A seated Fortitude Valley Music Hall made no sense for Opeth, but the band delivered a heavy and emotional set that rose above the awkward layout. Caligula’s Horse opened strong with a beautiful and dynamic performance that the crowd adored. Opeth’s mix of new songs and their back catalogue carried the night.

The Clouds delivered a unique and memorable gig for their 35th Anniversary tour, with soaring harmonies, puns, humour and an 18-song set that the crowd loved. Ghost Mutt opened with a dynamic 8-song set, and the night was full of ‘I Love You’s’, wit, and moments that felt like being with long-lost friends.

Metallica’s return after twelve years hit like a tsunami out of Suncorp, Evanescence delivered a beautifully curated set with Amy Lee’s voice soaring across the stadium, and Suicidal Tendencies kicked off the night with a burst of unfiltered psycho energy. It was a massive night that felt long overdue.

The Animals came to perform at Twin Towns at the Gold Coast, to bring the music of one of the best 1960s British bands to the people. The band demonstrated the force this timeless music still has on the crowd, as a diverse all ages crowd took that magical musical tour.

It was acoustic music heaven when Trousdale brought their authentic version of music to The Crowbar for their first ever visit to Australia. Joined by Brisbane bands My Daydream and LoveLoveLove, melodies, harmonies and songwriting ruled the night.

From local talent to international heavyweights, the Big Pineapple Music Festival’s 10th anniversary delivered a wild mix of genres, unpredictable weather, and unforgettable performances. Despite storms, the energy never faded as Betty Taylor, Polaris, The Cat Empire and Hilltop Hoods made it a day of pure live music magic and festival spirit.

After a 14-year absence, I See Stars lit up The Triffid with their first-ever Australian headline show. Devin Oliver “took total control of the crowd”, shifting “effortlessly between melodic clarity and guttural intensity” as “massive pit circles” erupted. A “top class” performance that proved the wait was worth it, and Brisbane was in I See Stars heaven.

With a gravel-tinged voice and swagger straight out of the ’70s, Jackson Dean lit up Brisbane. From soulful ballads to boot-stompin’ anthems, he delivered storytelling that hit deep — a rising artist already walking the line between the shadows and the spotlight.

‘The energy, enthusiasm, and intensity of the crowd was next level.’ Zebrahead’s long-overdue Brisbane show turned Crowbar into a madhouse of shoeys, stage dives, and sing-alongs. From start to finish, it was a joyful mess of chaos, tequila talk, and tunes that reminded everyone why Zebrahead are masters of the punk party.

From that moment the whole crowd was Imminence’s captives as the songs ‘Desolation’ and ‘Heaven Shall Burn’ were delivered. The performance was so immersive it felt like stepping into another dimension.

For seven years from 2005 to 2011, JD Fortune was the front man for INXS. He sang and wrote songs on their final studio album, ‘Switch’. He returned to Brisbane at the Triffid and reconnected with his Australian fans, playing the music that changed his life: from his love of AC/DC, his time with INXS, and now his own chapter with his own original songs.

Sacred Hearts headlined Black Bear Lodge for the launch of their new single ‘Possession’, joined by Zzade and Gashhound. The night featured raw, diverse performances from local Brisbane acts blending punk, dark pop, and post-punk sounds.

The Screaming Jets took over Kingscliff Beach Hotel, mixing classic hits with sharp banter and plenty of true Aussie rock character, with support from local band Eyesite.

The Veronicas performed at Youngcare’s 20th anniversary show at The Triffid. The event raised funds for Youngcare, which helps young people with high-care needs live with independence and dignity. Their set closed a night that brought local artists and the community together to support a vital cause.

Dallas Frasca lit up Crowbar with a powerful one-woman tribute to Led Zeppelin. From ‘Kashmir’ to ‘Stairway To Heaven’, her raw vocals, fiery guitar work and genuine crowd connection made for a night that celebrated rock’s roots with heart, soul and thunder

Tash Sultana brought their ‘Return To The Roots’ tour to Fortitude Valley Music Hall, joined by South Summit and Ben Swissa. A two-hour set of layered sounds, emotion, and looping mastery — part rave, part concert — that showed both vulnerability and precision from an artist still pushing their own boundaries.

Welcome to the church of CombiChrist. At Brisbane’s Crowbar, Andy LaPlegua traded pews for pulsating beats, leading a congregation through industrial chaos and cathartic release. With Our Last Enemy and Witchgrinder setting the stage, CombiChrist delivered an electrifying sermon of metal and EBM, proving worship at their altar is a full-body, high-energy experience.

Reckless Coast unveiled their latest single ‘Addictions’ with a high-energy launch at The Brightside. The Brisbane trio delivered a dynamic set that mixed fan favourites with their new anthem, showcasing swaggering riffs, powerful choruses and the raw energy that defines their modern take on Australian pub rock

On their first Australian tour, FATE GEAR unleashed Tokyo’s steampunk metal fury at The Brightside. Celebrating 10 years together, their set hit hard from start to finish. With Blacken Open Air ahead, the band showed Brisbane why they’ve become one of metal’s most captivating live acts.

Pig Destroyer returned to The Triffid for their first Australian show since 2008, joined by locals Awful Noise and Singapore’s Wormrot. Tearing through songs old and new, the band proved the 17-year wait was more than worth it.