When Josh Pyke released his 'Feeding The Wolves' EP in 2005, it established him as one of Australia's most respected and beloved singer-songwriters.
His latest tour shows it's a catalogue that still connects with audiences the world over. At his 30th high school reunion earlier this year, Pyke was asked "are you still playing music?".
For well over a decade growing up, Pyke was in a punk band with friends from school. When he was 24, Pyke met with his then bandmates to make sure they were all on the same page about pursuing music as a career. At this time, Pyke committed to dropping out of university; his bandmates on the other hand, did not, launching Josh's career as a solo artist.
Pyke laughs as he tells this story to an engrossed (sold-out) audience at Adelaide's The Gov (14 November), there to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the EP that changed everything for Josh, launching his career internationally.
Josh Pyke at The Princess Theatre (Brisbane) on 6 November, 2025 - image © Chris Searles
A video clip that played before Pyke arrived onstage offered an insight into how much ground Josh has covered the last 20 years. From media appearances and gigs around the world, including performing at Big Day Out. 'Feeding The Wolves' also saw Pyke sign to UK label Island Records, which he recounts with humour.
Josh's performance at The Gov was an intimate one. The seated audience looked upon a small stage with acoustic guitars, a double bass, an accordion and a keyboard.
Pyke commenced the show with the EP's opening track 'Beg Your Pardon', which at its conclusion received raucous applause from the crowd.
It's been some time since Pyke played at The Gov, and he comments how this time it's different from how he remembers. Noting the audience is in a seating arrangement, Pyke jokes: "I like what I see, and judging by the demographic, you do too." The crowd laughs. They're onboard.
Josh is relaxed and enjoying every minute of the show as he and his backing band, comprising Elana Stone on keyboards, accordion and vocals and Zoey Hauptmann on double bass and vocals, play 'Feeding The Wolves' and other "bangers" (Pyke's words) from a career spanning decades.
The chemistry between Pyke, Stone and Hauptmann is evident. When 'Middle Of The Hill' is played, the harmonising is breathtaking. It was the career-launching song for Josh and it still resonates with so many. Pyke articulated it perfectly, recalling a conversation with a fan who told him the song reminded them of their childhood.
Josh Pyke at The Princess Theatre (Brisbane) on 6 November, 2025 - image © Chris Searles
Other notable live renditions from 'Feeding The Wolves' included 'Staring Down The Sun' and the title track, which Pyke noted is rarely played live, making these anniversary shows especially special.
As the final notes of the title song end, it's clear the EP still means so much to so many fans. People watch, swaying gently to the music or dance in their chairs.
"Thank you that's all the songs we learned for the tour, good night," Josh jokes before launching into 'Make You Happy' and 'Forever Song'. Each song chosen in this second set reflected a moment in Pyke's life and career.
Pyke is a natural storyteller and this seamlessly translates to his songwriting. He also knows talented singer-songwriters when he hears them.
Credit must go to the night's support act, Chloe Sea, a young Adelaide-born musician with a captivating voice. Sea's deeply personal songs set the reflective mood for the night.
There were impressed murmurs from the audience as Chloe finished her set, which was flawless despite having recovered from a musical emergency earlier that day when her guitar broke.
To answer his school-mate's question from their reunion, the answer is yes. Josh Pyke is still playing music and the audience at The Gov are deeply grateful.
