magical second watching a dad and his full love for his daughter. He needed to restart the tune after he’d had a second together with her, and there have been quite a lot of tears within the viewers and onstage! – Sarah Howells

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings at Woodford People Pageant: 2012

Woodford is at all times a beautiful blur of humidity, warmth and chaotically heaving people. Music wildly drifts from each level of the compass. However, when Sharon Jones hit the stage, the celebs aligned. All of us have been like cows within the area and stood within the one route, locked into the Dap-Kings‘ groove.

Although she could not have been farther from the streets of Brooklyn, she stomped throughout that sweaty stage as if it have been her residence turf. She invited crowd members as much as dance in virtually each tune, as if we have been her household. We have been all locked in Sharon’s embrace. Tragically, it was to be certainly one of Sharon’s final visits to Australia, I really feel so grateful to have been there. – Henry Wagons

Kendrick Lamar at Bluesfest: 2016

To at the present time, I’ve by no means seen a pageant headliner that’s blown me away like Kendrick Lamar did at Bluesfest in 2016. Coming within the wake of his prompt traditional, To Pimp A Butterfly, it was like having a wave of hype bodily crash over you. The group was prepared for it, warmed up by Hiatus Kaiyote, Kamasi Washington and D’Angelo; a very legendary major stage billing I’ve but to see topped.

The group was heaving from the primary beat. Condensation, fed by the breath of a thousand our bodies shouting each lyric, rained down. It was wall-to-wall hits, and the sound of the group chanting, ‘We gon’ be alright‘ as he left the stage remains to be ringing in my ears to at the present time. – Stephen Goodhew

LCD Soundsystem and Scorching Chip at Hordern Pavilion, Sydney: 2010

It was a type of dream double payments. The kings of mid-00s dance punk and synth pop, collectively on the peak of their powers.

With Scorching Chip‘s Joe Goddard on paternity go away (might you like him extra?) it hardly mattered that his musical bear hugs got here pre-recorded. As I wormed my option to the entrance like a correct Nigel No Mates I skilled the complete LCD Soundsystem juggernaut, eyes darting from anti-rockstar James Murphy to cool-as-hell-Nancy Whang to the evening’s MVP, Al Doyle.

We danced ourselves sweaty, with everybody – on and off stage – feeling utterly within the second. It was the magical candy spot between a mosh and a rave. The place are your folks tonight? Mate, they’re all right here! Gigs do not come higher than this. – Dorothy Markek

Center Youngsters at Oxford Circus, Sydney: 2016

There’s one thing particular about standing in a small, sweaty room, watching a band clearly destined for larger issues.

It was no accident that I discovered myself right here, watching Center Youngsters play for the very first time at Oxford Circus in Sydney. They’d turned heads with their phenomenal debut single, ‘Edge Of City’. The query on everybody’s thoughts that evening… did they’ve a setlist to again it up? If the variety of document offers supplied afterwards have been any indication, the reply was a convincing sure.

All the pieces that makes Center Youngsters such a killer stay act at present was on full show from the beginning; moments of pin-drop silence, stadium sized catharsis and wonderful stage banter. Generally acts take time to develop, however from the second they left the stage that evening, it was clear this was a band heading for larger issues. – Stephen Goodhew

Midnight Oil at Capitol Theatre, Sydney: 1982

With white lights blazing out from behind the band, I vividly keep in mind steam continually rising off Peter Garrett’s complete physique. We have been solely midway via the set by this stage too. I learnt concerning the band’s want for oxygen tanks backstage years later, and it did not shock me.

This present on the 10, 9, 8… tour channelled each ounce of Midnight Oil‘s extraordinary dedication, expertise, ardour, and rage. Garrett was on hearth, ruthlessly taking intention at grasping builders, politicians and any character that did not measure as much as their intense scrutiny. The band have been unimaginable and unstoppable. Few acts have gone the space that Midnight Oil went that evening. – Richard Kingsmill

Kylie Minogue at The Palace, Melbourne: 2012

They have been solely going to be small exhibits, and only some of them. It was simply Kylie Minogue and her band, versus the large stage productions.

