Check out these live gigs on show around the region!
Last month, the 121st Explorers Club Annual Dinner took place in NYC. Richard Gere was the keynote speaker. Founded in 1904 to unite explorers and promote the work of exploration, the Explorers Club dinners are known for their bold dining choices. Having a cast-iron stomach is a plus. Throughout its history, goat testicles, pickled whale skin, sautéed python, caribou cutlets, polar bear, iguana, armadillo, possum, jellied calves’ eyes, tarantulas, roasted ostrich, scorpion-topped cupcakes, vomit-scented durians, beaver, muskrat, cricket nymph orzo and waxworm quesadillas are among the foods that have reportedly been served. They also once cheekily claimed to have served woolly mammoth, but DNA testing by Yale researched indicated it was green sea turtle.
Personally, if hell is real and personalised to each damned individual, and I find myself there because, I don’t know, I didn’t say God bless you to a sneezing priest, I don’t know how it works, mine would be to wake up each new day at the seat of a dinner party. I would be at a dinner party and ‘Hotel California’ would be playing on loop. But it would not be The Eagles’ version of the song. It would be an endless stream of drunks singing karaoke. And you just know they all play air guitar when the solo kicks in. Remember: There’s always a worse version of something you dislike.
Now, don’t get me wrong. If I was sitting at a pub – which is highly unlikely in itself because it involves having to put on pants – and watching the footy and someone was to sit down beside me to make small talk about the game, I may, just may, share a bag of Smith’s Cheese and Onion chips with them. Maybe some Nobby’s nuts if the night was humming. Otherwise, I don’t want to talk when I eat. I just want to eat when I eat. Maybe throw on an episode of The Simpsons and chew in time to the da da-da da-da da-da da da-da-da-daa da-da-da-da-daa intro. Yes, it’s the cult episode. And when is this weekend? Anyway, I am off to make some peppered platypus pâté. Bon appétit.
I hope you enjoy May’s gigs…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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Wapperin – Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on May 1
Nagoya’s extreme new wave outfit Wapperin is hitting our shores for the first time with the kind of chaotic energy that will leave you in a daze. Vogli Bonze (Buddhadatta) supports.
Ross Noble – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on May 1; Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on May 2; Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on May 6; and The Play House, GAC on May 9
Step inside the mind of Ross Noble and take a wander around as he presents his latest show, Cranium of Curiosities. What’s in store, nobody knows – not even the man himself.
Vapors of Morphine – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on May 2
Fusing baritone saxophone, two-string slide bass and drums, Morphine were pioneers of ’90s ‘low rock’. From the ashes comes Vapors of Morphine. It’s not just a tribute, it’s an evolution.
The Go Set – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on May 2
Folk punk-rock champions The Go Set are bunkering down over winter to work on new tunes, so catch them while you can. Geelong stars blyss and Blondehouse support.
James Reyne – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on May 2-3 & The Capital, Bendigo on May 9
He’s been in the music game since the mid-’70s, but James Reyne feels he keeps getting better. He performs here in acoustic duo mode with Josh Owen.
Ruth Moody – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on May 3
Australian-born soprano meets folk/roots singer-songwriter Ruth Moody grew up in Canada. Her new album is Wanderer, a look at how’s she spent the past decade.
DEAD & Trigger Object – Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on May 3
Long-time recording and touring buddies DEAD and Trigger Object are having an end of tour party in Eaglehawk. DEAD’s latest is Memory Jar, while Trigger Object have Ghost Bros for you.
Howling Mountain – Medusa Bar, Geelong on May 3
Mirroring the grunge sense of expression and force, Melbourne three-piece Howling Mountain is rock at its most explosive. They’re joined here by SNUB and Green Blanket.
Pirates of the Barwon Club – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on May 3
Ahoy, me maties. An evening of singing and drinking awaits you with the rusty crew of Left at the Avenue, Violet, Skiptons, Erica Avenue and CoolDad.
