Muse left no time for chitchat between songs, just a continuous stream of aural gold. Great crowd response and a fantastic performance made this the highlight performance of the day.

Next up were Sydneysiders The Booby Traps, and if The Shimmys raised the temperature, The Booby Traps raised it even further. This electric five-piece soared, climbed and tore through an amazing set that was impossible to ignore.

At the end, “Nessun Dorma” was sung with much gusto and it is his way of paying tribute to his late great friend Luciano Pavarotti, who made this his own. The crowd really adored the last part of the concert…

Here is a photo gallery of Italian singing star Patrizio Buanne in concert…

She paused, raised her hands in a form of tai-chi like greeting, and sat down at her Rosendorfer. Her autumnal silk tulle and satin dress cascaded over the piano stool and one jade-coloured heeled shoe worked the pedal.

Those Bloody McKennas put on a good, varied show, and are getting better all the time. They play a very solid and enjoyable gig, which is made a must-see by the outstanding ‘Time and Tide’.

A complete shift in pace and sound for Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor, unmasked here as Stone Sour's main man, Corey led an emotive showcase of powerful ballads and melodic rock, acknowledging the crowd with each song and engaging them constantly throughout the whole show.

Despite a 700+ crowd who paid their respects through very hushed tones, this show felt incredibly intimate with every song having an impact as they resonated around the room to the point of being truly spine-tingling!

The Rogue Traders performed at Melbourne's Billboard nightclub as part of their lengthy Australian “Better In The Dark” tour.

As he launched into his rip-snorting solo protest song ‘When the President talks to God,’ Oberst no longer seemed a petulant pixie. Now he was an angry man spitting lyrics with true feeling. He even planted a kiss on his old roady’s forehead and chatted with the front row, as he waited for his band to re-emerge for a cover of obscure Canadian songstress Feist’s ‘Mushaboom’.

Rising Australian band Wolfmother played a special show on the rooftop of the Oakley building in St.Kilda - Oakley being a leader in the sunglasses and clothing world in Australia. It was an invitation-only gig jointly organised between Oakley, MTV and Modular/Universal Music…

Ah gotta love it when we're the only state in Australia to receive a public holiday for a horse race. So what better way to celebrate than check out the best live band in the land - The Mess Hall.

Some of the country's most famous music performers, and up-and-coming performers, stepped up to the mark in the aid of the devastating tsunami disaster.

The Forum Theatre was a great setting for Melbourne rock band Jet to place their standing on a higher pedestal and in the elite of Australian live performers.

Three sold out shows at Melbourne's acclaimed jazz venue, Bennetts Lane, proved that Carl Riseley is a growing star in his popular music/jazz style, and in Australian music generally.

The Von Bondies is from Detroit and they epitomise the growth in that region’s rock, punk, and garage stylings over the years. They belted out some well-crafted music in aggressive manner.

…he hardly showed signs that his injured finger (which requires surgery) would impede his performance. With a capable band alongside him, James proceeded through his set very competently.

Her musical talents have been nurtured through this Christian and Gospel music which is evident in her style of singing. She wields a raw husk that makes you think of country music and although the lyrics are simple, they are also charming.

Ironically, what left the greatest impression on me was not Kanye's performance, albeit fantastic. The defining moment was when he told his tour DJ A-Track, to play some of the songs that still inspire him till this day.

…an eager crowd crammed inside the warm confinements of the Ding Dong Lounge to see those menacingly attractive freaks and whether their unique brand of circus rock had altered.

Much enthusiasm greeted their entrance and the band clearly enjoyed the limelight of tonight. Lead singer Katy Steele is fast developing her style as a charismatic performer…

With McGregor acting as more than an interlude in between each act, she also sang some of her incredibly popular and delicate covers,…

Melbourne International Music & Blues special guest artists:
Bryan Ferry
The Pretenders
Bonnie Raitt
Chicago

The Veronicas have captured the imagination of Australian music fans in recent months. Their single ‘4Ever’ has been a big hit. We have some pictures of their exclusive showcase performance at the Back Bar in Prahran.

Boste has an easy rapport and confidence before her audience, and the musicians seemed to be having fun. The crowd was sedate but seemed to have quite a nice night listening to Boste and her friends sing of love, loss, and life.

Anytime you get to drive down the Great Ocean road is always a good drive but more so when the Apollo Bay Music Festival is your destination.

A new look, greater confidence, and a talented band was behind the showcase performance by Vanessa Amorosi at Melbourne's Live @ Crown recently.