It was like getting invited to a secret social gathering together with her. It was all of the hardcore followers that had been together with her for her complete profession. All people knew it was going to be superb, and she or he was actually relaxed and excited to be there. It felt very intimate, however very thrilling.

Within the grand scheme of all of the Kylie gigs I’ve seen, it is undoubtedly the perfect one. While you’re a fan and also you sort of go to these large exhibits, it is good and the power is admittedly good. However while you’re in a tiny venue with solely the hardcore those who love anyone as a lot as you do, it is completely different. – Ali from Perth

Janelle Monáe at Sydney Opera Home: 2012

Due to Vivid, I’ve ticked just a few artists off the bucket record over time. Although no expertise comes near Janelle Monáe‘s first Australian go to.

I caught to her black and white costume code on the time (suppose ‘Tightrope’ video) like an obedient fan following some imaginary decree. From the identical seat, in the identical row, over consecutive nights, my thoughts was blown.

Not that there was a lot sitting. Like James Brown in feminine type, her singing and dancing, her command of the band – and us – as she whipped everybody right into a frenzy was electrifying. Throw in a bonus all-time life second as I held her hand whereas she climbed over the seats. She completely put some voodoo on it. – Dorothy Markek

Nirvana at The Palace, Melbourne: 1992

I used to be so excited that my abdomen was churning. The timing for Nirvana‘s solely Australian tour was excellent: Nevermind was blowing minds, inserting them on the epicentre of the grunge zeitgeist. For me and some hundred different frothing followers sardined into the stinking sizzling venue, they have been essentially the most thrilling band on the planet.

After they kicked into the explosive ‘Drain You’, your complete crowd grew to become a heaving mosh. It was tough up the entrance as stage divers flew via the air and bouncers pulled different sweaty punters out to flee the crush. Krist Novoselic slung his bass low, whereas Dave Grohl was ferocious, his lengthy hair spraying sweat as he drummed like a demon. 

I liked feeling the impression of their music bodily – rock that loud strikes proper via you. The reminiscence of that present is burnt into my mind, the depth amped by the disappointment I nonetheless really feel over the lack of Kurt Cobain. – Karen Leng

Peaches at Revolver, Melbourne: 2002

We have been all fanboying out that Peaches was coming over. There was nobody there, only a handful of people that have been within the know. This eclectic combine of individuals, sort of like a cabaret present crowd. She was very underground, hardly anybody knew her, however that crowd was simply there for her. Hardcore followers.

I keep in mind how stripped again and naked it was, and the way nice she was as a performer. It was simply her and [Mignon] on stage, wearing loopy leather-based gear or no matter it was on the time. It was actually only a two particular person cabaret present, however she managed to drag it off.

She’s simply bought this power that she’s at all times had and introduced it, regardless of how small the present was. It was there on the very starting. It is simply sort of expanded and expanded. – Quan Yeomans (Regurgitator)

Pixies at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne: 2007

Standing close to the entrance of the stage at this Pixies present felt like being in a second out of time. As folks round me glanced at strangers subsequent to them, I puzzled whether or not they have been sharing my feeling of just about disbelief that this unimaginable band was proper in entrance of us.

Their reunion had slowly winded all over the world for just a few years, and for a band with a risky historical past we couldn’t be completely positive they’d make it to Australia. However they did, treating us to a set full of fan favourites from their seminal albums.

Time hadn’t wearied Frank Black’s manchild voice, which simply lower via Joey Santiago’s spiky surf guitar and Dave Lovering’s thwacking drums, while I bathed in heat glow of Kim Deal’s considerable charms. I missed Pixies at their ascendant peak, however one magic evening took me there. – Caz Tran

Portishead at Harvest Pageant, Sydney: 2011

Consider an incredible music pageant set and what do you image? One thing raucous, with quite a lot of dancing and spilled beer? Portishead at Harvest was the alternative. It was the sort of efficiency I did not suppose was potential to drag off at a pageant; a set whose energy was in its silence.

A caveat of the group agreeing to play Harvest was that no different bands could possibly be taking part in on the similar time, lest stage bleed contaminate their ambiance. Previous to the present, I assumed they have been being treasured. Afterwards, I completely understood. With out that silence, with out the respect from the viewers to guard it, this set simply wouldn’t have had the identical impression.

