As the sun began to set over the Brisbane Entertainment Centre (13 October), fans from all walks of life were slowly gathering, their excitement unmistakable as they made their way through the gates in anticipation of the night ahead.
Kingswood brought their signature energy to the stage, delivering a dynamic set filled with fan-favourite tracks. The audience was fully engaged from the start, feeding off the band's enthusiasm and powerful sound.Midway through the set, guitarist Alex Laska took centre stage for a special rendition of their song 'Why Should I Let You Go', inviting the crowd to join in. With a playful grin, he told the audience, "ahh, look, to be honest, this is just a big trick we've designed because we're all expert performers. I do this one routine where you’re all like, 'Haha, that's really funny,' but by the end of it, you're all singing our song, and then we go on to take over stadiums all across the universe."
Kingswood's musical ability was undeniable, with each member showcasing exceptional talent throughout their performance. From the driving rhythms to the intricate guitar work, the band effortlessly blended powerful rock riffs with melodic hooks, demonstrating a deep mastery of their craft.
Kingswood - image © Clea-marie Thorne
James Johnston has a remarkable ability to captivate a crowd, and his performance tonight was no exception. From the moment he kicked off the set with 'Raised Like That', the audience was instantly on their feet, jumping and singing along.
James' stage presence was unquestionable, and his connection with the crowd deepened as he seamlessly wove a cover of Post Malone and Morgan Wallen's 'I Had Some Help' into his own song 'Country Boys', creating a memorable musical moment that had fans cheering.
James Johnston - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Partway through the set, Johnston took a moment to address the audience. "Nights like this, there really is a magic in the air because I know that in this room tonight, there are people from all walks of life," he began.
"I know there are people who have travelled hundreds of kilometres off the land to be here tonight. I know there are people from right here in the city who love country music and love what this community is all about. In a world that's so divided at the moment, nights like this bring us together. So, Brisbane, I want to show you what that looks like."
He then led the crowd in a heartfelt tribute, asking different groups to raise their phone torches, starting with "anybody who looks after the elderly or makes sure the kids of our next generation are in safe hands,"; anyone who "makes sure there's a roof over our heads, the lights get turned on, and food is on our plates". Finally, he asked anyone who is proud of who they are to shine their lights.
James Johnston - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Johnston's message resonated deeply as he added: "I know a lot of you don't get to hear this every day, but I promise you this – there is a hell of a lot more people out there than you even realise who appreciate everything you do, every single day." It was a powerful, unifying moment that showcased not only his talent as a performer but also Johnston's genuine appreciation for the people who support him.
As the lights dimmed and the familiar strains of Billy Joel's 'Piano Man' echoed through the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Kip Moore and his band took the stage to roaring applause.
The crowd's energy was profound as Moore stepped up to the mic and grinned, saying: "I can tell this is going to be a good night right here." Switching seamlessly between acoustic and electric guitar throughout the night, he delivered a powerful performance that kept the audience on their feet from start to finish.
Kip Moore - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Reflecting on his history with Australia, Kip took a second to share how his first visit was back in 2015 at CMC Rocks festival when his 'Wild Ones' record had just dropped. However, it had been six years since he last performed in Brisbane. "I'm going to be honest; I didn't know what to expect tonight," he admitted. "We haven't been to Brisbane since 2017, and so far, Christchurch has been the loudest on this whole tour, but I think that's going to change tonight."
The energy only intensified as Moore, sipping straight from a bottle of Jack Daniels, admitted: "This is our eighth show tonight, and I told myself I was going to take it easy tonight, but f... that." The crowd cheered in approval as he covered Jimmy Eat World's 'The Middle', adding his own country-rock twist.
A special acoustic rendition of 'Red White Blue Jean American Dream' followed, dedicated to a fan who had persistently requested the song. Though it's usually played with the full band, Moore made the moment personal, creating a unique experience for that fan and the entire audience.
Kip Moore - image © Clea-marie Thorne
In another particularly memorable moment, Moore waded into the crowd during his hit 'Somethin' 'Bout A Truck', getting up close and personal with fans, making it feel like a huge sing-along with friends in a large venue.
A more intimate and unpredicted part of the evening came when Moore shared a personal story during a breakdown. "I have these overwhelming moments sometimes," he began. "The old man never made more than 42,000 dollars a year, with 6 kids, and we were all crumpled up in this little house until I was about 13. I lived with my brothers until I left home at 17. He always wanted to see the world, but we never had any money, so we never got to travel."
Kip paused, visibly emotional. "I was playing all this cover band stuff, and I wanted to play my own music that I was writing. He was the only one who was like, 'Go after that sh.t, go make it happen'." The crowd hung on every word, clearly moved by Moore's heartfelt tribute to his father's influence on his career.
Kip Moore - image © Clea-marie Thorne
After a brief encore break, Moore returned to the stage with 'Live Here To Work' and 'Backseat'. The audience exploded into cheers as Moore closed the night with a soulful acoustic version of 'Guitar Man', even as venue staff signalled for the show to end.
In true Kip Moore fashion, he stayed after the set to sign autographs and interact with fans, cementing his reputation as a humble, down-to-earth artist who values the connection he shares with his audience.
More photos from the concert.
