Review by Daniel Boyle
Photos by Krista Melsom
On the back of last year’s self-titled release, Make Them Suffer have embarked on a national regional tour. It just happened that the winter solstice played host to a chilly Canberra evening. That didn’t stop the crowds with the crowd piling in the doors for a nearly sold out event.
Continue reading Live Review: Make Them Suffer, Justice for the Damned, The Gloom in The Corner, Harroway at The Basement, Canberra – 21 June 2025Review and photos by Peter Coates – www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
ELECTRIC MARY
Support – BAD MOON BORN
The Factory Theatre, Sydney
May 31st, 2025
This was to be to final Sydney show for Australian classic rock stalwarts, Electric Mary, who announced three final shows in Australia of which this was the first.
There are a few shows in Europe in September, including the Rock N Revel festival run and managed by one Brad Marr, once of the Melbourne scene with Massive!
An unfortunate diary clash meant that a number of potential punters would have been up the road at the Enmore seeing a band who formed a year or so after EM, but who have not seen anything like the consistency of line-ups – and who you will be able to see several more times in the future – in my view that will be their loss.
The Factory had a healthy crowd who were all there for one reason only – not to be seen, or to be in the right gig as an influencer, but to be part of a significant event in our Australian musical heritage.
Bad Moon Born are 10 years into their journey, and have developed a solid reputation in the 6 years since Jordan von Grae took over from Frank Lakoudis as the vocalist just before they headed around Australia in support of the Hardcore Superstar / Buckcherry double-header in 2019. The band took a personal break in 2023, before re-igniting themselves with supports to Candlebox, The Struts, and Skillet, and a bunch of Sydney dates, and they were an ideal opener for the show, although Ned Koncar was not available, so good mate Matt Piper stepped in on lead guitar duties and played a blinder.
We got a set list that kicked off with Promised Land and Chemical Lullaby from the debut 2016 EP that both reminded me of the good old days when Audio Slave and Velvet Revolver were a thing, before the doomy Witch Trials showed off the quality of the PA tonight. Voya remains a killer guitarist, and Shane Robinson lays down a mean bassline in tandem with the rock-solid John Ezilmez behind the kit. A brave choice for a cover would be any song where David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes are involved, and Stormbringer would be high up the list of foolish choices – and Jordan and the band absolutely crushed it! Then it was on to Drowning, and Let Me Out featuring lead vocals from Matt Piper, before closing the show with Alive?, the solid grungy riffing of Dogs and Carry On to finish it off.
Now under the Silverback Agency team, we look forward to seeing the band get more exposure with bigger touring bands, and get the chance to put it all together in the studio for a full album release before too long.
Electric Mary was the product of a lightbulb moment for Rusty while in Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady studios in 2003, and the following year saw him pull the first incarnation of EM together who worked their collective backsides off supporting the likes of Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple and Glenn Hughes – giving you a fairly good idea of the genre EM was seeking to appeal to!
The band have released 5 Eps and 5 full albums, one of which was live, through to the last release, Mother in 2019. EM is a straight up rock’n’roll band – twin lead guitars, pounding drums and rock-solid bass, and the raucous, gritty vocals delivered by Rusty with 100% intensity and emotion every time! In Pete Robinson and Brett Ward the band has two extraordinary lead guitarists who bring something slightly different to the sound, but can astound in equal measure.
So in a two-hour set which flew by, the opener was a storming version of Welcome To The Otherside, followed by a blistering Gasoline & Guns, and the punch of Gimme Love from that last album, which is a must for any self-respecting rock fan. Then it was Love Me, and the final single, Shaun, dedicated to long-time collaborator Shaun Gardener. No One Does It Better Than Me rolled around next, and then after a brief pause, we got Sorry Baby and after a bluesy intro, and some harmonica from bassman Alex Raunjak over the Quo-like riff, it was Sweet Mary C from The Last Great Hope album. There was no let up, with The Dealer and all-time classic One Foot In The Grave seeing both guitars let rip, while Rusty paces the stage restlessly, delivering the purest roughest vocal lines you could wish for.