That evening, Portishead delivered a masterclass in dynamics, one which I’ve not ever seen replicated, nor count on to ever once more. – Stephen Goodhew

Prince at Sydney Opera Home: 2016

Each Prince present was completely different from the final, however his Piano and a Microphone tour was one thing we might by no means witnessed earlier than. From anybody.

Throughout 28 wonderful songs, Prince tossed collectively his largest hits with surprising cuts from his catalogue. He was on their own, however possessed the power of ten males, leaping onto his piano at one level, bolting throughout the stage and posing to his adoring crowd at others. It felt like he’d taken over the piano at a celebration as he joked with the group and vamped loosely, earlier than flooring us with an intensely shifting efficiency.

He held our feelings within the palm of his hand. Then he left, and he by no means got here again. – Dan Condon

The Prodigy at Huge Day Out, Perth: 2009

Perth’s 2009 Huge Day Out was an absolute scorcher of a day and, after a sweaty afternoon dancing to Pendulum, I used to be each exhausted and amped for The Prodigy‘s set that evening.

The Boiler Room had moved outdoor, however the crowd gathering to see the long-lasting UK outfit was getting too large for the fenced off space, which did not hold the swarm of punters out. The boisterous mob turned virtually riotous on the arrival of Keith Flint’s distinctive devilish look and manic power that fed the frenzy.

The unbridled madness on stage and throughout me was like nothing I might skilled earlier than. It was an exhilarating, mesmerising blur and felt the closest I might ever get to witnessing underground, anarchic rave tradition. I simply could not get sufficient. – Lucy Forbes

Public Enemy and Ice-T at ANU Bar, Canberra: 1992

There are such a lot of the explanation why this was the final word gig. Firstly, it is Public Enemy and Ice-T, two of essentially the most iconic hip hop acts on the peak of their careers. Secondly, these superstars have been performing in Canberra, of all locations. Lastly, I used to be underage, however my cousin was working safety, so he let me in.

So, image a brilliant younger Hau, all wide-eyed with a thoughts like a sponge, absorbing each highly effective lyric, each thumping drumbeat, each screeching pattern, and being amongst a rowdy bunch of uni college students. Little did I do know, just a few years later, I might be gracing that exact same stage doing precisely what my musical heroes have been doing that evening. It was life altering. – Hau Latukefu

Rage Towards the Machine at Huge Day Out, Gold Coast: 2008

This efficiency was so highly effective even from a distance, standing on the hill with a sea of individuals in between. Björk had simply performed to an extremely disrespectful crowd who booed her and disrupted her set. That half was actually terrible.

Nevertheless it was shortly forgotten when Rage Towards The Machine hit the stage. They’d simply reformed and to see them stay, in Australia, after such a protracted hiatus, was unbelievable. They ripped via all of the hits with breathtaking ferocity. They referred to as out political corruption and crunched the shit out of these large guitar riffs.

Zack de la Rocha’s vocal supply was flawless and sure, ‘Killing In The Identify’ had tens of 1000’s of individuals going ballistic, leaping and screaming ‘Fuck you I will not do what you inform me!‘ in unison. – Gab Burke

Roc Tha Block: Jay-Z, Rihanna, Ne-Yo at Sydney Leisure Centre: 2006

It was October 2006. Jay-Z was already a large star. Ne-Yo was a part of the zeitgeist because of his hit single ‘So Sick’. However Rihanna was simply getting began. And that’s what made this live performance such a monumental one to be at.

This was earlier than Rihanna was declared a nationwide hero of Barbados. This was earlier than she gained billionaire standing. Heck, this was even earlier than ‘Umbrella’.

Ne-Yo rocked the stage first, then Rihanna. Keep in mind ‘Pon de Replay’ and ‘SOS’? Then headliner Jay-Z carried out classics like ‘Filth Off Your Shoulder’. Beyoncé joined him in Sydney, however not on stage: that was a part of the excitement too. Was she going to? Or wasn’t she? It was, certainly, a second in historical past. – Mawunyo Gbogbo

The Saints at College of Queensland, Brisbane: 2007

Most of us spent our lives resigned to by no means seeing Chris Bailey and Ed Kuepper on a stage collectively. Then, on a July evening 28 years after their break up, the duo that made The Saints a life-changing power have been collectively once more. And so they sounded unimaginable.

