After 37 years of relentless evolution and iconic live performances, Shihad, one of New Zealand's most groundbreaking bands, is calling it a day.
With their upcoming tour marking the band’s final chapter before going on hiatus, we sat down with cymbal crusher Tom Larkin, who reflects on a lifetime of music, challenges, and transformation.
Shihad’s Loud Forever Tour Dates
- Thursday 13 Feb – The Gov, Adelaide
- Friday 14 Feb – Round House, Sydney
- Friday 21 Feb – Astor Theatre, Perth
- Saturday 22 Feb – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
- Thursday 27 Feb – Crowba, Brisbane
- Friday 28 Feb – The Tivoli, Brisbane
- Wednesday 5 Mar Corner Hotel, Melbourne
- Friday 7 Mar – Forum, Melbourne
- Tickets here!
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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“Starting a band, you don’t think it’s going to crumble,” says Larkin. “When we began, we thought, ‘If we’re still doing this at 30, that would be embarrassing.’ But here we are, 37 years later—it’s a lifetime.”
The band’s farewell tour, aptly named Loud Forever, encapsulates the essence of Shihad’s ethos: a commitment to always being overwhelming, both in their music and their performances. The title itself is tongue-in-cheek, according to Larkin, but it speaks volumes about the band’s desire to create an experience that is immersive, bold, and uncompromising.
“We can’t be forever young, but we can be forever loud. We liked how it sounds.”
As the band gears up for this monumental farewell, they’ve crafted a setlist that honours their entire catalogue, bringing to life their most cherished moments from across the years. “We wanted to honour every album; every piece of work. The set touches on the tracks we find most compelling, and we’re changing it up every night,” says Larkin, explaining that during rehearsals, the band learned 75 songs—far more than they could possibly play in one night, but providing ample flexibility to keep their performances fresh.
Throughout Shihad’s career, the band has consistently adapted, absorbing musical influences and pushing boundaries. What began as a speed metal band evolved over the decades into something far more expansive. The 90s saw Shihad exploring new sounds, pushing themselves to keep things dynamic and experimental. “We’ve chosen to be open,” says Larkin. “We absorb the music around us and bring it back to the table, evolving constantly.”
The willingness to experiment has at times been met with mixed reactions from fans. “Fans let you know if you’ve stepped out of integrity, and sometimes that feedback forces you to re-negotiate,” Larkin reflects. “But we also tell them; we’re exploring this and you can either go or come along with us.” Yet Shihad’s commitment to growth, even if it means surprising their audience, is what has made their journey so compelling. “At this stage in our careers, it feels strange to have two albums at this late stage of the band’s career, that were pretty successful.”
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As Shihad prepares to take the stage for their final tour, their focus is clear: to deliver an unforgettable live experience. The band’s reputation for high-energy performances has only grown with time. “We’re probably playing better than we ever have,” Larkin says proudly. “It’s amazing to go out on a high, knowing we’ve given it our all.”
In the midst of the music and the loudness, there’s something even more profound: the camaraderie between the four members of Shihad. “It’s like a family,” says Larkin. “We can go 12 months without seeing each other, but when we come back together, it’s like no time has passed. There’s a genuine love there.”
Their bond is reflected in their approach to their work: the music flows organically. “It’s telepathic at this point,” says Larkin. “We may disagree violently on things, but when it comes to making music, it just happens.”
It’s this shared history and connection that fans have cherished over the years, and it’s this connection that Larkin holds most dear. “It’s been amazing to see the goodwill for the band. We’ve had more demand for tickets than we expected, which speaks to the width of the audience we’ve engaged over the years. Having that recognition, knowing the impact the band has had on people’s lives, is truly sacred.”
For all the big moments, there’s also a quieter side to Shihad’s final tour: their essential packing items for the road. “We’re probably the weirdest band on tour,” Larkin chuckles. “While other bands are looking for the party, we’re on the hunt for good coffee and food. We’ve been known to have a full coffee machine on the bus—coffee is essential. We’re obsessed with finding the best tacos and coffee wherever we go.”
As their final tour kicks off, Shihad is set to leave fans with more than just memories of raucous performances. They’re leaving behind a legacy of musical evolution, artistic integrity, and an unbreakable bond of friendship.
“We’re proud to have always tried to continually improve,” Larkin says.
“There’s a sense now that it’s possibly the best it’s ever been in terms of live performance. And to put it to rest at a point where we’re eternally proud of it—that’s something special. To share that with the people who’ve supported us all these years… it’s going to be amazing.”
As Shihad’s Loud Forever tour continues, it’s clear that this final chapter is one that will be written with the same intensity and passion that has defined their career.
It’s the end of an era—but the sound, the energy, and the friendship will live on, loud forever.
