Here’s my top 10 live shows from 2025, in chronological order:
1. The Schizophonics: La La La’s, Wollongong & Factory Theatre, Marrickville – January
I was fortunate enough to catch The Schizophonics twice in January. A cracking rock band fronted by an over medicated hyperactive octopus, Pat Beers. They had the entire audience smiling their whole set both nights. Most excellent!
2. The D4: Mary’s Underground, Sydney – February
I’ve dug the The D4 since their first album, 20 odd years ago, so there was no way I was missing their first Sydney show in yonks. Gotta admit to being a bit nervous though, would thThis Woy Woy line-up is Outtaspaceey still have it? Would they be a good as I remember?? Yeah they fuckin were!! Ripping set! Killer Rock n roll with all the hits! Dion thrashed his geetar at the end ensuring no encore, perfect!
3. Sun Ra Archestra: Factory Theatre, Marrickville – March
Sun Ra’s free jazz is soothing for me, so this show was a must. A 20-odd ensemble of musicians playing spaced out free jazz in psychedelic outfits - memorising! The 70-year-old band leader doing backflips at the end was the icing on top.
4. Negative Waves: Barwon Club, Geelong – June
Killer line-up. Big day of beers, bands, friends and overindulgence. The Stripp were on fire, Fly! were a massive wall of Motorhead-style rock n roll, Meanies kicked ass and W.O.M.B.A.T were impressive. Good times!
5. Outtaspace Weekender: Link & Pin, Woy Woy – September
I’ve been to every Outtaspace weekender so far, they are always tonnes of fun! More of a 3-day house party at your mates house with killer bands playing all day long, than a gig. See ya at the next one.
6. Asteroid B612: Marrickville Bowlo, Marrickville – November
Asteroid returning to Sydney after a long break was always gonna be a good thing! Not the OG line up for various reasons, but a couple of Spanish ring-ins was a welcome addition. They tore through at the Asteroid (shoulda been) hits and then some, like a band that have been on the road for 40 years – which I guess they kinda have.
7. Antenna: Crowbar, Annandale – November
I’m a bit of a late comer to Antenna but was lucky to catch em opening for the Cosmic Psychos. Magical stuff. I don’t really know where to begin with a description. At one point in the set, Shogun challenged the audience to let him know who they thought the band sounded like…I had nothing and nor did anyone else. Point made. Will be checking them out again for sure.
8. Lojetz: Duke of Enmore, Enmore – November
I’ve been a fan of Lojetz since first seeing em live a few years back. They are all beasts of players. Similar to Antenna, I can’t ballpark who they sound like, they’re their own beast. This show was their album launch for the new album “Bliss” and they were riveting! Check ‘em out and buy the album.
9. VeeBees: Ryan’s Hotel, Thirroul, NSW – December
Every VeeBees show is a party, but this was their 25th Birthday party! As loose and as fun as you’d expect – with a couple of new tracks thrown in. Beautiful beer swilling noise.
10. The Dark Clouds: Everywhere -All the time
I’ve seen The Dark Clouds more than a dozen times this year - and I’d see em again in an instant. A criminally underrated aussie band, these guys deserve to be talked about in the same breaths as Radio Birdman and/or Amyl & the Sniffers. Great songs, great players and great people - no bullshit!
Adam plays guitar for The Strike-Outs and you can find them here.