Reece Mastin – Eureka Hotel, Geelong on May 3
It’s been a long time since Reece Mastin took out the third season of The X Factor Australia. It was 2011, in fact. He’s still doing his thing and still loving every minute of it.
Choirboys – The Story House, GAC on May 3
As twenty-something-year-olds, Choirboys formed in 1978. It was the combination of youth and hedonism that would lead to their monster song, ‘Run to Paradise’.
Wendy Matthews – The Capital, Bendigo on May 3
Leaving school at the age of sixteen, iconic Australian singer-songwriter Wendy Matthews went busking across North America. All her albums to date have multi-platinum status.
A Whole Lotta Shaking – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on May 3
Featuring Ezra Lee, Rick Hudson and Tommy McEwan, A Whole Lotta Shaking is a tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis, Ricky Nelson and Buddy Holly.
Shaun Kirk – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on May 3 & Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on May 31
Following a 2024 that saw him recharge his batteries, Shaun Kirk kicked off 2025 by playing his first festival in the US. Now, the blues and soul troubadour is back on home soil.
Mighty Horse – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on May 4
Rock, psychedelia, ska, post-punk and Americana – Mighty Horse dip their toes in all of it. Their new double vinyl LP is Road Movie Dream.
Keith Potger – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on May 7
Back in 1962, Keith Potger helped form The Seekers. Here, he pays tribute to the band with an audio-visual treat featuring songs, stories, rare footage and still photos of the group.
Chelsea Grin & Currents– The Wool Exchange, Geelong on May 8
It’s about to get loud. Deathcore outfit Chelsea Grin first visited Australia way back in Soundwave days. They’re joined on this co-headlining tour by metalcore innovators Currents.
Pokey LaFarge – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on May 9
Mambo, Tropicália, rocksteady and mid-century American rock and roll is all on the menu as Pokey LaFarge returns with his latest album, Rhumba Country.
King Parrot – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool on May 9
The grindcore heavyweights are out to launch their new album, A Young Person’s Guide to King Parrot. It’s kind of like a For Dummies book, but with sweet sounds.
Lovin’ Local – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on May 9
Hey true blue, are you looking for some home-grown talent? Well, come along to a night featuring Creature Fear, The Grimwoods, Barefoot Spacemen, Motel Neptune and Tanner Keast.
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Fanning Dempsey National Park – Costa Hall, GAC on May 9; Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on May 10; and Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on May 11
It’s a musical dream come true as Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey join forces for Fanning Dempsey National Park. Expect the unexpected.
Eli Paperboy Reed – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on May 9 & Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on May 24
Twenty years on from his debut album, the soulful Eli Paperboy Reed has lined up an extensive Australian tour. He will be joined by Melbourne’s own soulful songsters, The Meltdown.
HTRK – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on May 10
Formed more than twenty years ago, HTRK, the duo of Jonnine Standish and Nigel Yang, is finally making their Castlemaine debut. The Lewers will be their special guests.
Barb Kerr – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on May 10
Backed by some of Central Victoria’s finest jazz musicians, Barb Kerr is set to open up the Great American and Latin Songbooks.
Slow Grind Fever #5 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on May 10
Get on down with Melbourne’s smokiest slow dance party as the gang returns for another round of the slowest, spookiest, sweetest, swinginest old records they can find.
The Bendigo Blues Tram – Bendigo on May 10
Enjoy the sights of Bendigo from aboard a restored vintage class tram #610 as you enjoy the sounds of Amie Brûlée and Geoffrey Williams.
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Creative Ranges After Party – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on May 10
Enjoy a night featuring some of the best from the Macedon Ranges Music Festival’s Creative Ranges’ youth stage, including Dead Silver, Rhiannon Winchester and Civilians.
Infinity Broke – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on May 11
Formed by founding Bluebottle Kiss member Jamie Hutchings, Infinity Broke has been described as “hypnotic avant-garde rock with teeth”. This Masthead is their new release.
