LIVE REVIEW: ONE OK ROCK + STAND ATLANTIC @ THE FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL 15/03/26

Words by Cecilia Pattison-Levi Photos Natalie Lorenz 

A massive crowd and huge lines snaked around The Fort in Brisbane. The doors had been pushed back to 8pm and it meant that filling the venue was going to be a problem. The band times also got pushed back with Stand Atlantic starting their set at 9pm. Then, One OK Rock started their set just after 10pm. The last trains were at 11.30pm. So, lots of people were going to be stuck. Uber drivers and taxis were going to have a good night or early Monday morning!

When, the gig got underway, I was really happy because I am a huge fan of both the Japanese rock band One Ok Rock and Sydney band Stand Atlantic. I have seen both bands multiple times and this pairing is perfectly matched. Both these bands are well known and loved here in Oz especially in Brisbane. The venue was packed with fans who clearly knew exactly what they were there for, and the energy kicked in straight away. The crowd was passionate and ready to give everything right back to the bands. And both bands energy and performances left the sold-out Brisbane crowd gasping. The sound was crisp, the crowd was loud, and the chemistry between the musicians and the crowd was undeniable from the first note to the final encore.

Now, Stand Atlantic’s set at Good Things 2025 was awesome. They filled in for a band that had bailed and they lifted the day as they brought the songs, the fun and chaos. Beach balls flew and Scene Queen and Teddy from Yours Truly were floated in blow up boats out over the Brisbane Showgrounds. How do you top that!?

Well, tonight Stand Atlantic wasted no time in taking control of the stage and putting the concert and crowd into the driving lane by delivering great music andgetting the crowd moving (even though the wall of death didn’t quite go to plan). With Bonnie Fraser at the helm, David Potter, Miki Rich, and Jonno Panichi performed an eleven-song set of their fantastic songs mixed with their punchy guitar riffs, thumping basslines, controlled drumming with soaring choruses and tongue-in-cheek attitude.

Bonnie Fraser’s vocals were raw and honest, balancing emotional grit with a punk bite that made each song feel deeply personal as the band kicked off with ‘Kissin’ Killer Cobras’ and followed it with the wonderful ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Warzone’. Stand Atlantic had the crowd singing along as the songs ‘Girl$’, ‘Kill[h]er’ and ‘Sex On The Beach’ followed.

Stand Atlantic’s stage presence is always wild and unpredictable in a fun way as the band engage in playful banter, wild jumps, and unexpected moments of intimacy that pull fans in. Their songs like ‘Frenemies’, ‘Love U Anyway’ and ‘Nosebleed’ landed hard. Then, they delivered the knock out blows with the fabulous songs ‘Criminal’ and closed out with the brilliant ‘Deathwish’. Stand Atlantic delivered an awesome supporting set!

One Ok Rock are a rock band that formed in Tokyo in2005. The band currently consists of vocalist Takahiro Moriuchi, guitarist Toru Yamashita, bassist Ryota Kohama, and drummer Tomoya Kanki. The band have spent their twenty-year career blending pop punk, emo rock, and alternative rock into a cohesive sound.

When One Ok Rock hit the Fortitude Valley Music Hall stage, after a lot of roadies mucked around with instruments and more time ticked away – it was now 10pm - the atmosphere shifted into overdrive.With a stunning narrative driven light show and stage production, the band arrived on stage one at a time, until they were a group and launched into ‘Puppets Can’t Control You’. They immediately set the tone for a night that would swing between pure energy and raw vulnerability.

Vocalist Takahiro Moriuchi’s presence was nothing short of compelling as the band launched into a run of high-energy tracks with their breakthrough single ‘The Beginning’, then the fabulous ‘Save Yourself’ (all in deep red light) followed. Then, new songs ‘Nasty’, ‘Renegades’, ‘Party’s Over’ and ‘Tiny Pieces’ were delivered. There were many call-outs of “I love you boys” and, the band took it all in good fun. The band moved effortlessly between English and Japanese lyrics while captivating the crowd with their powerful delivery.

One Ok Rock didn’t overcomplicate it: they delivered a high-energy performance and let the crowd do the rest. The crowd sang back every lyric as the songs, especially to the fan favourite ‘Wherever You Are’ as the phone lights lit up The Fort. It was followed by the dynamic ‘Make It Out Alive’ and fantastic instrumental piece where the band were the focus. Then, ‘C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y.’ followed. The band’s chemistry was tight, each member playing with precision and heart. At times, the crowd’s singing almost drowned out the band—a testament to how deeply One Ok Rock’s music connects with their fans especially as ‘Dystopia’, ‘Delusion: All’ and ‘Stand Out Fit In’ were played.

The huge singalong of ‘Kimishidai Ressha’was played and the crowd knew the climax of the set was coming. The new song ‘Tropical Therapy’ was delivered and One Ok Rock closed the main set with ‘The Pilot </3’.

The real emotional knockout came during the encore. As One Ok Rock returned to The Fort stage, they closed out the night with ‘+Matter’ before finishing on the massive fan favourite ‘We Are’. It sent the Brisbane crowd wild and ended the concert on a euphoric note.

The Detox World Tour marked One Ok Rock’s biggest Australian tour. Following their rise from Japanese club gigs in the mid-2000s, to Good Things in 2022 to international arena domination in Asia, Europe and the US. One Ok Rock’s performance in Brisbane was a testament to their status as global rock icons. The Fort may have been smaller but the sold-out venue was jumping and pumping with energy.

One Ok Rock’s ability to connect with fans through their emotive lyrics and electrifying stage presence was on full display, and it left a lasting impression on everyone. As the final chords echoed through the venue, it was clear that this concert was more than just a show. It was an unforgettable celebration of music’s ability to unite, move, and inspire across every border and language.