Enrique Iglesias electrified his adoring fans at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena in March with his live concert performance. We have some pictures from the night.

Photos by Anna Kiparis

A joint national tour which features two of Australia's biggest bands was always going to be a big exercise, and one which would sellout most of the venues participating.

Gorgeous weather greeted everyone at the Melbourne International Music Festival. The vibe and atmosphere at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl was just right as fans relaxed to the first day of fantastic music over the weekend.

With six members, the group had no problems achieving a full sound with three guitars, keyboards and drums. Even more interesting was the group’s ability to multi-task and swap instruments.

Playing virtually all the songs from their brilliant ‘Thunder, Lightning Strike’, it was hard not to be impressed with the urgency, the dancing, the two drummers, the energy, the enthusiasm but most of all, the fun they seemed to be having.

And of course, old favourites like the The John Butler Trio did not disappoint tapping, humming and softly delivering away their unique brand of music, some heavily laden with political messages.

The crowded NSC band room could be attributed to Serena Ryder’s frequent visits to Australia, and the ever-growing word-of-mouth response that ensues.

Sydney singer Sarah Blasko played a sell-out show at the recently-opened Northcote Social Club in Victoria. Growing reaction to her unique voice and expressive performances see her as one of the leading lights of the Australian music scene.

…the music which was played, even it wasn’t everyone’s bag, still displayed some of the finest technical finesse between a bunch of DJs who are fine peformers and musicians.

It has been quite a while since I last saw this band play and I must confess, I had forgotten just how tight they are live. For a three piece to pull this type of sound, which can only be described as big, they still maintain a very raw, organic feel.

…the audience was poised for a tremendous display of rock music.

With mood inducing tunes, reminiscent of the coolest indie soundtracks, SFC displayed an array of beautiful tunes mixed with some slightly rockier numbers.

Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson’s musical chemistry and husband and wife chatter transformed the elegant Hamer Hall into their lounge room.

…it was over to the Concert Stage to witness perhaps the highlight of the entire festival. Emiliana Torrini was just exquisite. This softly spoken Icelandic goddess, with her incredibly delicate yet powerful songs put in an amazing performance. It felt incredibly intimate and she was also a very funny storyteller. This just felt like one of those very special moments.

Here are a few pictures of The Eagles in concert in Melbourne.

“Cold Hard Bitch” set the stage a light, and the crowd roared. They went crazy. After slaughtering the ARIA Awards a couple of days earlier, winning six of the seven categories in which they were nominated, Jet was in ripping form.

Mandy Kane launched his new single and video (UK) HANKY PANKY at Shake Some Action at one-six-one in June.

Legendary American band Bon Jovi returned to Melbourne for another dynamic and full value show as only they can stage.

Alicia Keys thrilled the audience with her first performance in Melbourne recently.

He has certainly stepped up a notch or two from a couple of years ago because he is one of the few performers who can play big stadium rock to crowds in excess of 50,000 people. With his colourful entrance on stage, he set Telstra Dome alight…

Point Nepean ‘A Music Experience’ returned for a second year, as an offshoot to the huge Byron Bay Music & Blues Festival.

Some of Australia's emerging female artists joined forces for a special show in the Gershwin Room at the Esplanade Hotel to raise money and awareness for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre.

…the moshpit was warm and inviting, the music was pumping – it was a lot of fun, and a nice little taste of things to come. The “gurge” is still going strong,

Fantomas wowed the crowd with their death metal vs cartoon music sound. With few lyrics and indistinguishable melodies, this is not music to sing along to. It’s more like hearing an amazing experiment bubble over and explode.

They hit the road because that‘s what they love to do, a major distinction between them and other hip hop artists. They have been in the game for 17 years and they still deliver their earlier hits like 'Pot Halls In My Lawn’ and ‘Me Myself and I’ with exuberance.

These Southern fried, garage rock, boozy blues and alt-country boys were simply superb. The very full house lapped it up, whooping and hollering and jumping up and down in time to every song the Kings threw at them.

…the fairly minimal interaction with the audience for most of the gig made this feel a bit like a jam session that an audience just happened to be present for, rather than a performance simply performed for the benefit of the audience.

The fans definitely came to see The Living End. Melbourne fans had missed them for so long during most of 2002-2003.
The chanting, the moshing, and the passion was all there to see as the band played their frenetic, yet stylish, brand of rock ‘n’ roll.

Gorgi launched her debut CD titled ‘Edward’ at Manchester Lane recently and it proved a winner as audiences listened in awe to her melodic voice.

