It’s hard to believe that it’s been thirty years since Grinspoon formed. As a band they have taken me from my mid-twenties into my mid-fifties. When you connect with a band that way, you know they will be a part of your life forever. Grinspoon are a band that I transferred my love of onto my son and while he wasn’t born when they started, he has certainly grown up with them with the same love I have for them.
Live Grinspoon have always been something special; a must-see show, whether it be in a club, tavern, on the big stage at a festival or selling out two nights at Melbourne’s Forum there is something to be said about a band that has just aged and matured so well. I’m glad I got to see some of those early shows too. The reinvention of the band after their second hiatus saw them come back with a vengeance in 2020. Back with a newfound energy Grinspoon are more dangerous and exciting than they ever have been.
Being the last Friday before Christmas seemed to have an impact as the crowd built slowly during Loose Contents opening set. Loose Content are a three-piece hailing from Byron Bay and until tonight hadn’t caught my attention. This young trio fuse a mish mash of influences from The Police to Britpop that create somewhat of an eclectic style that has its Aussie influenced touches, it’s a difficult melting pot to accurately describe. There was a definite drawing of attention to Milla (Bass & Vocals) as the brightest light stuck on her, highlighting her in a sense, while guitarist Sam Sanders and drummer Aquila Porter were left in the shadows. Musically Sanders and Porter were crucial to the overall feel and delivery of this set of songs and deserved as much attention as Milla did.
While not my cup of tea, this trio as a young indie/alt rock band has potential. Their musicianship and songwriting has some truly magical moments. For a band that balances its age average at twenty they I do believe have something that strikes a chord with their generation. Perhaps the big stage isn’t for them right now, or maybe it is. Don’t get me wrong, I liked their set, but it wasn’t one that had me rushing home to consume their body of work to date. If anything, I do believe they have the potential to be the voice of their generation, the youthful energy they have certainly does have appeal. Will I remember where and when I first saw them probably not.
Loose Content Gallery
Next up were Bad//Dreems from Adelaide and from the moment they took the stage there was something truly exciting about them. The name I knew yet as of tonight I hadn’t seen live or really paid attention to, boy did things change quickly there. Frontman Ben Marwe simply demands you watch him. His demeanour on stage is part maniacal, part punk and one hundred percent captivating. Marwe stormed the stage like a caged animal waiting to be set loose, gathering meters and meters of microphone cable in his hands. Perhaps the best way I could describe what I saw is a combination of John Lydon (Sex Pistols), Chris Bailey (The Saints) and Iggy Pop bailed into one being. Something that you must see to fully comprehend. Tonight’s set was a great introduction to the band and their alternative garage rock that tipped its hat to punk rock on more than one occasion. The band are supremely tight, powerful and dynamic, the harmonies and backing vocals adding layers of depth to the catchy choruses.
When it comes to energy and energy generated from the power of these songs it was easy to see why there was a surge in crowd numbers as Bad//Dreems steam rolled their way through their set. For me the band made an impact, their set was extremely well executed and certainly warmed up the Forum. They left me wanting more, they were engrained in my brain and are a band that I will go and check out again live. Until then I am sure I will find myself deeply engaged in their catalogue to date.
Setlist : New Boys, Cuffed, Shadowland, Dumb Ideas, Gutful, Jack, Mob Rule, Tomorrow, My Pal.
Bad//Dreems Gallery
There is always something special about watching a stage become ready for a headline artist or band. The stage being rushed by many preparing the calm before the storm of the main attraction and what a storm was brewing. The energy and excitement peaking as Grinspoon took to the stage. Wasting no time the first three song onslaught set the pace and tone for tonight. In your face, powerful, energising rock n roll.
The theme tonight is obviously one of celebration, a bonanza and what a party it was. From the opening video depicting the band in the wild west the theme was strong and one that worked so well. Now I may be jumping ahead of the show here but the use of visuals throughout this show was simply perfect. The montages of old photos, interview footage, backstage passes and media clippings was just sublime. The theme of Grinspoon from the wild west was done so tastefully and delicately. However, make no mistake this was a rock n roll show. As a visual package from what we saw on the screens to the overall lighting and production it was incredible which made it into the top two productions I have seen at the Forum this year. Was it my favourite? I’m still on the fence but damn it is up there, perhaps a little more reflection will decide that.
