Live music is magical. Sharing the experience of listening to your favourite artists — or discovering new ones — with friends and strangers alike makes for some unforgettable memories. And 2025 is shaping up to be an amazing year, with heaps of concerts of all genres happening in all of Brisbane’s best venues. Here are some of the most anticipated ones.
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1. The Triffid
This refurbished WWII hangar in Newstead is the perfect home for live music. With a capacity for 800 people, plus an outdoor beer garden with a screen that can fit about the same crowd, this roomy space is the perfect setting for some live music both national and international. A few of their much-anticipated upcoming gigs are:
- Soft Play — January 30: This English punk rock duo will ignite Brisbane with their distinctive approach to the genre, playing songs off their acclaimed LP Heavy Jelly, released last winter.
- Sycco — January 31: After an electrifying set at triple j’s One Night Stand, and upcoming appearances at renowned festivals, Sasha McLeod, the 22-year-old First Nations singer, songwriter, and producer better known as Sycco, is bringing her debut album Zorb to you live.
- Isabel LaRosa — February 26: Coming to Australia on her Heaven Doesn’t Wait Tour, this alt-pop sensation was named one of Spotify’s “Pop Rising’s Artists to Watch in 2024” so you won’t want to miss her theatrical, dark-pop visual show.
- Eliza & The Delusionals — February 28: The Aussie indie rock band will be celebrating the release of their new album, Make It Feel Like The Garden with a tour throughout Australia.
- Rum Jungle — March 1: Soon after the release of their first full-length album, Recency Bias on February 21, 2025, Rum Jungle will be bringing their unique blend of reggae-rock, alt-pop, and psychedelic grooves to Brisbane. Their pop melodies, chilled beats, and good-time vibe is too good to miss!
- Kneecap — March 12: This Irish rap group Kneecap blend their satirical yet socially conscious Irish and English lyrics with reality and absurdity. Their latest studio album, Fine Art, interpolates ethereal Irish folk songs to bass-heavy dubstep, and will see the trio make their Australian debut.
- Telenova — March 22: To celebrate their debut album, Time Is A Flower, and the deluxe release earlier this year, the alt-indie trio Telenova are bringing their electric live show to Brisbane.
- Crash Test Dummies — April 2: The Canadian alternative folk-rockers, are returning to Australia for the first time since 1992 for the God Shuffled His Feet 30th Anniversary World Tour, with all the playfulness and passion that distinguishes the band.
- Cody Pennington — June 1: The Nashville native artist is bringing his country show to Australia for the first time. With hits from Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, and more, plus his own chart-topping originals, it’ll be a night to remember!
- Atreyu — July 9: Atreyu’s magnum opus, The Curse is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and they are coheadlining an Australian tour with Memphis May Fire — on their first visit to Australia — to commemorate the occasion.
2. The Tivoli
Affectionately nicknamed The Tiv, this art deco building, which was originally built as a gourmet bakery and was later used as a storage space for rare books, has since played host to some of the biggest acts in Australia and abroad, with a standing capacity of 1,560. In 2025, they’ll be welcoming the following artists, among many others:
- Natalie Jane — January 8: Natalie Jane’s set will showcase everything fans have come to love about the New Jersey-raised, Los Angeles-based artist — her exhilarating vocal range, her evocative music choices, and her gift for making complex feelings feel relatable.
- Rufus Wainwright — January 14: One of the greatest male vocalists, songwriters and composers of his generation, three-time GRAMMY nominee Rufus Wainwright will be back in Australia early next year after five years. Prepare to experience the wonder of his performance, guaranteed to be inspirational.
- You Me At Six — January 24: One of the most beloved British rock bands of all time, with multiple number 1 albums, hundreds of millions of streams, and headlining festivals, You Me At Six are ending their stellar career on their own terms, with a tour that promises to be a celebration of music.
