I’ve been looking forward to this show for quite some time, as in 2023 after seeing Don Broco live for the first time they immediately became one of my favourite live bands, so tonight they’re back and I can’t wait.
Future Static opened the show and with some good stage presence, big vocals, and big guitars they delivered a set that started to warm everyone up and was a great way to start the night.
Next up is RedHook, and let’s go. These guys know how to do it, and from the opening it’s entertaining, there’s energy there’s hooks and not just red ones, there’s bubbles, beach balls, and they are killing it. Oooh a sax, this is fun and unexpected. RedHook are a great live band and with Emmy out front she is that presence that just works. Getting the crowd going and even getting down amongst it shows how much she loves her craft and watching the band just gel is a treat. Killer band you really need to see live.
Don Broco are back in Sydney and I did I mention that I am excited? This band is one of the best I’ve ever seen live and I can’t wait to see what they’re going to do after the time off in between playing.
Si rips into the opening of ‘Everybody’ and it is on. This crowd is instantly in love and what a way to start, wasn’t expecting this as the opener at all. ‘Pretty’ is next and the intensity in here is insane, it’s song two and hearing the crowd yell lyrics back this loud is signs of things to come for tonight. Oh my straight into the brand new ‘Cellophane’ and this song is 100% made for the stage. That was amazing and for only the second time they’ve played it they played like it was the 1000th time they’ve played it. Wow. This song is going to become a Don Broco staple and if it’s a sign of what their new album will sound like, then look out.
Rob addresses the crowd before ‘Come Out To LA’ and just when you think it can’t get better it just does as it heads straight into ‘Gumshield’ which is so fucking good and a circle pit opened and that was killer. ‘Uber’ is up next and I wish the volume was louder here at The Manning Bar as this needed to be turned up to the maximum volume. ‘One True Prince’ is up and this massive “ballad” is a masterpiece. It also slows the set down for the first time and a well needed breather for us and the band. Amazing vocals by Matt on this one, and when that key change hits, it launches it even higher.
Some technical difficulties allows Rob to have a chat, and he is just the best frontman, engaging, funny, and holds everyone’s attention while Tom fixes things. When ready ‘Manchester Super Reds Number 1 Fan’ gets things going again and damn this is intense, and you know a band has you with they can get every single person in the place crouched down and jumping up. Including me! Side note, my knees hurt.
‘You Wanna Know’ makes a surprise appearance in the set. Didn’t expect to hear this one and I’m so glad I got to. ‘Bruce Willis’ what can I say? A lot actually but I won’t. A sing along split the crowd as we got to lift the roof off the place and that was awesome. Another left field. track with ‘Superlove’ was a great one for the stage and with that swagger it carries it fits in so very well. ‘Endorphins’ builds and explodes, then brand new single ‘Hype Man’ is awesome live and the acoustic guitar even gets a run. Man this is made for the stage. I cannot wait for this new album.
A quick break before Matt belts in ‘Fingernails’ with those toms and this monster should never leave the set, just watching the crowd still absolutely enamoured and giving their everything back to the band allows the band to step it up even more than they already are. It’s a pleasure to watch. Closing the set with ‘Tshirt Song’ as always, shirts are swinging, people are singing, and people are happy, as are the band as they finish you couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces if you tried. Don Broco are back.
Live music is special, and when you can find a band that absolutely hits you in an almost religious experience kind of way, NEVER miss that band live, ever. For me, that’s Don Broco. They are one of the best I’ve seen do it, and I highly recommend if you’ve never seen this band, or even heard of this band, if they are touring your city buy a ticket and go. You’ll have a new favourite band. Trust me.
Essential Information
Venue: The Manning Bar, Sydney
Date: September 5, 2025
Support: Future Static, RedHook
Presented By: The Phoenix AU
Website: www.donbroco.com
Set List
Everybody
Pretty
Cellophane
Come Out To LA
Gumshield
Uber
One True Prince
Manchester Super Reds Number 1 Fan
You Wanna Know
Bruce Willis
Superlove
Endorphins
Hype Man
Fingernails
T-Shirt Song