Sonically the band were so damn tight, and the front of house sound was near perfect. Kudos to the production crew on this show.
Phil Jamieson has the greatest diction when it comes to singing, every word is clean and clear. Opening with ‘Unknown Pretenders’ from last years “Whatever, Whatever” is the perfect opener, hard hitting and instantly engaging. Back that up with ‘DCX3’ and you have a one two punch that simply had you all in engaged. Jamieson runs the stage like sugared up three-year-old in their favourite playground, running and leaping without a care in the world. His pausing moments to wave, point and engage with the crowd is showmanship at it’s finest. There is a fine line in balancing what is enough and what is too much Jamieson has perfected this balance so much so it has you wanting more and it’s in that restraint that the magic truly lays.
Bassist Joe Hansen is a delight to watch as he pulls shapes and delivers kicks that play perfect partner to Jamiseon’s energy. His bass lines have a groove and growl that are unmistakable and such a crucial part to the band’s sound. Kristian Hopes is a rhythm machine, he is so damn solid, a modern-day Phil Rudd who understands exactly what needs to be played to make these songs groove. His head down style is driving, it’s the kick in the ass that is so crucial and can only be played one way, his way. For a band that generally only has one guitar Pat Davern’s playing is big, his sound is gutsy, powerful and uniquely his. Davern makes it all look so easy, delivering those massive riffs and melodies. Understated on stage, he is so precise when you take the time to watch what he does. Tonight made me realise just how crucial each member is to the Grinspoon DNA. You simply can’t replace any of these members because together they are simply lightning in a bottle. Thirty years of doing this and I have to say they sound the best they have. I can’t recall how many times I have seen Grinspoon live, but it’s a lot, and I must say they simply get better each time.
When you have a catalogue of songs like Grinspoon’s there are very few misses and tonight the band brought out all the big gun songs, not one blank was fired as they were all bullseyes.
The way that the band delivers these songs and have constructed this set it is nothing short of impeccable. It was a ninety-minute blast through thirty years. Jamieson is a man of few words between songs, and he can be, he exudes a charm and charisma that words have no magic to add to. Aside from the thank you to all involved in putting the show together his only other words were simply audience rev ups that simply elevated the energy in the room when they weren’t playing music. The crowd tonight loved every minute of it too, items of clothing were thrust into the air, people on top of shoulders and then there were those that dared to surf the wave of humans. We all danced, moshed, sang and simply had the time of our lives. This is the beauty of rock n roll, the power of music and the connection we all make with it. It’s that release and place to lose yourself.
Grinspoon are such a unique band, they have that raw power in songs like ‘Lost Control’, ‘Ready 1’, ‘Black Friday’, ‘1000 Miles’, ‘Sickfest’ and ‘More Than You Are’. While still able to explore a more delicate side in ‘Chemical Heart’, ‘Minute By Minute’ and Better Off Alone’ which truly do showcase the lyrical magic and depth in songwriting this band has. The pure infectious fun and energy of ‘No Reason’ and ‘Hard Act To Follow’ highlight their mastery of writing songs that make you move. It’s safe to say Grinspoon are a band that has done nothing but evolve while still staying true to themselves. With that said I look forward to the next Grinspoon gig and whatever the next thirty years brings us. Grinspoon are in their own words a ‘Hard Act To Follow’. This was my last gig for 2025 and what a way to see the year out, it’s been a massive year for live music and tonight was simply a perfect way to say goodbye to 2025.
Setlist : Unknown Pretenders, DCX3, Black Friday, Just Ace, Sickfest, Rock Show, Lost Control, Nasty, Hard Act To Follow, No Reason, Better Off Alone, Secrets, Ready 1, Run, Minute By Minute, 1000 Miles, Don’t Change, Chemical Heart, Champion, More Than You Are.
GRINSPOON GALLERY
A massive thank you to Grinspoon, Rina Ferris and Owen Orford for making tonight possible.
