The atmosphere was electric at the final night of Shihad’s Australian leg of their Loud Forever Farewell Tour, a bittersweet but ultimately triumphant occasion for the fans who have supported the band for over three decades.
As the lights dimmed and the anticipation in the crowd reached a fever pitch, the weight of the moment was palpable. This wasn’t just another show—it was a celebration of Shihad’s remarkable journey, a testament to their unwavering impact on the rock scene.
Check out our interview with Shihad’s Tom Larkin here!
The night kicked off with an intense cinematic introduction that set the tone for what was to come. As the crowd erupted into cheers, Jon Toogood and the band stormed the stage, delivering an explosive opening with ‘Tear Down Those Names’. The band immediately pulled the audience into their world of hard-hitting riffs and commanding stage presence. The first few moments of the show felt like a shared, almost sacred experience—fans stood in awe, knowing they were witnessing history.
Shihad’s setlist was a carefully curated journey through their illustrious discography, showcasing their evolution while honouring the core of their sound. They didn’t just play songs—they delivered an emotional rollercoaster, capturing the essence of what has made them such a revered band. ‘Feel the Fire’ followed, with the crowd singing along in unison, the power of their connection to the band clear with every lyric.
Tracks from their 2014 album FVEY brought a fresh burst of energy, with ‘Think You’re So Free’ and ‘FVEY’ sending waves of excitement through the crowd. The synergy between the band and their fans was undeniable, each song feeling like a shared experience rather than just a performance. It was clear that this was more than a concert—it was a communal celebration of music that has been the soundtrack to countless lives.
The setlist was a perfect blend of the old and new. From Ignite, they unleashed ‘Sleepeater’ and the title track ‘Ignite’, both met with raucous applause. The crowd was further treated to classics from Beautiful Machine, including ‘One Will Hear the Other’ and ‘Beautiful Machine’, before the band shifted gears with tracks like ‘Alive’ and ‘All the Young Fascists’ from Love Is the New Hate. The shift to their brief Pacifier era was met with equal enthusiasm, as fans bellowed the lyrics to ‘Comfort Me, Everything’, and ‘Bulletproof’.
However, it was during The General Electric section that the night truly hit another level. This was the album that introduced many fans to Shihad’s raw, unfiltered energy, and songs like ‘My Mind’s Sedate’, ‘The General Electric’, and ‘Pacifier’ ignited a wave of nostalgia.
The show continued with ‘La La Land’ from their 2016 self-titled album, followed by two cuts from Killjoy—’Deb’s Night Out’ and ‘You Again’. As the show neared its end, the band played ‘Screwtop’ before leaving the stage to a chorus of chants for an encore.
The crowd’s anticipation was palpable as Shihad returned to the stage for a fiery encore. Run opened the encore, followed by their stunning cover of Split Enz’s ‘I Got You’. The band then treated fans to a rare gem—’I Only Said’ from their debut album Churn, a track many hadn’t heard live in years. The night reached its emotional peak with ‘Home Again’, one of Shihad’s most iconic anthems. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a fitting and heartfelt tribute to a band that has meant so much to so many.
As the final notes rang out, Toogood addressed the crowd one last time, inviting everyone to join in for a commemorative photo. With devil horns raised high and the room full of cheers it was an unforgettable conclusion to a legendary chapter.
A night of celebration, reflection, and pure rock glory, it was a perfect farewell to one of New Zealand’s greatest musical exports.