- Amyl and the Sniffers — January 31: After absolutely dominating the main stages of European summer festivals, supporting Foo Fighters on their recent US stadium shows, and selling out their own headline tours Amyl and The Sniffers are entering a new era with their third album, Cartoon Darkness.
- Role Model — February 5: Touring the world with his No Place Like Tour for his sophomore album, Kansas Anymore, the singer will bring heartfelt, folksy lyrics that explore heartbreak and homesickness.
- Damien Rice — February 6: The renowned Irish singer-songwriter will be back in Australia to bless your ears with his hauntingly beautiful songs and sweep you off your feet with his incredible stage presence.
- Denzel Curry — February 21: Returning to Australia with the Mischievous South 2025 World Tour, Denzel Curry, one of the leaders of rap’s new underground, will be performing his electrifying, visceral show, after more than a decade of critically-acclaimed releases.
- The Stranglers — March 20: Celebrating their 50th anniversary, British iconic punk and new wave rockers, The Stranglers, are bringing their unique sound — which earned them recognition as one of the most credible and influential bands to emerge from the punk era — to Australia.
- Kasey Chambers — June 14: The queen of Australian country music, whose distinctive voice, authentic lyrics and world-class performances have rightfully positioned her as of one of the most popular and acclaimed artists of her generation, will be going on a national album tour for her newest album, Backbone.
- Kasey Chambers — June 14: The queen of Australian country music, whose distinctive voice, authentic lyrics and world-class performances have rightfully positioned her as of one of the most popular and acclaimed artists of her generation, will be going on a national album tour for her newest album, Backbone.
- James Reyne — June 21: An Australian essential and the soundtrack to many a summer, James Reyne has had 19 Top 40 singles and 11 Top 10 albums. His latest album, Toon Town Lullaby, is his 12th solo studio album, and you’ll get a chance to hear it live very soon!
3. Riverstage
Located in the stunning City Botanic Gardens, Riverstage is an iconic outdoor venue with a capacity of 9,500, making it an ideal place for bigger concert or even festivals. Take advantage of Brissy’s incredible weather and witness some live music under the stars! There’s no shortage of artists to choose from:
- City and Colour — January 14: Acclaimed Canadian singer, songwriter and performer City and Colour will be performing in Australia, and will be joined by incredible eight-piece Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
- Leon Bridges — January 17: Get swept up in the romance of R&B star Leon Bridges’ award-winning catalogue of songs. He will be joined by Melbourne phenomenon Glass Beams for a not-to-be-missed show.
- IDLES — January 18: TANGK is the vibrant fifth album from British rock band, IDLES and is the band’s most ambitious and striking work yet. This release works as IDLES’ vow to keep lifting and fighting for themselves and their listeners, and will be a performance for the ages.
- Benson Boone — January 22: The In The Stars performer will bring his highly-anticipated world down under and will touch more hearts than ever before with his emotional vocals and powerful stage presence.
- Bad Omens — January 25: After their 2023 Knotfest appearances and sold-out tours around the rest of the world and off the back of their latest album, Concrete Jungle American band Bad Omens are ready to entertain eager Brisbanites once again.
- The Prodigy — February 16: The pioneers of electronica, The Prodigy come armed with seven seminal albums, and a reputation as one of the world’s most visceral and incendiary live bands, bringing together raves and metalheads to honour both their past and their present.
- The Corrs — February 19: The Corrs, the Irish Celtic infused pop icons, joined byGabriella Cilmi and Bachelor Girl appearing in Brisbane. Since their debut in 1995 with Forgiven, Not Forgotten the group has been in the charts and our hearts.
- The Corrs — February 19: The Corrs, the Irish Celtic infused pop icons, joined byGabriella Cilmi and Bachelor Girl appearing in Brisbane. Since their debut in 1995 with Forgiven, Not Forgotten the group has been in the charts and our hearts.
- Fontaines D.C. — March 1: In their newly-released fourth album ROMANCE, Fontaines D.C. builds on their catalogue, with themes like alienation and identity, fantasy and reality, and will be delighting Brisbanites with songs old and new at their performance.