Killing Heidi entertained fans as a prelude to the Men's Singles Final of the 2005 Australian Open tennis championships.

There were a number of great songs and nice moments at this gig, but ultimately, the standout song was the title track of their new EP.

Canadian artist Ember Swift is one such person who has endeared herself into the hearts of her ever-growing fan base.

With a big painted backdrop behind them, it seems Andrew, Myles and Chris have let the hype and fame get to their heads somewhat. They pulled off all the cliche rock moves (much like their influences did all those years ago), and generally just carried on with very obvious, over-inflated egos.

Much anticipation gripped the audience as they awaited Sarah’s arrival on stage.
…as if we were taken on a special magical journey, Sarah and band proceeded to play a fine set to a crowd that had built to near capacity.

While the Big Day Out is nothing more than a corporate circus, the Point Nepean Music Festival reminded me of the much smaller, but better country fair. With one or two minor adjustments next year (more toilets & lighting), this has the makings of being one of the best festivals on the circuit, and you can't ask for much more than that.

From belting power ballads to pure rock the Dairy Brothers provide a good variety of songs that are sure to turn the heads of anyone within earshot.

It's great to see a band which has been around for a few years still performing with so much fervour and passion.

Young Melbourne singing star Gabriella Cilmi made a fantastic impression in her first Melbourne showcase performance in front of approximately 200 family, friends, media and industry guests at the Toff In Town recently.

Joining the ranks of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, Cliff is a reggae pioneer whose message-driven songs never failed to strike a chord with each new generation.

A free concert by a reggae legend at the beautiful Myer Music Bowl is a rare occasion.

Here are a few pictures of Elvis Costello in concert from the Palais Theatre in St.Kilda.

Pure and simple, Streetkid Vandal owned Cherry from first chord to last. It was controlled aggression.

Cramming a selection of their best tunes from their self-titled album to the current ‘See You On The Other Side’, not one favourite was left off, to the satisfaction of fans new and old.

It was a perfectly still night in which to perform and Sophie carried it off with a very polished, highly enjoyable performance. With a hugely varied age group sitting in front of her, I never had any doubt she wouldn't.

Cyndi returned to Australia - her first tour here since 2004 - and played at the Palais Theatre in St.Kilda.

The Vice Chancellors' brand of psychedelic ambient pop seemed to echo out into an almost empty room, but their performance was interesting nonetheless.

They have an infectious, upbeat and carefree attitude that has endeared them on big and small stages.

Launching straight into songs from Love and Youth she focused on delivering a polishing, tight product which mimicked the production on the album entirely.

Aptly renaming the band the ‘breeding set’ instead of ‘feeding’ set, due to her own and fellow musician Libby’s forthcoming pregnancies, Clare kicked things off with a laugh, then it was down to business.

By the time Jack and Meg of The White Stripes strode out, there were plenty of people there to see them. And while they satisfied most, including those who had clambered onto the speaker stacks to get a better view, I was left thinking they were average. When you're on a bill with the likes of Franz Ferdinand, Wolfmother, Kings Of Leon and Iggy Pop, you better bring your A game! Unfortunately they didn't, even taking a mini-break half way through their relatively short set.

- Mark Rasmussen

An amazed crowd moshed, danced and grooved along to his hits as a bare-chested Iggy pranced and strutted around the stage with perhaps the lowest jeans that any music icon has dared to wear. Panicked security fought off young male fans as the music legend let them up on the stage to rock with him.

- Louise Preece

Princes Park and its 40,000 guests for the day braved the heat and certainly did little to disappoint strutting the latest in rock fashion, flaunting their mosh pit talents and of course proudly supporting their passion for the music, rocking all day and night with some of the best local and international hot young bands on the present scene.

- Renee Stekel

To the sound of earth shaking bass rumbling through the ground and air from all possible directions, thousands of youths turned out for the 3rd annual ‘Good Vibrations’ music festival at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Dan and the boys worked through a number of the tracks from ‘Tabloid Blues’, as well as some new stuff, with a bit of a segue into drum and keyboard only dance music towards the end.

…unlike some older artists, he isn’t stuck in the nostalgia circuit performing the same ancient hits to the same middle-aged fans trying to relive their youth. Kelly (and his collaborators) are still performing living music, playing new material to varied audiences in varied venues, still paying his dues to the pub scene where it all started.

The beautiful scenery at Erskine Falls, Lorne was the back-drop for headline acts such as the Hoodoo Gurus, the Dandy Warhols, Cat Empire and Sarah Blasko.