Gary Banks – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on May 14
Influenced by his love of the ocean, Gary Banks’ music is embedded in the protest traditions of folk music. He is accompanied here by Rudi Katterl.
Henry Wagons – Eureka Hotel, Geelong on May 15
Over the past few years, Henry Wagons has been everywhere, man. It makes his latest tour, Stories from the Road, quite appropriate.
Holy Holy – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on May 15 & Torquay Hotel, Torquay on May 16
All good things must end. Well, temporarily in this case. After more than a decade of doing what they do, Holy Holy will play a final round of shows before going on hiatus.
Kevin Bloody Wilson – The Goods Shed, Ballarat on May 15; Warrnambool Racing Club, Warrnambool on May 16; Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on May 17; and Colac RSL Club, Colac on May 18
Kevin Bloody Wilson is heading out for a tour of songs and stories while raising a middle finger to political correctness. He is joined by Jenny Talia.
Hold//Fire – Medusa Bar, Geelong on May 16
Read, aim and fire it up as Hold//Fire leads a high-energy, emotionally-charged night that also features Outer Control, All Hope Remains and Relays.
Hockey Dad – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on May 16
To go with their athletic name, the duo of Zach Stephenson on guitar and vocals and Billy Fleming on drums have all the right moves. Rebuild Repeat is their latest album.
Southern Sons – The Play House, GAC on May 16
‘Heart in Danger’, ‘Hold Me in Your Arms’, ‘Always and Ever’, ‘You Were There’ and ‘Lead Me to Water’ should all get a run as Southern Sons embark on their 35th anniversary tour.
Nicolas Cage Fighter – Volta, Ballarat on May 16
These hometown heroes are making sure they won’t be forgotten as they prepare for their first US tour. They’ll be joined by Zeolite, I Choose Violence, Ecdysis, Virtues and Deadweight 80.
Luluc – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on May 16
Comprised of Zoë Randell and Steve Hassett, Luluc has earned a reputation for their intimate and ethereal sound. Their most recent album is 2023’s Diamonds.
Tom Harrington – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on May 16 & Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo on May 17
Indie-folk songman Tom Harrington grew up on a cropping farm before falling in love with the coastal life. This love is reflected in his music. ‘Seen the Sun’ is his new single.
MICF Roadshow – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on May 16; The Story House, GAC on May 17; COPACC on May 22; Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on May 23; Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on May 27; and Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on May 30
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the road with some of its best and brightest. If you want some laughs, you’ve got it.
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Grigoryan Brothers – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on May 17
For more than two decades, the guitar work of Slava and Leonard Grigoryan has mesmerised audiences worldwide. Amistad is their latest album.
Beat’n Tracks presents… – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on May 17
With hook-laden twang and rock and roll swagger, Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits is one cool alt-country outfit. Their latest album is Say What You Mean.
Misery Guts – Medusa Bar, Geelong on May 17
They say misery loves company, which works out pretty well for you as dirty southern hardcore outfit Misery Guts is joined by Ivy Black and Lay Low.
Jeff Lang – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on May 22 & Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on May 24
Three-time ARIA winner and “disturbed folk” songman Jeff Lang released his debut album in 1994. He has now released more than 25 of them.
Press Club – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea on May 23
After a big 2024 that included a 40+ date national tour supporting Grinspoon, Press Club are all systems go again in 2025. Their new album is To All the Ones That I Love.
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31 Revolutions of the Prodigal Son – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on May 23
The AstroTurfs are celebrating their Captain’s 31st through a voyage into life, space exploration and music. The ’Turfs will be joined by The Refuge and Barracouta.
Skyscraper Stan and the Commission Flats – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on May 23
Written throughout the pandemic and a time of reflection on what has been and what could be, Those Were Days is the new album from Skyscraper Stan and his crew.
Relays – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on May 23
Relays recommended that you bring an extra pair of pants to their shows. Why? Not sure, but it can’t hurt. They are joined here by Earth Cadet, Robbie and Leon Spurling.
