Led by Lizzie Mack and Murray Cook (the OG Red Wiggle), Murray And The Movers – who recently removed the 'Soul' from their name – are teaming up with Sydney live music venue Metro Theatre every Wednesday in October to present Rocktober, a free night of live music promoting both the next-gen of artists while giving flowers to a couple of OGs.
To kick off this Wednesday (1 October) with local punks DOWNGIRL and garage pub rockers Marilyn Maria, the five-night season will also see sets from DZ Deathrays (unplugged), Melbourne hard rockers Hot Machine (fresh from supporting Cherie Currie on her national tour), and Aussie punk-rock OGs (and Tim Rogers' newest band) Hard-Ons.
The series will close with a performance from Murray And The Movers (debuting a new single) before Murray closes the party with a DJ set.
"The day has finally come," posted Murray And The Movers last month. "So we thought we'd go for the happiest day of all to drop the Soul from our official band name – but not our hearts or musical vibes.
"We chose this day, the last Friday of winter – with SPRING hitting next week – to share our exciting news with you ☀️ 🤘🏽💖🔥🎶!
"Seventeen years down the track from when the band first got its name, there now just seems to be SO much soul out there (coffee, burgers – you name it) that we are ready to MOVE on our new name, and to get in position for some cool plans happening this spring. We hope you dig it too and we look forward to playing for you beautiful folks again soon!"
If anyone knows the power of music and movement, it's Murray Cook: the man who danced in red for 30 years, now wears his Ramones-style leather jacket 'round the streets of Enmore most days, but let's face it, never really took it off!
Ahead of the Rocktober gigs, Murray shares the things he loves to do the most. The man was born to swing. For three decades Murray Cook was the Red Wiggle – the guy in the skivvy with a guitar slung low, dancing like his life depended on it.
He raised a generation, toured the globe, and made millions of kids (and their parents) move. These days, he's still swinging, still strumming, and still reminding us why music and movement matter.
Here are five things Murray loves best – straight from the OG himself.
1: Dance like nobody's watching (but everybody often is)
Murray's signature move? The Monkey. So iconic it even had its own Wiggles' track. The man was born to swing. His rule: dance more. It's free, it's fun, and according to the research, it's the number one regret of the dying: not dancing enough. Murray's advice? Don't wait.2: Play guitar like it's oxygen
Long before the red skivvy, Murray was slinging riffs in Sydney pubs. From The Wiggles to his current outfit, Murray and The Movers, guitar has always been the constant. Plugged in or stripped back, Murray is happiest when there are six strings in his hands and a crowd vibing out front.
3: Move for your heart (and everything else)
Forget gym memberships. Dancing is cardio, strength training, tendon-saving, and even lymphatic drainage rolled into one, sweaty, joyful package. Murray's convinced: it keeps you younger; and if you happen to meet the love of your life while doing it? Even better.4: Bring people together
Whether it's kids' arenas or Sydney side stages, Murray lives for connection. That buzz when strangers sing, sway, and suddenly feel like family – that's the payoff. That's why he's running *free* dance nights every Wednesday this Rocktober at the Metro Side Stage. Yes, free. Yes, he'll be there from 7pm. And yes, he'll be sad if you don't show.5: Make fun cool again
Murray's philosophy is simple: fun is always cool. You don't need slick moves – being a little unco makes it better. Own the awkward, grin wide, and let the music take you. That's the vibe he brings, whether it's in front of toddlers or a sweaty rock crowd.Bonus beat: don't miss out on Metro AIR Rocktober Tickets
There are only 350 FREE tickets each Wednesday (and they are selling fast!) in Rocktober. Once they're gone, they're gone. Murray Cook will be waiting, guitar tuned, Monkey ready, heart wide open.So grab yours to see awesome bands like DOWNGIRL, Marilyn Maria, DZ Deathrays unplugged, Hard-Ons, Hot Machine, and Murray will be saving all his best moves for his new single drop launch party (and DJ set!) on the last Wednesday – 29 October!
Tickets to Rocktober are free, but you do need to book online so you don't miss the live action.
Rocktober Metro Theatre 2025 Tour Dates
Wed 1 Oct - DOWNGIRL, Marilyn MariaWed 8 Oct - DZ Deathrays (unplugged), Cuttthroat Kelly, 26th Street
Wed 15 Oct - Hot Machine, Postcards From Pluto, Maisie's Vacation
Wed 22 Oct - Hard-Ons, The Most Australian Band Ever!, Chimers
Wed 29 Oct - Murray's DJ set, Murray And The Movers, The Smoking Ruins