Bailey was unusual however cool, the poetic firebrand. Kuepper was stoic, but his guitar was strident. Their traditional songs – they usually performed so a lot of them – hit as arduous as ever. The set handed in a blur, as we screamed alongside to each snotty, soulful traditional.

On paper, it seems like a fantastic gig to be at. Within the crowd, it felt transcendent. We witnessed historical past, and it wasn’t cynical. Moderately, it was a reminder that punk rock is ageless and, for higher or worse, Brisbane had a small however key function in its foundations. – Dan Condon

Silverchair at Newcastle Leisure Centre: 1999

I used to be 16 years previous with my greatest pal. We have been each musicians in a neighborhood band and we determined we have been going to see Silverchair. It was the primary large skilled live performance of a band I might seen. The primary time I might been at a stadium present.

Daniel Johns didn’t make a single error. When he screamed in ‘Freak’, he did the world’s most brutal guttural scream and everybody was like, ‘Okay, not solely can they nonetheless rock, he can sing something and all the things’. It was superb. It was packed. It was on the level of their profession the place everybody knew that they weren’t a part, they weren’t only a younger band, they have been going to be sport changers.

Going to see an expert band of a world calibre on the peak of their profession, we realised what was potential. It was like, ‘That is what younger guys can do’. It blew our minds. – Jimmy Kyle (Chasing Ghosts)

Patti Smith at Hamer Corridor, Melbourne: 2017

I used to be fortunate sufficient to have my thoughts fantastically blown by Patti Smith. She performed via certainly one of my favorite albums, Horses, with the power and momentum of a model new launch.

From the opening notes of ‘Gloria’ to the palpable pulse of ‘Redondo Seaside’, Patti Smith burst out with a dynamic, objective and swagger like no different. In the course of the encore, in a second of celebratory fervour, she grabbed an electrical guitar and ripped off all of the strings together with her naked palms!

It was a real privilege to merely be within the presence of such a legend, not to mention witness such a significant and powerfully current efficiency. – Henry Wagons

Solange at Sydney Opera Home: 2018

The music was pristine. Solange was a whole celestial power within the house. With each lyric of each tune, we have been capable of share our collective expertise of being susceptible, not figuring out who we’re, our identities. This celebration of blackness, having black pleasure in an area, was electrical. It is what I can solely describe is the closest factor to a non secular expertise. I burst into tears straightaway.

It was a type of performances you could’t categorical to different folks how deeply shifting it’s. You possibly can’t actually inform them concerning the power that was within the room. You allow there feeling linked to everybody, as a result of you realize that you just had that second. And nobody else will get how that feels.

It was the perfect stay expertise I’ve ever had. And I feel it is a type of uncommon moments, particularly on this nation, the place black folks might loudly and proudly have a good time their blackness. – Nkechi Anele

The Strokes at The Hello-Fi Bar, Melbourne: 2001

It began with a 3 observe EP that was copping a flogging, a band folks couldn’t cease flapping on about. They’d the requisite dishevelled look, a contemporary tackle a well-recognized rock sound and oozed a ton of disaffected New York cool. By the point You Am I introduced them as helps on their Australian tour, the excitement round The Strokes was at fever pitch.

Sceptics amongst us thought that certainly no band might measure as much as this a lot hype. However when these scruffy, shadowy 5 figures assumed their positions on the darkened Hello-Fi Bar stage and launched into their ridiculously taut set, the power within the room was positively electrifying. Everybody knew they have been witnessing one thing particular.

It was arduous to argue with the claims that The Strokes have been rock’s new saviours when, on this second, all the things felt so good and proper on the planet. – Caz Tran

Instrument at Rod Laver Enviornment, Melbourne: 2001

Lateralus is a prog steel masterpiece, so it is smart Instrument‘s accompanying world tour is fondly considered the group working on the peak of their punishing stay powers.

We’re speaking visceral renditions of their fiendishly complicated materials, accompanied by their famously trippy visuals and sonic readability. Faves like ‘The Grudge’, ‘Forty Six & 2’ and ‘Stinkfist’ have not often sounded higher because of Danny Carey’s juggernaut drumming and Maynard James Keenan writhing in physique paint and roaring from the shadows.