Budd & Smoke Witch – Stone Vault Studios, Fyansford on May 23
Like a pinky promise is to ultimate word, a split 7” is to ultimate band friendship. Get on board the friendship train with Budd and Smoke Witch and their new release. Drill supports.
Dan Vogl – 4 Pines Brewing, Torquay on May 23
At the age of ten, another man’s trash became Dan Vogl’s treasure when he saved a guitar from hard rubbish. He now serves up high-vibe, indie rock and roll.
The Bennies – Volta, Ballarat on May 23
The hot days may be behind us but things are heating up big time with genre-bending outfit The Bennies and their freshly squeezed new album, You Can’t Put Out This Fire.
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Daniel Champagne – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Creswick on May 23 & Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on May 24
Playing upwards of 250 shows a year, the stage is a comfortable second home for singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso Daniel Champagne.
Alpha Wolf – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool on May 23; The Wool Exchange, Geelong on May 29; and Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on May 31
Their tour may be called Terrible Days, but your day is about to get a whole lot better as metalcore outfit Alpha Wolf announce a run of shows. Their latest album is Half Living Things.
Ross Wilson – Costa Hall, GAC on May 24
From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and all the other good bits in an almost six-decade career, Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks will churn out hit after hit after hit.
Varuni Lila – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on May 24
Goth-rock meets indie-folk artist Varuni Lila and band hits the stage for the first time, where they’ll be armed with debut single, ‘Bleed’. Lucy Lorenne, Mink Mila and Busking in Pompeii support.
Marina Allen – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea on May 24 & The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on May 25
The new album from Los Angeles-based musician Marina Allen, Eight-Pointed Star, sees her return to a beginner’s mind, while carrying the wisdom of experience. This is a free afternoon show.
Couch Wizard – Medusa Bar, Geelong on May 25
In a quest to restore the balance of light and darkness for a more harmonious world to begin, Couch Wizard is hitting the road with new single, ‘Dwell’. They’ll be joined by Return to Nagoya.
Joan as Police Woman – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea on May 25
A nocturne about love and loss, Lemons, Limes, and Orchids is album number twelve for Joan Wasser, better known as Joan as Police Woman.
Comedy Cartel – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on May 29 & Costa Hall, GAC on May 30
Diversity, humour and Aussie culture come together in a comedy special featuring George Kapiniaris, Tahir, Joe Avanti, Joe White, Sashi Perera and Ting Lim (Warrnambool only).
Arborists – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on May 30
After a hot and sweaty day of caring for trees, Arborists serve up a hot and sweaty night of tekno punk. They’re joined here by Tractor Beamz and Special Guest.
Geoff Achison – Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on May 30
Armed with his beloved Gibson, Geoff Achison has toured the world playing his instrument of choice with only the basics – no electronic loops or gadgets. It’s just a man and his guitar.
The Beautiful Girls – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on May 31
In 2005, The Beautiful Girls released the album We’re Already Gone. And just like that, twenty years have gone by. Hear the album in its entirety, plus a bunch of other favourites for good measure.
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Kasey Chambers – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on May 31
With a career now more than two-decades strong, country queen Kasey Chambers is showing no signs of slowing down with a new album and book. The new album is Backbone.
An Evening with Vika & Linda – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on May 31
One of the most loved local duos of all time, Vika & Linda have (unsurprisingly) been singing together their entire lives. This show will see them accompanied by pianist Cameron Bruce.
Destruktor – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on May 31
Destruktor have been flying the flag for Australian extreme metal since 1997, and Indomitable is their latest slab of desecration. Munitions, Sufferance and Get Rekt will be there as well.
Bad Debts – The Mill, Castlemaine on May 31
Variously described as loose rock and roll and open-sky roots music, Bad Debts are putting the foot down with new single, ‘Drivin’’. They’ll be joined by Wild Dog Mountains.