Rusty took some time to talk a bit about the band and the history, before announcing that they were going to play “the best song I’ve ever written” – could not have done it without Pete and Brett of course! That was something I picked up throughout the set, that these guys really feel deeply about their shared musical goals, as well as being great mates – the connections were palpable all through the show! The Sabbath-style riff that opens up Already Gone makes it way through to a great solo from Pete, followed by a jaw-dropping solo from Brett, who also threw some vocals in to boot.
We got Woman and One In A Million, before the set closed with the song that almost sounds like an Aussie rock band in My Best Friend, with a bit of a drum solo from Spyda (former and current EM drummer), and some band introductions and cameos, and that was it! There was nothing left on the set-list and the stage was empty!
After a fair bit of noise from the politely unruly crowd, the band were back, and we got a killer version of O.I.C. with its incessant crunching riff and Pete’s ripping solo, before the absolute closer of Let Me Out which put the perfect full stop to the performance.
Electric Mary should be a band that we are still referencing in 20 years, and that younger bands should be looking to emulate – not just in the songs, but the determination and utter professionalism that is obvious in every aspect of the band.
If I had the chance to get to Adelaide and Melbourne for the last two Australian shows, I would certainly take it – we shall not see their like again!
Tour Dates and Tickets via https://www.electricmary.com/
ADELAIDE – The Gov June 21st 2025
MELBOURNE – The Croxton December 13th 2025
Website
https://www.electricmary.com/
Merch
https://www.electricmarymerch.com/
Review and photos by Krista Melsom – Kristabella Photography
You’d be forgiven for forgetting it was a Sunday night—and one of Canberra’s first real tastes of winter, despite still being autumn. The chill in the air didn’t stop punters from arriving shortly after doors, rugged up and ready to throw down. It didn’t take long for UC Hub to fill out as fans streamed in early, a clear sign that this four-band bill had drawn serious interest. With two heavy-hitting co-headliners in Currents and Chelsea Grin, and local favourites Bloom and Heavensgate rounding out the support, the night promised mayhem—and it absolutely delivered.
Continue reading Live Review: Chelsea Grin + Currents + Bloom + Heavensgate at UC Hub, Canberra – 4 May 2025Review by Wanda Hill
Shake up your juju, power up your mojo, get your stars aligned and come for the ride that is Bluesfest 2025. Saturday and Sunday were full tilt jammed up with people loving the weekend offerings. What a way to spend a precious few days of holiday being surrounded by artists who have found their voice, internal fire and instruments of choice with which to share their insights for all to be grooved and enlightened by. Thousands came to have their hearts soothed, vibes raised, joints loosened and greased by this musical manna for the body and soul.
Continue reading Live Review: Byron Bay Bluesfest 2025 – Day 3 and 4Review and photos by Peter Coates – https://www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
Back in Australia for BLUESFEST once more, Gary Clark Jr also managed to throw in a few sideshows in Australia, and Sydney got the third of these the night before he played the festival. I was lucky enough to see this astonishing bluesman play the Factory Theatre and the Corner Hotel in 2013, and those two shows will long remain burned into the brain.
Continue reading Live Review: Gary Clark Jr. + Hamish Anderson at Enmore Theatre, Sydney – 17 April 2025
This is not the last Bluesfest after all, much to the relief of the thousands upon thousands of people who have enjoyed the festival so far. Who would want to give up this magic event that brings the world of incredible musicians to the most eastern edge of Australia while also shining light on our magnificent local talent.
Continue reading Live Review: Byron Bay Bluesfest 2025 – Day 1 and 2Review and photos by Peter Coates – https://www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
CIVIC are an Australian old-school rock’n’roll punk band, formed in 2017 in Melbourne. The band currently consists of founder Jim McCullough out front, guitarist Lewis Hodgson, bassist Roland Hvlaka, and with new drummer Eli Sthapit.