‘Schism’ pried open my third eye, full with the interpretive dancers from the observe’s iconic video prowling the stage earlier than being suspended excessive above it. As any diehard will smugly let you know: “You do not see Instrument stay. You expertise Instrument.” – Al Newstead

Speaking Heads at Narara Pageant: 1984

The enjoyment of watching this present, not figuring out what to anticipate in these pre-online days, is one thing I am going to at all times treasure.

It began with David Byrne quietly strolling out onto a very empty stage carrying a tape deck. Inserting it at his toes, he hits play, and a beat begins. It is all very, very awkward. However then he begins strumming the chords to ‘Psycho Killer’ and we’re off. Tina Weymouth joins him for a easy, lovely model of ‘Heaven’. The others progressively seem, as do some legendary friends. The outsized go well with, the dance with the lamp, it was all genius execution, and the perfect songs of their profession.

It was so thoughts blowing, I instantly purchased a prepare ticket to Melbourne to look at it over again. – Richard Kingsmill

Kae Tempest at Manufacturing facility Theatre, Sydney: 2020

Listening to Kae Tempest on document is one factor, witnessing them in particular person is one other factor fully. I made a decision to go to this present on the last-minute, it ended up being one of the shifting performances I’ve ever seen.

It was my first time seeing Kae. Their most up-to-date album The E book of Traps and Classes had already blown my thoughts the yr earlier than. The group gathered silently as, backed by minimal beats, they wove their phrases nimbly in entrance of us, infusing that means and objective into every one.

Nevertheless it was Kae’s command of the house and the viewers that actually floored me. Their skill to take us to some actually bleak locations, earlier than bringing us again with levity, humanity and heat. It was charming from begin to end in a means I might by no means skilled earlier than. – Caitlin Nienaber

The Waifs at The Tivoli, Brisbane: 2009

Reveals from The Waifs are at all times crammed with love, onstage and within the crowd. It is simple to really feel such as you’ve been welcomed into Vikki, Donna and Josh’s lounge room at just about each present.

This gig at The Tivoli was certainly one of their greatest. Good harmonies, cheeky banter, and all housed in probably the greatest venues in Brisbane. I used to be standing up on the balcony, behind the ornate railing, as all of us sang together with their newest album Solar Filth Water, plus all of the classics.

Vikki was dwelling in Utah on the time, and it felt so particular to have The Waifs again collectively in Australia. We have been by no means fairly positive when the subsequent probability to see them stay can be! – Sarah Howells

Gillian Welch at The Tivoli, Brisbane: 2004

First it was the silence. As Gillian Welch and David Rawlings scorched via their opening tune, the viewers made no sound in any way. Had somebody dropped a pin, it could have been deafening.

Then it was the roar. Because the duo ended the tune, all people shot up from their seats and hollered at full voice. It was as rapturous an ovation as I’ve seen earlier than or since.

I keep in mind tears, I keep in mind laughter, I keep in mind exhilaration. Most of all, I keep in mind ‘Revelator’. Welch’s excellent voice, Rawlings’ dexterous guitar work, the duo’s freakish chemistry combining for one of many best single stay performances of a tune I’ve ever witnessed.

There have been goosebumps-on-goosebumps as utter perfection unfolded in entrance of us. Music so lovely, natural and expertly performed it felt prefer it must be behind a glass case. A revelation. – Dan Condon

Yothu Yindi at Stompem Floor, Broome: 1992

Some folks wish to do the Huge Day Out or no matter, Aboriginal bands would go ‘We wish to play at Stompem Floor. That is going to be the final word’.

Broome did not have too many bands coming via, particularly Aboriginal bands. [The audience] would not have even heard of half of them earlier than they bought on the invoice. So, to see all Aboriginal bands in a single spot, I feel they have been fairly blown away.

They’d seen [Scrap Metal] heaps, however once they noticed the remainder of the bands it was in all probability higher than they anticipated. I do not suppose they have been prepared for it, or might think about how good these different bands have been.

I suppose it was a benchmark, that first one. It stamped one thing within the music business. – Alan Pigram (Scrap Metallic, The Pigram Brothers)