Belfast is a dance event stemming from the early 90’s organised by Hardware founder Riche Rich. Back in the day, the techno music on offer seemed somewhat harder, organic

Melbourne band TAXIRIDE made a huge return recently with a series of shows to mark the release of their new single “Oh Yeah”.

Joan can be a witty and fun-loving person, but when providing the mood for these songs, such as she showed here, she held the crowd in her hand. Hardly a pin dropped as she settled into her set, displaying a gorgeous upper register and adept piano playing.

Pictures of LeAnn Rimes and Keith Urban live in Melbourne in November 2003.

50 Cent is part of a new breed of entertainer that has emerged from the rap/hip hop stable and risen to great heights in the last few years. The entrepreneurial entertainer is a skilful businessperson, where music is used as a tool to gain cultural credibility…

I know how good The Zutons are as far as their recordings are concerned. However, while I expected a very good show, I didn’t expect a fantastic one.

With her new song ‘All I Hear’ delivering a catchy, infectious yet substantial tune, there is no doubt that the future is looking exciting for this bright Australian singer.

Belles Will Ring produced an interesting live set, starting a little nervously with some moderate downtempo tunes before settling into a purposeful rhythm and striding along with confidence.

Suze DeMarchi still ranks as one of our country's best rock vocalists of the last twenty years and she was in top form and in good shape, interacting with the band and audience with charisma.

…Rufus' deft ability to shift his audience's mood was something to behold. His show changed emotional colour so often and so seamlessly that I began to feel like I was partaking in an elegant journey down the tube of a kaleidoscope.

Here are some pictures of the Kaiser Chiefs live at the Prince of Wales, St.Kilda in March 2007.

But the reason they are still rapping about pot and gangbanging so many years down the line is because they are damned good at it. From this night's gig they are consummate entertainers. They played to their audience very well, played the songs the mob wanted to hear, and ended triumphantly on ‘Superstar’.

Killing Heidi returned with a bang at the Prince Bandroom in St.Kilda. After a long layoff, they returned with renewed energy and vigour to demonstrate their exciting brand of rock to industry and fans.

They were supported by Sender.

We have pictures of both bands in action.

So, for those who waited all year to head to the Falls Festival in Lorne, what can I say…what a weekend. That extremely long build up of excitement, the long trip ahead, up and down and round that dirt track to the beautiful setting of The Falls. After the tents were pitched, and the beer bottles opened, the sun went down, the mood set right in.

…H.I.M. is a band that stands the test of time, pumping so much power and emotion though its music, to set the band apart from anything else in its path.

It had been a long time coming. The Who toured Australia for the first time since the 60s.
Here are some shots of them in action.
Pictures by Kim Tonelli.

It was a terrific trip down memory lane to see this band, which had done so much for Australasian music in the early 1980s, rock out once more.

It is not just their excellent set of songs. The show is imaginative and musically flawless.

Here are photos of The Rolling Stones in concert at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne in April 2006.

For the launch Plans (their name is derived from all the first names of all the instrumentalists in the band) played two sets worth of material to an impressed audience, performing jazz standards as well as some original compositions that gave each member of the group a chance to showcase their talents.

Grinspoon, has certainly stood the test of time, playing all ages gigs even ten years ago, now still as popular as ever. Taking the day to its closure, Grinspoon was the ideal band for the job.

Thank God for The Mess Hall. This Sydney duo consistently continue to amaze me and in a blistering set (which includes a cover of Nirvana‘s 'Breed’), whip the maddening crowd into a frenzy. It was a fantastic performance and was easily a Meredith highlight!

From tales of learning chords from a stoned dope grower, to his plane corkscrewing into Baghdad airport to avoid surface to air missiles, to what he saw on his trips to Iraq and Israel last year, to general praising of Melbourne and its restaurants - Franti seemed far happier than he had been the night before. Then, he had covered his dreads with a beanie the whole time - now he took it off and jumped around as much as the small and congested stage allowed.

Souls of Mischief took the stage just after midnight and they maintained their high energy throughout their hour long set. Their interaction with the crowd and with each other kept the audience spell bound…

Jessie's style of jazz, pop and soul is very accomplished with strong deep vocals well backed by seasoned musicians.

Melbourne's Metro Nightclub filled early to view these three exciting bands.

The answer for the 28 Days crew is one that's been tried and tested - just keep rolling out the classics, drink as much free beer as possible and have fun in the process, and the crowd will follow suite. Its a formula for the veterans of the Aussie music scene, one which has proven to work time and time again.