Continue reading Live Review: Sex Pistols (feat Frank Carter) + Civ1c at The Hordern Pavilion, Sydney – 8th April 2025by Krista Melsom – Kristabella Photography
Knotfest isn’t just a festival—it’s a gathering of a family bound by a love for heavy music, unity, and pure, unfiltered energy. From the moment you step through the gates, there’s an unspoken understanding: this is a place where you can be unapologetically yourself. There’s no judgement here, only acceptance, camaraderie, and a shared passion for the music that fuels us. Whether you’re a pit veteran or a first timer embracing the chaos, you’re welcomed with open arms. I was lucky enough to be a part of the family for the final stop in Sydney.
Continue reading Live Review: KNOTFEST, Sydney 2025By Krista Melsom
Knotfest sideshows ignited in spectacular fashion last night at Fortitude Music Hall. The sight of a massive line of eager fans stretching down Brunswick St Mall made it easy to forget it was a school or work night. Unlike many gigs where crowds gradually fill the venue, last night was different—fans arrived in droves as soon as the doors opened, packing the place well before the first act even stepped on stage. Once things kicked off, it was clear why no one wanted to miss a second.
Photos by Peter Coates – https://www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
A scintillating slide guitarist from the Welsh Marches in the UK, Troy Redfern exhibits a technical prowess and reckless passion in his playing, even when in an intimate venue with a capacity crowd of about 50! He said it would be a pretty stripped back performance tonight, and then proceeded to rip through a blistering couple of sets, accompanied by the percussion of Nicky Waters on snare and tom.
Continue reading Live Review + Photos: TROY REDFERN at Temperance, Leamington Spa UK – 1st March 2025Review and photos by Ant Ritz
Savannah in the Round 2024: A Must-Experience Music Festival in Mareeba, QLD
If you’re not from Far North Queensland (FNQ), Savannah in the Round should be high on your bucket list. Whether you’re planning a trip to explore Cape York, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Cooktown and/or the lush rainforests of Daintree and Cape Tribulation, don’t miss this three-day music extravaganza in Mareeba. This year it was held from Friday, October 11th to Sunday, October 13th, 2024, it was the perfect blend of great weather, vibrant atmosphere, and a diverse lineup that will keep you coming back year after year. For FNQ locals, this is an annual event that you should never skip.
Continue reading Live Review + Photos: Savannah in the Round 2024Words and Photos – LE / PC – @insideedgephotography
LIFE MUSIC MEDIA is on the ground in Nashville, Tennessee for the 2024 CMA Fest week – bringing some highlights from the core festival events, and a taste of the myriad of other gigs, performances and experiences that see the Country Music world take over the city for a full week.
Continue reading Live Review and Photos: CMA Fest 2024 – Nashville – Day 2Words and Photos – LE / PC – @insideedgephotography
LIFE MUSIC MEDIA is on the ground in Nashville, Tennessee for the 2024 CMA Fest week – bringing some highlights from the core festival events, and a taste of the myriad of other gigs, performances and experiences that see the Country Music world take over the city for a full week.
Continue reading Live Review and Photos: CMA Fest 2024 – Nashville – Day 1Review and photos by Peter Coates – www.facebook.com/InsideEdgePhotography
JAYNE DENHAM
The Beer Shed Brewery – Campbelltown
May 3rd 2024
Album Launch show for MOONSHINE.
Having reviewed the record last week, it was fantastic to be able to get to the live launch of the Moonshine album with Jayne Denham fronting her highly proficient band in a thoughtfully crafted and structured pair of sets, at the excellent venue within The Beer Shed Brewing Co premises in Leumeah, NSW. Boasting a great sound system, and better lights than many inner-city music venues, the venue was packed for this sold out show.
Continue reading Live Review + Photos: JAYNE DENHAM – Album Launch Show – 03 May 2024Review – Peter Coates
Photos – Marty Moffatt
Any Joe Bonamassa show is something of an event, and the now fairly regular occurrences at the Royal Albert Hall are on another level. This was the 11th show here in 15 years, and the first of two nights, and the local musician network was out in force to watch one of the masters at work. The lights dim, and the intro tape gets overtaken by the band, and then Joe hits the stage in sharp suit, shades and sneakers, and we are off and running.
Continue reading Live Review: Joe Bonamassa at Royal Albert Hall, London – April 4th 2024
