The Arseless Chaps is the new collaboration between TISM frontman Damian Cowell and comedy icon Tony Martin. They made their Melbourne stage debut at Howler in Brunswick on Sunday night (13 April) to an intimate crowd of superfans who were there for the absurdly entertaining experience of biting satirical lyrics set to “electrobanger” music. Entering the stage clad in all white get-ups, Cowell introduced them as the “world’s oldest” hip hop act. Cowell’s high energy, bouncing around the stage, was subdued ever-so-slightly by Martin’s comic presence of standing looking sullen and/or confused (occasionally breaking into awkward dancing during the show).…
Author: Caroline Duncan
You Am I delivered an unforgettable performance at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre on Friday 11 April 2025 as part of their ‘Hi Fi Daily Double Down’ tour, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their seminal album, Hi Fi Way. The evening was a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their profound connection with fans. The concert was structured into two sets, each dedicated to one of their classic albums. The first set featured Hourly, Daily, showcasing the band’s versatility and emotional depth. Tracks like “Soldiers” and “Mr Milk” highlighted their dynamic range. Frontman Tim Rogers kept the crowd entertained with his theatrics – sashaying with maracas…
1980s pop superstar Cyndi Lauper is touring for the last time. The first Australian stop of her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour was at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on 2 April 2025 where she delivered an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. As a longtime fan of her music I approached the evening with a mix of excitement and nostalgia and just a bit of sadness, and I was not disappointed. Cyndi’s entrance was met with thunderous applause, and she immediately launched into “She Bop,” setting the tone for a night of high-energy performances and heartfelt moments.…
I caught that satirical musical at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival that in no way, shape or form represents Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn. Nope, Breaking: The Musical was a tale about a young lass named Sprachael aka “Spraygun” from the Hornsby Shire in Sydney, who fulfils her dreams of going to the Paris Olympics to compete in breakdancing and any similarities to anyone living or dead is completely coincidental. I put those disclaimers in as it turns out Raygun is a bit litigious when it comes to protecting her “brand” and famously threatened comedian and musician Stephanie Broadbridge…
Dr. Jo Prendergast’s “Cancer and Cartwheels” is a standout performance at the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival that delves into the comedian’s personal journey with breast cancer. The show at the Moteley Bauhaus in Carlton revolves around Dr. Jo’s determination to regain her ability to perform cartwheels after her right arm was disabled due to having her lymph nodes removed. Through comedic skits and musical numbers, she addresses topics such as early cancer detection, menopause symptoms, and the emotional impact of cancer treatments. What struck me most was how effortlessly she found comedy in some of life’s darkest moments to turn…
Post-punk new-wave icons, New Order, played at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on 8 March 2025, delivering a performance that evolved from a shaky start to a triumphant finish. The evening commenced with noticeable sound issues that plagued the first few songs, starting withthe opening track, “Transmission” (a cover of a Joy Division song). At first it wasn’t completely clear if this was intentional or not, but quickly became obvious when it continued into the next song, “Crystal”. The distorted sound also made it difficult distinguish Bernard Sumner’s vocals from the instrumentals. By the fourth song, the sound techs had…
Melati Suryodarmo’s Lapse is a performance art piece that made its Australian debut at Asia TOPA 2025, promising to delve into themes of ethical decline and societal collapse through dance, absurd imagery, and live music. However, the execution left much to be desired. The performance felt disjointed, with sequences lacking coherence, making it challenging for the audience to grasp the intended narrative. We began by standing in red-lit foyer of the Martyn Myer Arena in Southbank, watching (or in my case, attempting to watch because I couldn’t see properly through the crowd) as two black-clad performers stood silently with large red…
An electrified 60,000 strong crowd had the time of their lives on Saturday night (1 March 2025) as they packed into Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium for the first night of the Australian leg of Green Day’s Saviors Tour. This was the first time Green Day has played in Australia in seven years. The Californian punk outfit are touring to commemorate the the 30th anniversary of their seminal album Dookie and the 20th anniversary of American Idiot, both of which were performed in their entirety during the sold-out concert. Shortly after sunset, a pre-show setlist featuring classics like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg…
Tiny, Fluffy, Sweet presented at the Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the Asia TOPA triennial, is a delightful and thought-provoking performance that delves into the world of cuteness. Created by Beijing and Utrecht-based theatre maker and artist Ran Chen, this unique performance provided both endearing content and cultural insights. The performance explores the concept of cuteness and its impact on our hearts, minds, and society. Chen’s fascination with cute animal videos, ignited during the pandemic, serves as the foundation for this production. The show begins with the first-ever recorded image of a panda and takes the audience on a…
Kylie Minogue has made a triumphant return to her hometown of Melbourne bringing her Tension tour to the city, playing over three huge sold-out nights at Rod Laver Arena. Melbourning went along to the show on Friday 21 February, paying witness to a show that left the audience in awe and demanding more from their hometown hero who last performed for crowds here six years ago. The concert kicked off with a high-energy performance of “Lights, Camera, Action,” which seamlessly incorporated elements of Benny Benassi’s “Satisfaction.” This set the tone for the night, as Kylie effortlessly transitioned into fan favourites…
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox played at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on 10 February with their Magic & Moonlight tour, taking the crowd on a trip back in time with their signature vintage vibes. Known for flipping modern pop hits into retro classics, PMJ delivered a night full of jaw-dropping performances, killer vocals, and a whole lot of old-school charm. The setlist was a wild mix of some of the biggest tunes from the past 30 years reimagined as 1920s jazz, swing, and Motown bangers. Think “Basketcase” by Green Day, the Spice Girls’ “Say You’ll Be There” and Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass”…
Australian speciality coffee roasters, Toby’s Estate, has opened a brand-new flagship café in Melbourne in Rose Street Fitzroy. Melbourning was invited to visit the cafe and take part in its premium and immersive coffee experience. Stepping inside the cafe, I instantly noticed the central bar featuring elegant wood panelling and rich plum-red tones. Around the bar are stools so patrons can pull up a seat and watch the coffee making first-hand – whether its the baristas on the espresso machine, or the alchemists at work on the row of filtered coffee pots. There are also regular tables around the perimeter…