Don Broco’s long-promised return to Australia lands squarely in Sydney tonight, and it is worth every minute of the wait. Manning Bar, sweaty and electric, feels like a pressure cooker of anticipation from the jump — the kind of gig where the crowd knows it is about to be part of something big before the lights even dim.
First up are Future Static whose sonic onslaught gets the gathering crowd in the mood.
RedHook prime the room with sharp and chaotic energy, charging through their set like they have been handed the keys to the venue and told to burn it down. Emmy Mack barrels across the stage like a force field, swapping outfits as often as she launches herself into the pit. Between her constant communion with the crowd and a bubble machine spewing a surreal haze of pop-art chaos, it becomes obvious why RedHook have ascended from Sydney cult favourites to one of Australia’s premier live exports.
By the time Don Broco walk on, the place is already a mess of limbs, sweat, and sing-along voices.This is not just another show — this is the fulfilment of promises. Last time Broco were here, they swore Australia would be first on the next world tour, not last, and that Adelaide and Perth would not be left out again. They’ve kept that promise and more. That integrity, paired with the band’s trademark blend of bombast and cheek, underpins the entire night. With a new album looming and fresh Download Festival fire still in their system, they play like a band pushing forward, not just rehashing old highs. Manning Bar becomes the testing ground for what comes next, and fans are more than ready to take the ride.
Don’t miss the next dates as Don Broco move on to Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
Sat, Sept 6: The Croxton, Melbourne
Mon, Sept 8: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
Tues, Sept 9: Magnet House, Perth
Tickets HERE.
Images Deb Pelser.