- New Order — March 11: Iconic synth-pop legends, New Order will be performing all the biggest hits from their impressive four-decade, 10-album career in Brisbane, which will transform into a synth-pop laser wonderland.
- Kehlani — March 21: The Bay Area-born two-time Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum songstress unlocks an elevated state seemingly every time she takes to the stage. Witness her magic in person and get ready to dance the night away.
4. Fortitude Music Hall
The largest ballroom-styled venue in Australia, with a 3,000 person standing capacity, Fortitude Music Hall is a Brisbane institution and is ideal for smaller shows that still pack a punch.
- Sugababes — January 5: UK pop sensations Sugababes will be performing with the original lineup of Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy, and you’ll be singing all night to classic hits like Round Round and Push the Button.
- FINNEAS — January 9: Ten-time Grammy and two-time Academy Award winner FINNEAS is bringing his For Cryin’ Out Loud! tour, named after his latest album, to Brisbane. Renowned for his innovative pop structures and emotive soundscapes, the show promises to transport you to a musical realm.
- Kaytranada — January 20 and 23: The acclaimed Haitian-Canadian music producer, rapper, singer and DJ, who rose to prominence after releasing a series of music projects beginning in 2010, is bringing the music of his critically-acclaimed new album TIMELESS to Brisbane.
- The Driver Era — January 21: This brotherly duo, comprised of Ross and Rocky Lynch, are set to ignite the Brisbane stage with the highly-anticipated The Driver Era: Obsession Tour, which will showcase their signature alternative sound and electrifying performances.
- Maoli — January 30: Referred to as Hawaii and Polynesia’s No. 1 independent commercial recording artist, Maoli is fronted by Glenn Awong, and is will set Brisbane and the audience’s hearts on fire with their hits and rhythm.
- Hoodoo Gurus — February 1: Celebrating 40 years since the release of Stoneage Romeos, their debut album, the Hoodoo Gurus will be performing the seminal LP in its entirety plus all their hits for a truly unmissable show!
- Porter Robinson— February 4: Grammy-nominated artist Porter Robinson is debuting his new pop era. The SMILE : D World Tour will captivate fans with a career-spanning set list and full live band, as well as a visually adventurous live show filled with creative energy.
- Dizzee Rascal — February 7: Fresh from a hugely successful UK tour celebrating the 15th Anniversary of his iconic album Tongue ‘N Cheek, Dizzee will be performing hits from across his catalogue in his highly anticipated We Want Bass Tour.
- Aurora — February 13 and 14: Norwegian alt-pop sensation Aurora is set to enchant Brisbanite fans with her heavenly vocals and powerful lyrics as part of her tour following the release of her fourth studio album, What Happened To The Heart?
5. Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC)
This multi-purpose indoor arena can house up to 13,500 people and is a great setting for bigger acts. Throughout the year, the world’s biggest superstars take over its stage, sound system and light displays to fans’ delight. Some of the big names this year are:
- Billie Eilish — February 18, 19, 21 and 22
- Drake — February 24 and 25
- Kylie Minogue — February 26 and 27
- Cyndi Lauper — April 5
- Gracie Abrams — May 6 and 7
- The Offspring — May 14
- Katy Perry — June 17 and 18
- Tyler, The Creator — August 30 and 31
- Rüfüs du Sol — November 25 and 26
6. Lefty’s Music Hall
This hip, saloon-style bar with fabric-draped ceilings, mounted deer heads and a mezzanine embodies the spirit of Americana and is the perfect venue for intimate shows, with its smaller capacity.
7. Candlelight Concerts
Unmissable and unforgettable, Candlelight concerts offer a unique experience where classical music and other live performances take place in atmospheric locations lit by hundreds of candles. This magical setting is the perfect backdrop to enjoy history’s greatest hits, from Vivaldi to Queen, Candlelight has concerts for all tastes.