The crowd came to the Barwon Club from near and far on Easter Saturday, to bid their final farewells and offer their parting well wishes to the band who most have grown up with - whether you're 17 or 37.

Their show tonight was their first ever headlining gig down under and they delivered a dynamic hour long set that showcased their self titled debut album.

Doves create glorious soundscapes; the new songs sitting well with their older ones. The atmosphere was soaked up with the evocative music that few bands can display.

From the first sounds of Body Movin', the boys rocked the house. They effectively played four sets in one, first rapping in retro 80s tracksuits, then suiting up in cheesy 70s suits to mount an elaborate, lit up slide out stage to play some of their funky instrumental numbers, followed by a change back to t-shirts and the like for some more rap, finishing by breaking out the instruments again.

Launching into the killer set with The Bazaar, he had the crowd hanging on every word, singing along excitedly. Martin was obviously flattered by the crowd’s reaction, commenting that performing for us made his heart sing.

A full crowd greeted Jed and Cec, and as they shook off the winter chill outside with their brand of electrifying, garage-blues, the temperature inside began to climb.

MGF seem to model themselves on an old-time burlesque show - although the music is important, it is only one factor. There was a real sense of occasion with their set from beginning to end - even before they took the stage their presence was announced and interest piqued by the film and their stage props.

Despite their flus and colds, Slinkee Minx displayed enough to suggest that this next phase could be productive as they set their sights on success outside Australia.

Pete Murray and Missy Higgins entertained Melbourne audiences during Pete's national tour. Here are some pictures from their show at the Palais Theatre, St.Kilda.

…I was really impressed by the eclectic nature of the music. His lyrical content was also a distinguishing feature as it was much rawer than his work with the ‘Techniques’.

…Veruca Salt doesn’t tour much of anywhere these days. So there seemed to be an air of trepidation amongst the small but loyal crowd assembled at their Corner Hotel show on Sunday night as to what the band’s performance might be like.

The clock was turned back as British singer-songwriter JAMES BLUNT performed a terrific showcase at Boutique nightclub

Each member adds a diverse touch, from Denning’s energetic drumming backbone to Gross’ pulsating bass to Cotter’s miscellaneous dance steps, to the organic yet sweet vocals from Slattery.

Although lacking some of the youthful energy of his visit from last time, not to mention falling behind the tempo of his backing band at times, Osbourne was still able to get a strong reaction from the crowd with his high-jumps, star-jumps, claps…

Things went downhill very fast, and by half way through his set the grandstand thinned out to just on third capacity and the audience left the tent on mass. While an ARIA award winner you might be Gotye, you still have much to learn when it comes to performing live.

Here are photos from INXS / Simple Minds / Arrested Development in concert at the Palais Theatre, St.Kilda in March 2007.

After their stirring performance at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, The Church pleased their fans with a terrific show at Melbourne's Manchester Lane.

With a near-full crowd in attendance, Alex Lloyd quickly got into gear and played a terrific two-hour set. He was in great vocal form and the fans enjoyed it immensely.

Playing through most of their debut album, Mirrored, and touching base with some material from their earlier EP’s, the set chugs along like a production line of mechanical hooks and loops, each seemingly more impressive than the last.

One of Australia‘s finest entertainers, Kate Ceberano, launched her new CD '19 Days In New York’ at Prahran's Ormond Hall recently.

In addition to working through his back catalogue, Lee also did a couple of covers, including the hilarious and crowd pleasing ‘Matthew Modine’ by Montreal girl-group Pony-Up!, their ode to the 80s actor. It functioned as an ad, given that he has signed them up to his label-apparently after he met them as they heckled him at a gig. It seemed Lee requested the heckling so he could more easily reference the meeting. Regardless, the song was hilarious…

Melbourne artist Anthony Breslin recently performed ‘Trybe,’ a goliath outdoor paint opera extravaganza, in front of a large audience that braved the elements to witness the show.

…built his legacy on his flippant refusal to play by the rules, wasn’t having any of this as he swaggered his way on the stage in a fine brown suit, creamy cowboy hat with a backing band of musicians who dressed like extras from The Sopranos.

When TISM eventually took the stage, the gimmick for this tour turned out to be “TISM idol”, complete with panel of judges, inane intro, and occasional contestants from the audience. In honour of the White Albun, they wore skin-tight (way too tight!) white outfits, with head-borne captions proclaiming themselves John, John, John, John, Paul, George, and Ringo.